Autoblog Canada http://ca.autoblog.com Autoblog Canada http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/favicon-v5.png Autoblog Canada http://ca.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[South Korea firms up fuel economy regulations following Hyundai/Kia debacle]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/11/south-korea-firms-up-fuel-economy-regulations-following-hyundai/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/11/south-korea-firms-up-fuel-economy-regulations-following-hyundai/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/11/south-korea-firms-up-fuel-economy-regulations-following-hyundai/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2012 Kia Soul Eco - profile view

According to a report from Reuters, South Korea's government has drafted strict new rules for automakers to follow when calculating fuel economy. The legislation comes after a major snafu by Hyundai and Kia that resulted in the automakers changing the estimated fuel mileage rating of many popular models, including the Soul subcompact above - and compensating owners in the US and Canada for the reduction in fuel efficiency.

The new fuel economy rules were announced by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy in South Korea and will see average mileage ratings worsen by roughly three to five per cent, according to the report. In addition, manufacturers found guilty of overstating mileage figures will be liable for fines of up to US$900,000.

These sweeping new regulations will go into effect in the second half of 2013 and, while they won't have any effect on fuel estimates for Hyundai and Kia vehicles in North America, they are expected to result in new ratings for the two automakers in their home market of South Korea, where they enjoy a whopping 70 per cent market share.

Scroll down for a video report.

Gallery: Top 10 Most Fuel Efficient Cars of 2013






Continue reading South Korea firms up fuel economy regulations following Hyundai/Kia debacle

South Korea firms up fuel economy regulations following Hyundai/Kia debacle originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 11 May 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> calculating fuel economyfuel economyfuel mileagehyundaikiakorean autoskorean governmentministry of tradesouth korea Sat, 11 May 2013 14:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20553454/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/11/south-korea-firms-up-fuel-economy-regulations-following-hyundai/20553454/article-detail.xml 20553454 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2012-kia-soul-base-eco_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2012-kia-soul-base-eco.jpg <![CDATA[These are the overloaded cars of South Korean workers fleeing North Korea]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/these-are-the-overloaded-cars-of-south-korean-workers-fleeing-no/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/these-are-the-overloaded-cars-of-south-korean-workers-fleeing-no/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/these-are-the-overloaded-cars-of-south-korean-workers-fleeing-no/#comments Filed under: ,

Overloaded South Korean's van fleeing North Korea

Around 175 South Korean workers have been forced to pack up their belongings and leave a group of jointly operated factories in North Korea after tensions continued to escalate between the two countries. The workers piled tools and finished products high onto the roofs of regular passenger cars as they evacuated as quickly as possible.

North Korea says the ongoing talks with its southern neighbour geared toward keeping the factory complex operational were "deceptive" given that the US and South Korean armed forces continue to practice joint drills nearby. South Korea, meanwhile, was concerned that workers could be deprived of food or medicine if the situation continued to sour.

The evacuation has placed the future of factories operated jointly by the two countries into question and marks the most significant casualty of the continued degradation of relations between the neighbours. It is unclear when or if the facilities will reopen.

Hit the jump to view the full photo gallery, then click through to watch a video report about North Korea's threats to South Korea.


Gallery: Corvette driver survives rear-ending moving truck




Continue reading These are the overloaded cars of South Korean workers fleeing North Korea

These are the overloaded cars of South Korean workers fleeing North Korea originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sun, 05 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> evacuationkim jong-unkoreakorean flightnorth koreasouth korea Sun, 05 May 2013 12:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20551768/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/05/these-are-the-overloaded-cars-of-south-korean-workers-fleeing-no/20551768/article-detail.xml 20551768 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/fleeing-north-korea-628l_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/fleeing-north-korea-628l.jpg <![CDATA[Kia unveils Horki sub-brand in China, kicks off with concept car]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/kia-unveils-horki-sub-brand-in-china-kicks-off-with-concept-car/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/kia-unveils-horki-sub-brand-in-china-kicks-off-with-concept-car/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/kia-unveils-horki-sub-brand-in-china-kicks-off-with-concept-car/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Kia-DYK Horki Concept live at 2013 Shanghai Motor Show

While we were busy ogling new vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz GLA Concept, Maserati Ghibli and Hongqi L9 at the Shanghai Motor Show, Kia was busy unveiling an entire brand. Through its Chinese joint venture, Dongfeng Yueda Kia (or DYK), the South Korean automaker has introduced its new Horki sub-brand and a concept car, simply called the Horki Concept.

