Hyundai Rohens to sell in China for 400,000 yuan

Hyundai Rohens
Shanghai, June 4 (Gasgoo.com) A Hyundai 4S store in Beijing said that Rohens (or Genesis), the first rear-wheel-drive luxury sedan of Hyundai Motor, will go on sale in China on June 26, at a price of about 40,000 yuan ($5,770). The car will come to the Chinese market in four models: 3.3L GL, 3.3L GLS, 3.3L TOP and 3.8L TOP. Hyundai 4S stores in Beijing have begun to receive orders

End of the Year Hyundai Sedan i50 Starts Production in China

Hyundai Sedan i50
SEOUL, June 18, 2010 - South Korean auto manufacturer, Hyundai Motors, started producing the Hyundai i50 luxury sedan in China late in 2010. Heavy competitors Toyota Camry Sedan and the Honda Accord was the plan with the price of 180 thousand yuan or around.
As reported by 4wheelnews.com, Friday (18 / 6), Hyundai Motors China said new sedan produced by its local partner that is

Hyundai Sonata – Changing our perceptions of the carmaker in a good way

Hyundai Sonata
Midsize sedans have long been a bread and butter product for car manufacturers, not to mention a great way to gain brand loyalty with customers, as well as earn recognition from the critics. It’s no surprise, then, to see Hyundai go all out with its recent redesign of the Sonata. As one of the few automotive success stories of these tough economic times, Hyundai is on the verge of

Hyundai Sonata Limited, an AW Drivers Log

Hyundai Sonata
COPY EDITOR CYNTHIA L. OROSCO: I was impressed in my quick overnight with the Sonata. The exterior lines are sleek and sporty looking. The ride is fun, with plenty of power as soon as you step on the pedal, no hesitation. Entering the expressway and passing are done smoothly; no jerking when you need that extra boost. The interior is quite nice with good materials all around, even

Super Bowl ads. Ford, Chrysler, & VW oddly missing

We got word that there will be four automakers with ads during the Super Bowl this year. General Motors will have a Chevrolet 60 second spot during the second quarter and Cadillac will be sponsor for the pre and post game shows.

Hyundai and Toyota will both have two spots each. Also announced is a spot from Audi. This marks their first time advertising during a Super Bowl in 20 years. Theirs will be a two minute long spot featuring the Audi R8.

Toyota's ad will more than likely pump up the new Sequoia and Tundra pickup. Though I highly doubt that it will do anything to help the Tundra's image right now.

Cars.com will also have a 30 second spot this year.

Strangely though is the lack of an announcement that Ford or Chrysler will be having spots. There is still time for them to jump on the band wagon, so we'll see where it goes.

I watch the Super Bowl just for the car ads. General Motors has always topped our list of favorites. So as a bonus, we're including our favorite GM spot from the Super Bowl in 06.


Source: Automotive News, Audi.

LA 2007: Hyundai Concept Genesis Coupe

I had never been a big fan of Hyundais, but this concept coupe is one sweet looking coupe. Hyundai announced today at the Los Angeles International Auto Show that the Genesis Coupe marks the plans for a new rear wheel drive coupe in the lineup.

The styling is very emotional, and looks as though it could be a car from Europe rather than Korea.

Plans so far for the coupe include being powered by a 3.8 liter V6 that will produce 300+ HP, backed by a 6 speed manual transmission. And lastly Brembo brakes. Sounds like a good start.

Let's hope this car doesn't change much in production form.

Press Release:

Hyundai unveils rear-wheel Drive Concept Genesis Coupe
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 14, 2007 - Hyundai unveiled its highly anticipated Concept Genesis Coupe during a press conference at the Los Angeles International Auto Show today. The concept car heralds the introduction of an all-new, rear-wheel drive 2 + 2 sports coupe scheduled to join the Hyundai lineup in the spring of 2009. Following the introduction earlier this year of the Concept Genesis sedan, Concept Genesis Coupe signals Hyundai's second step in broadening its appeal to driving enthusiasts.

The Sonic Orange concept is complemented by a Ballistic Black carbon fiber hood, roof and ground effects for reduced weight. Strong hints of the production version are highlighted in its "Z" bodylines and powerful curves. When the production sports coupe arrives, it likely will be the most affordable 300+ horsepower car on the market, and the most dynamic performance car yet from Hyundai.

Concept Genesis Coupe"Concept Genesis Coupe is the most thrilling, most emotional Hyundai yet," said John Krafcik, vice president, product development and strategic planning, Hyundai Motor America. "When it hits the market in early 2009, we aim to deliver a driving experience that challenges cars like Infiniti G37, at prices more like Mitsubishi Eclipse."

DESIGN PROCESS

"The mission for Concept Genesis Coupe was to create a pure performance car with a design that would capture the imagination of hardcore automotive enthusiasts," said Joel Piaskowski, chief designer at the Hyundai Design Center in Irvine, Calif. "With its aggressive look from just about any angle, I think we have been able to do that."

Designers used the Day Light Opening (DLO -- a designer's term for the side glass) from the HCD9 Talus Concept on the Concept Genesis Coupe.

