Car News

Some unconfirmed news are coming out stating that Hyundai are planning to launch their globally accepted sedan Hyundai Elantra in the Indian automobile field as Hyundai Avante. Few Years ago, Hyundai India have launched a sedan Hyundai Elantra, but it was a major flop. This new Avante in India looks rich in style, great in it's performance, comfort, features and full value for money.



This new Hyundai luxurious sedan, Avante is powered by a 1591cc, DOHC, CVVT Petrol engine which will provide a maximum power of about 118 Bhp @ 6200 rpm and a maximum torque of about 156 Nm @ 4200 rpm. This new Hyundai Avante will provide a mileage of about 11 kmpl in the cities and about 14 kmpl in the highways. This new Avante is also said to achieve a top-speed of about 185 kms in perfect running conditions.



This new Avante, a luxurious sedan belonging to the D segment of the Indian automobile field provides Five-speed Manual Gearbox. This new Hyundai Avante includes McPherson Strut Type, Stabiliser Bar Suspension. It also provides a Disk Brake at the front and a Drum Brake at the rear.

Hyundai Motor staged a world premiere of its new concept car, Blue2 (codenamed HND-6), a mid-size FCEV which shows a blueprint for future sedans. The name "Blue2" is a combination of Hyundai’s sub eco-brand ‘Blue Drive’ and the number "2" from H2, the symbol for hydrogen gas.



Aiming at gaining early leadership of the FCEV market, Blue2 is powered by a fuel cell electric system that delivers a stack power of 90kW(1.65kW/L) and fuel economy of 34.9km/ℓ. The Blue2 is materialized in a sporty and luxurious style, a combination of futuristic, flowing designs and eco-friendly features. The Blue2 is equipped with low-resistance tires and alloy wheels which are designed to improve aerodynamic performance, while the car’s interior design encompasses a futuristic look by using eco-friendly new materials.



Hyundai’s concept keywords for the exterior design are ‘Intersected Flow,’ featuring innovative and dynamic designs. The vehicle’s condition is visible via unique and futuristic images on the exterior of the car through outside LED screen panels, which are located on both the front and rear of the car. Blue2 also features a welcome system which recognizes the driver, while an automatic opening door system enhances the driver’s convenience. Conventional side mirrors are replaced by side cameras and a roof camera, offering a state-of-the-art driving environment.



The exterior designs flow inside the vehicle, with asymmetrically-designed dashboards and doors to optimize a driver’s convenience and add emotional value. Wider seats enable people to get in and out of the vehicle more comfortably.



Hyundai combined the cluster and center fascia, applying an advanced Transparent Organic Light Emitting Diode (TOLED) monitor and ultra-light tempered glass, called Gorilla® Glass, providing more accurate and vivid graphic information. The infotainment system is operated by a Motion Sensor Moustick, a haptic wheel and motion sensor that respond to the driver’s touch and hand movements, respectively, giving drivers a new experience.



Blue2 aims to satisfy all the senses of future drivers, including the air they breathe: A cluster ionizer freshens the air inside the vehicle, while antibacterial genuine leather with leaf-shaped patterns, called ‘eco-graphic perforation,’ enhances an eco-friendly look and feel.

The all-new Hyundai i40 will be available with a choice of four Euro V-compliant engines: two petrol and two diesel. These units cover a power spread of 115 ps to 177 ps, with torque delivery extended across a wide engine-speed range, making the 2012 i40 an enjoyable car to drive around town or on the motorway. Manual and automatic transmissions will also be offered.



Hyundai’s all new four-cylinder 2-litre GDI engine, called ‘Nu’, makes its debut in the Hyundai i40, promising deliver higher torque (for enhanced driveability), improved fuel economy and reduced emissions, plus undiminished durability and excellent NVH characteristics – similar to the multi-point fuel injected engine.



Equipped with GDI (gasoline direct injection) this 1,999 cc unit generates 177 ps and 213 Nm of torque which ensures that the i40 boasts best-in-class performance and fuel economy. An Hyundai i40 with this engine and a six-speed manual gearbox will accelerate to 130 kph (81 mph) in just 15.7 seconds, record fuel economy figures of 6.7 l/100 km (combined cycle) and achieve a CO2 rating of just 156 g/km.



Overall, Hyundai is expecting a 65/35% spread between diesel and gasoline-powered i40 sales.