The name Horki comes from the combination of two Chinese characters "Hor" and "Ki," which translates to "China driving." As this suggests, the brand will only be offered in China, and this concept sedan shares its platform with the 2014 Kia Forte. We didn't happen to catch the car live at the auto show, and apparently neither did Kia, since it only provided us with some drawings rather than live (or even studio) shots of the actual concept car. Thankfully, our friends at Newspress managed to ferret it out, so we have a couple of live pics to share after all.

Click through to read the short press release, then watch a video about China's car market.

Gallery: Kia Provo Concept: Geneva 2013







Continue reading Kia unveils Horki sub-brand in China, kicks off with concept car

Kia unveils Horki sub-brand in China, kicks off with concept car originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 27 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 shanghai motor showautoshow2013chinadongfeng yueda kiadykhorkihorki conceptkiakia ceratokia forteshanghaishanghai motor show Sat, 27 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20548252/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/27/kia-unveils-horki-sub-brand-in-china-kicks-off-with-concept-car/20548252/article-detail.xml 20548252 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/kia-horki-concept-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/kia-horki-concept-628.jpg <![CDATA[Hyundai Mingtu revealed on billboard ahead of Shanghai]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/19/hyundai-mingtu-revealed-on-billboard-ahead-of-shanghai/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/19/hyundai-mingtu-revealed-on-billboard-ahead-of-shanghai/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/19/hyundai-mingtu-revealed-on-billboard-ahead-of-shanghai/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,

Hyundai Mingtu billboard

The so-called Hyundai Mini-Sonata now has a proper name. Called the Mingtu in China, this new sedan will slot in between the compact Elantra and midsize Sonata, and it sports a pretty nifty look.

We've known for a while now that Hyundai is working on a more mature version of its Fluidic styling language, the first fruits of which showed up in the latest Santa Fe, and the Mingtu seems to take that refined appearance to the next level with a refined look of creased lines, a chiseled fascia and a smooth greenhouse.

There's no indication that this car will be offered in the Canadian market, but it's certainly possible that some of its styling elements will carry over to the next Elantra or Sonata. In any case, expect a range of 1.8- and 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines to be announced for the Chinese market when the Mingtu makes its official debut at the Shanghai Motor Show this weekend.

Click through to see the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid face off against the Chevrolet Cruse Eco.

Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T: First Drive






Continue reading Hyundai Mingtu revealed on billboard ahead of Shanghai

Hyundai Mingtu revealed on billboard ahead of Shanghai originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 19 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 shanghai motor showautoshow2013chinaelantrahyundaihyundai mingtushanghaishanghai motor showsonatasonata hybrid Fri, 19 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20545634/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/19/hyundai-mingtu-revealed-on-billboard-ahead-of-shanghai/20545634/article-detail.xml 20545634 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/hyundai-mingtu-billboard_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/hyundai-mingtu-billboard.jpg <![CDATA[South Korean network bans Psy 'Gentleman' music video for disrespecting traffic cones]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/south-korean-network-bans-psy-gentleman-video-for-disrespectin/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/south-korean-network-bans-psy-gentleman-video-for-disrespectin/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/south-korean-network-bans-psy-gentleman-video-for-disrespectin/#comments Filed under: , , ,



South Korea takes the dignity of its traffic cones very, very seriously. As you've likely heard by now, Psy has released his long-anticipated followup to his international hit "Gangnam Style." The new single, "Gentleman," follows the singer as he behaves like anything but. The video has already garnered some 144.6 million views on YouTube, but the South Korean network KBS has banned the clip for one very specific reason. In the first few seconds, Psy walks up and kicks a traffic cone that reads, "No Parking."

KBS has labeled the video inappropriate because of the cone punt, saying, "KBS' standards are very different from the internet, online broadcaster or cable channels. This is because network TV is watched by everyone regardless of gender and age. Infants or children haven't fully developed a standard for judgement and tend to believe and follow what's shown on television."

Think of the children, Psy! You can watch the video below for yourself. Just don't blame us if you're compelled to direct some violence towards an innocent traffic cone.


Gallery: Top 5 Most Expensive Celebrity Cars

Continue reading South Korean network bans Psy 'Gentleman' music video for disrespecting traffic cones

South Korean network bans Psy 'Gentleman' music video for disrespecting traffic cones originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 18 Apr 2013 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> psypsy gentlemansouth koreatraffic conevideo Thu, 18 Apr 2013 12:44:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20544932/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/18/south-korean-network-bans-psy-gentleman-video-for-disrespectin/20544932/article-detail.xml 20544932 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/psy-traffic-cone-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/psy-traffic-cone-628.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/2013-hyundai-santa-fe-sport-review/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/2013-hyundai-santa-fe-sport-review/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/2013-hyundai-santa-fe-sport-review/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

The Crossover For The Kardashians Of 1895



My wife and I are holdouts among our friends and family in the offspring department. Our heir-free lifestyle, however, affords us the opportunity to travel this great land, and road trips are our favourite. So while I'm unqualified to remark on how well the new 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport will swallow an infant son and stroller, I can pass judgment on this two-row crossover's talents for carrying people and cargo over great distances.