The HCD8 sport tourer concept's sensual body forms influenced the overall design direction of Concept Genesis Coupe. The powerful curves, surface detail and "Z" bodyside lines come straight from the same underlying inspiration that guided two earlier, well-received concepts: the HCD9 Talus and the HCD8 sports tourer. The undulating beltline borrowed from the Talus adds intrigue while enhancing outward visibility for both the driver and rear passengers. The HCD8 sports tourer's sensual body forms influenced the overall design theme while also providing direction for the concept's assertive headlight and taillight designs.

The look of Concept Genesis Coupe was in part inspired by LeMan's race cars, drifters and by Jada Toys Dub City™ die cast vehicles. The front and rear stance of the Concept Genesis Coupe can be described as sinister. "Beauty and danger co-exist in the design of the Concept Genesis Coupe," said Eric Stoddard, senior creative designer. "When viewed from a distance, the car is beautiful to look at. But up close it can appear a bit menacing and even a little intimidating."

The concept's rocker panels are drawn close to the ground making the bodysides extra thick and the daylight opening extremely thin, allowing the wheels to be slammed up into bulging fenders. To complete the aggressive sports car look, the depth between the fenders and the greenhouse has been maximized.

Three large heat extractors sculpted into the hood are designed to cool just about any powerful engine. When the concept becomes reality, three large openings in the front fascia will allow for better engine breathing. The dual exhaust tips integrated into the rear fascia repeat the design theme of the front cooling ducts and are surrounded by a large carbon fiber air diffuser. An arching roofline and tapering greenhouse highlight the exterior profile and emphasize the car's broad shoulders and wide stance. Concept Genesis Coupe rides on 20-inch polished aluminum deep-dish wheels with Hankook 255/35 ZR front tires and 275/35 ZR rear tires.

CONCEPT GENESIS COUPE SPECIFICATIONS

• Configuration: Front engine, rear-wheel drive sports coupe

• Wheelbase: 2,820 mm / 111 inches

• Overall length: 4,666 mm / 183.7 inches

• Overall width: 1,902 mm / 74.9 inches

• Overall height: 1,386 mm / 54.5 inches

• Wheels: 20-inch, five-spoke

• Tires: Hankook 255/35 ZR front and 275/35 ZR rear

PRELIMINARY PRODUCTION CAR DETAILS

• Engine type: V6

• Estimated horsepower: more than 300 horsepower

• Estimated torque: more than 250 lb. ft.

• Displacement: 3.8 liters

• Block material: high pressure die cast aluminum

• Cylinder head material: aluminum

• Valvetrain: Dual Over Head Cam (DOHC)

• Valve timing: continuous variable valve timing• Estimated 0-60 mph: under 6 seconds
• Transmission type: 6-speed manual
• Front brakes: Brembo, 340 mm disc, twin-piston calipers

• Rear brakes: Brembo, 330 mm disc, twin-piston calipers

• Limited slip differential

Source: Hyundai, jalopnik.com, autoblog.com

VWoA announces new executive appointments & brand management restructuring.

Volkswagen of America, Inc., CEO Stefan Jacoby today announced new executive appointments and realignment of the Volkswagen brand executive management team, taking effect January 1, 2008.

Jacoby will add the title of executive vice president of the Volkswagen brand, in combination with his duties as CEO, Volkswagen of America, Inc.

The executive vice president role at Volkswagen has been held by Adrian Hallmark since November of 2005. Hallmark will transfer to corporate parent Volkswagen AG in Wolfsburg, Germany where he will lead Volkswagen sales and marketing initiatives for the Asia/ Pacific region.

Also announced was the appointment of Michael Lohscheller as executive vice president, chief financial officer for Volkswagen of America, Inc., reporting to Jacoby. Lohscheller transfers from corporate parent Volkswagen AG, where he was most recently director, Group Marketing and Sales Planning. He has been with Volkswagen AG since 2004, after holding various senior finance positions with Daimler and Mitsubishi Motors.

In addition, Falk Beil has been named executive vice president, Service & Quality, Volkswagen of America, Inc. Reporting directly to Jacoby, he has held multiple inter-disciplinary posts since joining Volkswagen AG in 1988.Jacoby also appointed the following vice presidents, both reporting directly to him, within the Volkswagen brand, taking effect immediately.

Mark Barnes has been named vice president, Customer Service. Mark has held numerous management positions at Chrysler, Hyundai and Nissan, bringing 25 years of Parts and Service experience in both national and regional operations.

M. Toscan Bennett has been named vice president, Product Marketing & Strategy. He replaces David Goggins, formerly director, Product and Marketing Strategy. Bennett brings more than twenty years of automotive brand management experience at Ferrari, Chrysler and Mitsubishi. Goggins will return to Bentley Motors headquarters in Crewe, United Kingdom where he will lead Bentley global communications.

"With these organizational changes, we have strengthened the enterprise to best meet the challenges of the dynamic American automotive marketplace," said Jacoby. "The Volkswagen Brand will continue on the path set by Adrian. We appreciate his efforts to build a solid platform for continued growth and profitability."