The lady and I recently drove a new 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport to one of this country's national treasures: the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. The Biltmore was built between 1889 and 1895 by George Vanderbuilt, grandson of Cornelius Vanderbuilt who was one of this country's earliest captains of industry. Despite the Biltmore being the largest privately owned home in the United States, which it remains to this day with a footprint of 16,623 square metres (178,926 square feet), George and his wife, Edith, only ever had one child. A family of two parents plus one child would have made the Vanderbuilts exactly the type of people Hyundai hopes to attract with this two-row Santa Fe Sport - George's eldest brother, Cornelius II, had seven children and would've had better luck fitting his brood in the larger three-row Santa Fe (sans the "Sport" suffix).

Like George, the all-new Santa Fe Sport is now the youngest in a large family of redesigned Hyundais that have been pushing the Korean brand's sales ever higher. Being last in a line of overachievers has its advantages, as this new Santa Fe Sport comes to market with the brand's latest design, technology and safety features, all of which it needs to compete in a midsize crossover segment that is more crowded and competitive than perhaps any other.

Continue reading 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 18 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 hyundai santa fe sportbiltmorebiltmore estatefeaturedgeorge vanderbuilthyundaihyundai santa fehyundai santa fe sportreviewreviewssanta fesantafeSantaFe2013vanderbuilt Thu, 18 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20544920/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/18/2013-hyundai-santa-fe-sport-review/20544920/article-detail.xml 20544920 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2013-hyundai-santa-fe---01-opt2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2013-hyundai-santa-fe---01-opt2.jpg <![CDATA[Hyundai reveals flying car among other wacky concepts [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/hyundai-reveals-flying-car-among-other-wacky-concepts-w-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/hyundai-reveals-flying-car-among-other-wacky-concepts-w-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/hyundai-reveals-flying-car-among-other-wacky-concepts-w-video/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



Hyundai has held an IDEA festival for the past three years that gives its engineers a break from seat belts, and electrical harnesses and wheel arch moldings. Each festival serves up a theme for personal mobility, after that there's no limit - competing teams can come up with anything that serves the theme and are encouraged to get creative.

That's how you get concepts like the E4U 'egg car' (pictured); a single-stander mode of transportation that channels Mork from Ork. The oddest thing about the egg is not the yellow shell but the helmet the 'driver' wears. Other ideas included a flying car with 16 (!) rotors, a bicycle that could serve as a spare tire and a car with five joints. Although most appeared totally impractical, all were totally cool.

This year's festival is in the works, the theme being the rather ambiguous "R&D for customers," the point is apparently to come up with concepts that Hyundai customers might actually use. There's a video with scenes of last year's festival and a press release below (our vote goes to the Pandora).

Click here to watch these wacky concepts for yourself.


Gallery: Top 10 worst car names of all time

10) Subaru Brat9) Toyota MR28) Ford Escort7) Volkswagen Thing6) Ford Probe

Continue reading Hyundai reveals flying car among other wacky concepts [w/video]

Hyundai reveals flying car among other wacky concepts [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> conceptegg carhyundaihyundai idea festivalidea festivalmobilityvideoyoutube Mon, 15 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20541856/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/15/hyundai-reveals-flying-car-among-other-wacky-concepts-w-video/20541856/article-detail.xml 20541856 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/hyundai-egg-4u_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/hyundai-egg-4u.jpg <![CDATA[Hyundai Sonata successor to seek evolution, not revolution]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/11/hyundai-sonata-successor-to-seek-evolution-not-revolution/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/11/hyundai-sonata-successor-to-seek-evolution-not-revolution/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/11/hyundai-sonata-successor-to-seek-evolution-not-revolution/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,




Hyundai hit a home run with its current-generation Sonata midsize sedan, so don't expect the Korean automaker to make revolutionary changes when its replacement comes out for the 2015 model year. The four-door sitting in showrooms today was launched in 2010 with radical new lines that marked a big departure from its rather bland predecessor. Even with stiff competition from the Honda Accord, Ford Fusion and Toyota Camry - all newer designs than the Sonata - sales have been strong. Consumers embraced its new design language as evidenced by very strong sales numbers across North America.

"I think we found a design language that works, the 'Fluidic Sculpture' stuff, so I would say (the new styling) is not pulling back in any way. It's more continuing to refine on that same trajectory that we're on," John Krafcik, Hyundai U.S. CEO, told WardsAuto in a recent interview. Consumers don't seem to be fazed by the its age either. "A lot of consumers are just entering (the) midsize (segment) for the first time. They don't see (the Sonata) as a three-year-old car. They see it as, 'Whoa, that's a pretty good-looking midsize car,' so it's doing quite well," added Krafcik.

Sonota sales have been down over the last few months, but Krafcik says that is a reflection of the automaker's decision to increase production of its Elantra compact at the Montgomery, Alabama, plant - where both are built - causing a limited supply of its mid-grade GLS Sonata model.

Click through to watch the Sonata Hybrid face off against the Chevrolet Cruze Eco.

Gallery: 2013 Hyundai Sonata


Continue reading Hyundai Sonata successor to seek evolution, not revolution

Hyundai Sonata successor to seek evolution, not revolution originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 11 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2015 hyundai sonata2015 sonatafluidic sculpturehyundaihyundai sonatajohn krafciknew sonatasonatasonata hybridsonata turbo Thu, 11 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20537634/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/11/hyundai-sonata-successor-to-seek-evolution-not-revolution/20537634/article-detail.xml 20537634 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/01-2011-hyundai-sonata-hybrid-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/01-2011-hyundai-sonata-hybrid-review.jpg <![CDATA[North Korea nuclear war tensions force GM's Akerson to consider South Korea exit [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/north-korea-nuclear-war-missle-launch-military-fight-south-korea/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/north-korea-nuclear-war-missle-launch-military-fight-south-korea/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/north-korea-nuclear-war-missle-launch-military-fight-south-korea/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Dan Akerson interview on CNBC's Squawk Box - video screencap

Dan Akerson, CEO of General Motors, says his company is making contingency plans to move workers from South Korea should war tensions escalate further between that country and North Korea. North Korea has recently threatened nuclear war against the South, and its allies, and moved war heads to its East coast to back up its threats. While speaking in an interview on CNBC's Squawk Box, Akerson said, "We are making contingency plans for the safety of our employees to the extent that we can."

The executive also touched on production. GM has over 17,000 workers across five plants in South Korea, which produce around 1.3 million vehicles per year for export. Those include the Chevrolet Spark subcompact sold in North America. The factories also produce 145,000 vehicles for the South Korean Market.

Akerson says that GM can't shift production out of South Korea quickly, but that if the region continues to destabilize due to North Korean saber rattling, the company may have no choice but to consider shifting its operations out of the region as part of long-term planning. He also makes it clear that any issues in South Korea could have wide-ranging impacts on the global automotive industry as a whole. You can watch the interview for yourself below.

Gallery: Auctions America National Military History Center Sale







Continue reading North Korea nuclear war tensions force GM's Akerson to consider South Korea exit [w/video]

North Korea nuclear war tensions force GM's Akerson to consider South Korea exit [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 05 Apr 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> armycnbcdan akersongeneral motorsgeneral motors productiongmgovernmentkim jong unkim jong-unKim Jung Ilkoreakoreankorean warlong islandlong range acoustic devicemedium range missleMilitaryHistoryMissleLaunchernavynorth koreanuclearnuclear warnuclear weaponsshort rib recipessouth koreasquawk boxvideowar Fri, 05 Apr 2013 10:30:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20531556/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/05/north-korea-nuclear-war-missle-launch-military-fight-south-korea/20531556/article-detail.xml 20531556 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/akerson-interview-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/akerson-interview-628.jpg <![CDATA[Hyundai exec admits company studying pickup production]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/04/hyundai-exec-admits-company-studying-pickup-no-foolin/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/04/hyundai-exec-admits-company-studying-pickup-no-foolin/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/04/hyundai-exec-admits-company-studying-pickup-no-foolin/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Hyundai Emblem

Automotive News reports Hyundai may be considering jumping into the pickup truck market. Lee In-cheol, vice president of international sales, says the company's product planners and engineers are currently trying to determine what size pickup would be best for our market. Currently, the automaker has no plans to build a truck, but Lee says that hasn't stopped dealers from asking the company to produce one.

Although Hyundai hasn't fully committed to entering into North America's full-size pickup market, the company may build a smaller truck designed to compete in emerging markets. We've been hearing word about Hyundai's pickup musings for years now, including a rumoured partnership with Chrysler to produce Ram-based trucks, but so far, nothing has come of it.

Click through to watch a Chevy pickup burn rubber.

Gallery: 2013 Ram 3500 Laramie Long Horn







Continue reading Hyundai exec admits company studying pickup production

Hyundai exec admits company studying pickup production originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 04 Apr 2013 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> hyundaihyundai pickuppickuppickup truckpickuptruck Thu, 04 Apr 2013 09:45:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20525662/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/04/hyundai-exec-admits-company-studying-pickup-no-foolin/20525662/article-detail.xml 20525662 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/hyundai-emblem-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/hyundai-emblem-628.jpg <![CDATA[Hyundai's rakish HND-9 concept has lots of Seoul]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/hyundai-hnd-9-concept-seoul-motor-show/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/hyundai-hnd-9-concept-seoul-motor-show/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/hyundai-hnd-9-concept-seoul-motor-show/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Hyundai HND-9 Concept

Hyundai has unwrapped the HND-9 Sports Coupe Concept at the 2013 Seoul Motor Show. The design study is intended to give the world a glimpse at what Hyundai has planned for the look of its future products - an evolution of the automaker's current Fluidic Sculpture design language.

With classic front-engine, rear-wheel-drive proportions, the HND-9 looks great, and engineers graced the concept with a 3.3-litre turbocharged, direct-injection engine good for 364 horsepower. An eight-speed automatic transmission shuttles that thrust to the rear wheels, while touches like butterfly doors give the machine a bit of flair.

Indoors, the HND-9 features seats built with a special mesh that changes colours depending on the viewer's angle. Designers modeled the cabin after a cockpit for a close, sporty feel. You can check out the full photo gallery and press release below for more information.

Continue reading Hyundai's rakish HND-9 concept has lots of Seoul

Hyundai's rakish HND-9 concept has lots of Seoul originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 seoul motor showhnd-9 concepthyundaihyundai hnd-9 conceptseoul motor show Thu, 28 Mar 2013 16:30:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20522410/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/28/hyundai-hnd-9-concept-seoul-motor-show/20522410/article-detail.xml 20522410 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/hyundai-hnd-9-1-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/hyundai-hnd-9-1-628.jpg <![CDATA[Kia's promised "four-door coupe" Cub concept... isn't]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/kias-promised-four-door-coupe-cub-concept-isnt/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/kias-promised-four-door-coupe-cub-concept-isnt/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/kias-promised-four-door-coupe-cub-concept-isnt/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Kia Cub Concept - front three-quarter studio view

Kia appears to have pulled a quick one on the world with its Cub Concept. As it turns out, the machine isn't the four-door coupe they promised at all. Instead, the little showcar is a five-door hatch with suicide rear doors. That's certainly fine by our reckoning, but it isn't quite what we were expecting to see on display at the Seoul Motor Show. The concept was penned at the company's design studio in Seoul with direction from Peter Schreyer, and it gets its thrust from a 204-horsepower, 1.6-litre direct-injection four-cylinder engine. With 195 pound-feet of torque on hand, we suspect the Cub would have little trouble hustling down the road.

Indoors, the Cub serves up black leather seats with yellow accents as well as a new Driving Information System that uses a gesture camera to control various operations. Right now, there are apparently no plans to put the Cub into production anywhere in the world, but we wouldn't be surprised to see some of the hatchback's elements make their way to the show room floor.

Click here for additional photos.

Continue reading Kia's promised "four-door coupe" Cub concept... isn't

Kia's promised "four-door coupe" Cub concept... isn't originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 seoul motor showcub conceptkiakia cub conceptpeter schreyerseoulseoul motor show Thu, 28 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20522316/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/28/kias-promised-four-door-coupe-cub-concept-isnt/20522316/article-detail.xml 20522316 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/kia-cub-concept-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/kia-cub-concept-628.jpg <![CDATA[Hyundai looking to refine dealership customer experience for premium models]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/26/hyundai-refining-dealer-strategy-for-premium-models/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/26/hyundai-refining-dealer-strategy-for-premium-models/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/26/hyundai-refining-dealer-strategy-for-premium-models/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

2012 Hyundai Equus - front three-quarter view, silver

Automotive News reports Hyundai is set to give its sales strategy for premium vehicles a once-over. Moving forward, each of the automaker's five North American regions will have a premium product operations manager. Those managers will all report directly to a senior group manager based at the Hyundai headquarters in California. To begin with, the group will start by identifying what dealers are currently doing right to sell the automaker's luxury hardware. From there, the group will then help spread those practices to the dealerships currently authorized to sell the Equus.

The move comes ahead of the launch of the second-generation Genesis and Equus. Both sedans are slated to hit showrooms by early next year. The Genesis debuted in 2008 with the Genesis Coupe following along in 2009, while the Equus first landed on our shores in 2011.

Click through to watch the Equus aim far above its intended target market and face off against the Bentley Mulsanne.


Gallery: Car crash causes over $700,000 damage at Hyundai dealership




Continue reading Hyundai looking to refine dealership customer experience for premium models

Hyundai looking to refine dealership customer experience for premium models originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 26 Mar 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 hyundai equus2013 hyundai genesiscar dealercar dealer experiencecar dealershipcar dealershipsdealership experiencedealership servicehyundaihyundai dealershyundai equushyundai genesis Tue, 26 Mar 2013 11:30:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20518540/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/26/hyundai-refining-dealer-strategy-for-premium-models/20518540/article-detail.xml 20518540 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2012-hyundai-equus-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2012-hyundai-equus-628.jpg <![CDATA[Kia confirms Cub "four-door coupe" concept for Seoul]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/25/kia-confirms-cub-four-door-coupe-concept-for-seoul/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/25/kia-confirms-cub-four-door-coupe-concept-for-seoul/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/25/kia-confirms-cub-four-door-coupe-concept-for-seoul/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Kia Cub Concept - shadowy teaser

Kia has announced it is headed to the Seoul Motor Show with a new sedan concept. Details are still scarce, but the Kia CUB Concept should be small, at under 4 metres (13 feet) long and come with coupe-like proportions. Kia wants the vehicle to "appeal to trend-setting urban dwellers," a notoriously car-hungry market. The automaker says the Cub has a cheerful face decorated with two-point LED headlamps just like those found on the Quoris flagship, but the teaser image above looks a bit more sinister than happy to us. Kia plans to give the Cub a proper unveiling on March 28.

Hyundai has also given us a glimpse at what the company has planned for Seoul with its HND-9 luxury sports coupe. You can refresh yourself on that machine by checking out the post here. You can also take a closer look at the brief press release below.

Gallery: 2013 Kia Pro_cee'd GT: Geneva 2013

Continue reading Kia confirms Cub "four-door coupe" concept for Seoul

Kia confirms Cub "four-door coupe" concept for Seoul originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 25 Mar 2013 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 seoul motor showconceptcubcub conceptkiakia cub conceptseoulseoul 2013seoul motor show Mon, 25 Mar 2013 18:45:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20516674/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/25/kia-confirms-cub-four-door-coupe-concept-for-seoul/20516674/article-detail.xml 20516674 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/kia-cub-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/kia-cub-628.jpg <![CDATA[Hyundai sketches out HND-9 luxury sports coupe concept ahead of Seoul]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/21/hyundai-sketches-out-hnd-9-luxury-sports-coupe-concept-ahead-of/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/21/hyundai-sketches-out-hnd-9-luxury-sports-coupe-concept-ahead-of/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/21/hyundai-sketches-out-hnd-9-luxury-sports-coupe-concept-ahead-of/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Hyundai HND-9 luxury coupe concept with door open - artist's rendering

Hyundai has dropped a couple of rendered looks at its forthcoming HND-9 luxury sports coupe concept, which will debut at the 2013 Seoul Motor Show. While full details probably won't be released until then, the Korean automaker has said the butterfly-doored machine will bow with a direct-injection, turbocharged 3.3-litre V6 engine good for around 365 horsepower. The mill is bolted to an eight-speed automatic transmission and puts its grunt to the rear tires. While the doors are pure showcar theater, we dig the Aston-inspired long nose and boisterous rear haunches.

Look for the car to receive an actual introduction on March 28, and while we don't expect to see the HND-9 on showroom floors any time soon, some of the creation's design language may make it to production models.

Check out the full press release below.


Gallery: Top 10 Detroit Auto Show Concepts - 2013 NAIAS

Continue reading Hyundai sketches out HND-9 luxury sports coupe concept ahead of Seoul

Hyundai sketches out HND-9 luxury sports coupe concept ahead of Seoul originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 21 Mar 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 seoul motor showautoshow2013hnd-9hnd-9 concepthyundaihyundai hnd-9 conceptseoul 2013seoul motor show Thu, 21 Mar 2013 13:30:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20513343/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/21/hyundai-sketches-out-hnd-9-luxury-sports-coupe-concept-ahead-of/20513343/article-detail.xml 20513343 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/hyundai-hnd-9-sketch-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/hyundai-hnd-9-sketch-628.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Hyundai Equus facelift revealed ahead of NY debut]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/2014-hyundai-equus-facelift-revealed-ahead-of-ny-debut/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/2014-hyundai-equus-facelift-revealed-ahead-of-ny-debut/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/2014-hyundai-equus-facelift-revealed-ahead-of-ny-debut/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

2014 Hyundai Equus

It looks as if Land Rover isn't the only company looking to show a little metal ahead of the 2013 New York Auto Show. Hyundai has dropped a pair of videos detailing the facelifted 2014 Equus ahead of the luxury sedan's official debut. New adaptive LED headlamps are matched with redesigned LED taillamps, along with new 18-inch alloy wheels at all four corners (19s are optional). Buyers will get to enjoy a card-type smart key and a shift-by-wire gear change indoors. More importantly, the vehicle's forward cabin is now dominated by a 9.2-inch screen mounted in the center of the dash.

The old analog gauges have also gone by the wayside in favour of a new TFT LCD display. Mechanically, the 2014 Equus will continue to offer a standard 3.8-litre V6 engine or an optional 5.0-litre V8, depending on the market. The vehicle can be configured with a total of three driving modes, including Normal, Snow and Sport, which can adjust multiple systems, including the vehicle's electronic dampers. You can check out two computer-generated videos of the four-door below.


Gallery: 2012 Hyundai Equus

Continue reading 2014 Hyundai Equus facelift revealed ahead of NY debut

2014 Hyundai Equus facelift revealed ahead of NY debut originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 12 Mar 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 hyundai equusautoshow2013equushyundaihyundai equusnew yorknew york 2013new york auto showvideo Tue, 12 Mar 2013 16:30:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20499318/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/12/2014-hyundai-equus-facelift-revealed-ahead-of-ny-debut/20499318/article-detail.xml 20499318 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-hyundai-equus-628-1363108112_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-hyundai-equus-628-1363108112.jpg <![CDATA[Kia to green-light GT and Provo for production?]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/kia-to-green-light-gt-and-provo-for-production/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/kia-to-green-light-gt-and-provo-for-production/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/kia-to-green-light-gt-and-provo-for-production/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , ,

Kia GT Concept - front three-quarter view, live on auto show stand

Kia is looking to inject a bit more performance life into its brand, and according to Auto Express, the company is looking at creating sporty models based on two of its recent concept cars, the GT four-door from the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show and the Provo hybrid hatchback that debuted in Geneva last week.

"The GT is close to being approved and going into production, but, as with all our cars, they have to be developed on a sound financial footing," Benny Oeyen, Kia Europe's VP of marketing and product planning, told Auto Express. When it debuted, the GT four-door was powered by a turbocharged 3.3 litre V6, reportedly good for 389 horsepower and 394 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Kia Provo Concept - front three-quarter view at Geneva Motor Show revealThe Provo, on the other hand, could stand as a sort of halo car for the company's B-segment offerings. It would ride on the same front-wheel-drive platform as the Rio compact, though Kia says it's eager to keep the concept's gasoline-electric powertrain intact. "Our brand is currently rational, but there's space for a B-coupe," says Oeyen. Of course, the company would indeed have to look at different naming possibilities for its B-segment coupe, since the Provo is already stirring up some controversy.

Kia has not disclosed any sort of timeline for when the cars may officially get the green light or when they would arrive in production form. From where we sit, some sporty Kias sound good to us, and if anything, the GT and Provo concepts certainly seem like promising building blocks for new products.

Hit the jump to watch video footage of the handsome Kia GT concept.

Gallery: Kia Provo Concept: Geneva 2013





Continue reading Kia to green-light GT and Provo for production?

Kia to green-light GT and Provo for production? originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 12 Mar 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> genevaGeneva Motor Showgtgt conceptkiakia gtkia gt conceptprovoprovo concept Tue, 12 Mar 2013 13:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20498993/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/12/kia-to-green-light-gt-and-provo-for-production/20498993/article-detail.xml 20498993 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/kia-gt-concept-frankfurt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/kia-gt-concept-frankfurt.jpg <![CDATA[Kia Provo Concept is a Mini-sized hatch debuting in Geneva]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/04/kia-provo-concept-is-a-mini-sized-hatch-debuting-in-geneva/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/04/kia-provo-concept-is-a-mini-sized-hatch-debuting-in-geneva/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/04/kia-provo-concept-is-a-mini-sized-hatch-debuting-in-geneva/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,

Kia Provo Concept

The machine you see above is, according to a report from Autocar, the Kia Provo Concept, and it's set to debut at the Geneva Motor Show. As you can see, the Korean concept draws inspiration from young and hip hatchbacks like the Mini and the Citroën DS3.

We can't say how much of the Provo's somewhat radical conceptual design will make it into production, such as the contrasting roof colour, oversize wheel arches filled with some pretty radical wheels, and one-piece headlight and taillight housings. Suffice it to say, though, we're definitely intrigued by what we see.

Also note the diamond stitching in the interior with chrome, suede and carbon fibre accents. The flat-bottom steering wheel is also rather interesting. These details, along with the racy elements of the exterior design, make us think Kia may be targeting performance-minded buyers with the Provo.

We don't know what's powering this concept, but we'd expect some sort of forced-induction four-cylinder engine sending ponies to the front wheels if such a machine were to make it into production. We'd also expect it to be based upon the Hyundai Veloster platform.

Stay tuned for all the details from Geneva within the next few days and click through to read the brief press release from KIA.

Continue reading Kia Provo Concept is a Mini-sized hatch debuting in Geneva

Kia Provo Concept is a Mini-sized hatch debuting in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 04 Mar 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> genevageneva 2013geneva motor showkiakia provo conceptprovo Mon, 04 Mar 2013 14:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20487288/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/04/kia-provo-concept-is-a-mini-sized-hatch-debuting-in-geneva/20487288/article-detail.xml 20487288 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/kia-provo-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/kia-provo-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Why Toyota Camry's Korea Car of the Year win is a big-time upset]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/26/why-toyota-camrys-korea-car-of-the-year-win-is-a-big-time-upset/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/26/why-toyota-camrys-korea-car-of-the-year-win-is-a-big-time-upset/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/26/why-toyota-camrys-korea-car-of-the-year-win-is-a-big-time-upset/#comments Filed under: , ,

2013 Toyota Camry

The 2013 Toyota Camry is officially the car of the year in Korea. The country's motoring press graced the Japanese sedan with the honor for the first time, officially marking a shift in prevailing Korean attitudes toward Japan and its products. According to industry analysts, buyers in the country are no longer simply choosing their purchases based on whether or not they're made in South Korea, but rather based on quality and personal choice. That's a big jump from a few years ago, when buyers viewed their purchases through a patriotic lens.

The Camry managed to edge out a total of 44 other cars, including hardware from both Hyundai and Kia, to become the first foreign vehicle to take home the Korea Automobile Journalist Association's Car of the Year award. As The Detroit News points out, just 10 years ago, domestic manufacturers held some 99 per cent of the Korean car market. But a change in trade regulations has opened up the country considerably, and buyers now have access to a wide range of products from around the globe. As a result, Hyundai and Kia have countered by cutting prices in an attempt to keep their grip on the market.

Continue reading Why Toyota Camry's Korea Car of the Year win is a big-time upset

Why Toyota Camry's Korea Car of the Year win is a big-time upset originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 26 Feb 2013 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 camry2013 toyota camrycamrycar of the yearkoreakorea car of the yearsouth koreatoyota Tue, 26 Feb 2013 07:58:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20477805/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/26/why-toyota-camrys-korea-car-of-the-year-win-is-a-big-time-upset/20477805/article-detail.xml 20477805 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/2013-toyota-camry-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/2013-toyota-camry-628.jpg <![CDATA[Helicopter crashes on <i>Top Gear Korea</i> set while chasing Corvette ZR1]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/11/helicopter-crashes-on-top-gear-korea-set-while-chasing-co/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/11/helicopter-crashes-on-top-gear-korea-set-while-chasing-co/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/11/helicopter-crashes-on-top-gear-korea-set-while-chasing-co/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Top Gear Korea helicopter vs. ZR1 screencap (before crash)

The formula of Top Gear Korea is seemingly about the same as it is everywhere else in the world, including the flagship British original: involve interesting cars in fantastical situations with charismatic hosts. That prescription has proved to be pretty reliable over the years, and has lead to some truly memorable and exciting pieces of television.

Something like that was undoubtedly what the Korean producers were after when they lined up this segment - a drag race between a Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and an AH1 Cobra military helicopter. The planners almost certainly did not expect the filming of the segment to go quite as wrong as it actually did, with the helicopter actually crashing into the dirt after the "drag race" had been completed. Thankfully, we're told that no one was seriously injured in the crash, but the footage, in the video below, is pretty damn chilling to watch, nevertheless.

Gallery: Best Crazy Crash Videos of 2012

Continue reading Helicopter crashes on Top Gear Korea set while chasing Corvette ZR1

Helicopter crashes on Top Gear Korea set while chasing Corvette ZR1 originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 11 Feb 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012 chevrolet corvette zr1ah1 cobrachevroletchevycorvettecorvette zr1helicopter crashtop geartop gear koreavideozr1 Mon, 11 Feb 2013 10:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20456414/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/11/helicopter-crashes-on-top-gear-korea-set-while-chasing-co/20456414/article-detail.xml 20456414 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/top-gear-korea-helicopter-crash-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/top-gear-korea-helicopter-crash-628.jpg -1 2