Hyundai today introduced another exciting model, its all-new 2011 Elantra at the Los Angeles Auto Show. This marks the world debut of the latest version of the popular compact sedan. The 2011 Hyundai Elantra encompasses Hyundai's latest ambitions including "Fluidic Sculpture" design, advanced safety and fuel efficiency. In the very competitive compact car segment the Elantra continues to be on a fast four year lifecycle.



HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2011 ELANTRA



* All-new fifth generation Hyundai Elantra compact sedan



* "Fluidic Sculpture" design



* Launches with new 1.8-liter "Nu" engine and in-house six-speed automatic transmission



* 40 mpg highway on all models with A/T or M/T



* Best-in-class standard fuel economy



* Improved fuel efficiency by up to 18 percent over its predecessor



* More fuel efficient than Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla



* Production began at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama in November with shipments to dealers before year-end



* "Class-above" mid-size car interior volume



* Standard VSM, ESC, TCS, ABS with Brake Assist and EBD



* Touch-screen navigation with rearview camera and iPod®/USB inputs



* Bluetooth® hands-free phone system with voice recognition



* Segment first: Heated rear seats





2011 Hyundai Elantra is the fourth vehicle in Hyundai's 24/7 version 2.0 product initiative (seven new models in the next 24 months), following on the heels of the all-new Tucson, Sonata and Equus.



The 2011 Elantra represents a modern approach to the traditional compact sedan segment, using emotional design and luxury features offered with Hyundai's strong value proposition. The Hyundai Elantra poses some intriguing questions:



* Why can't a compact car have modern, sleek, sophisticated style?



* Why pay luxury car prices to get advanced safety features?



* • Why buy a mid-size sedan when you can get exceptional room in a compact car?



* Why can't a compact car get subcompact car fuel economy?





HYUNDAI "FLUIDIC SCULPTURE" DESIGN



2011 Elantra exemplifies Hyundai's emotional "Fluidic Sculpture" design principles. "Fluidic Sculpture" considers the interplay of wind with rigid surfaces to create the illusion of constant motion. Elantra is an evolution of the design qualities found in Sonata.



Successful sedans in the U.S. market all have a distinct silhouette and Day Light Opening (DLO - a designer's term for the side glass) and Elantra is no different. Along Elantra's sides are Sonata's flowing lines, with the addition of a strong undercut feature line starting at the front door. These lines, along with muscular wheel arches and a sleek roofline, create a memorable and spacious package. Flowing lines also lead to an aerodynamic body. The drag coefficient for the Elantra is an exceptionally low 0.28 that compares favorably to the Chevrolet Volt (0.29).



Hyundai's signature hexagonal front grille and detailed swept-back headlights give Elantra a compact athletic face. The assertive stance is complimented by 15-, 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels and athletic proportions. Available fog lights and side repeater mirrors complete the distinct design. Elantra was designed at Hyundai's North American Design Center in Irvine, Calif.





40 MPG - AN 18 PERCENT IMPROVEMENT IN FUEL ECONOMY



2011 Elantra's fuel economy is 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway, with the six-speed automatic transmission or manual transmission. These figures give Elantra a highway-only driving range of up to 500 miles.



40 MPG POWERTRAIN



Under the hood, the Elantra is powered by an all-new 1.8-liter Nu four-cylinder engine with 148 horsepower and 131 lb-ft of torque (145 horsepower and 130 lb-ft of torque for Elantra PZEV). The Nu engine was developed to replace the 2.0-liter Beta engine from the previous generation Elantra. The Nu is smaller in size, weighs 74 pounds less and helps achieve an 18-percent improvement in highway fuel economy, when compared with its predecessor. Thanks to advanced clean engine technology, most Elantras sold in California, Oregon and several Northeast states are certified as Partial Zero Emission Vehicles (PZEV) by the EPA. The PZEV Elantra is as clean as many hybrid electric vehicles. The PZEV Elantra helps Hyundai meet its environmental commitments. Outside of these "green" states, the 2011 Hyundai Elantra is available as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV).



Key Engine Components



* Aluminum block and head



* Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT)



* Variable Induction System (VIS)



* Roller swing arm and Hydraulic Lash Adjusters (HLA)



* Electronic throttle control



* Offset crankshaft



The Nu engine features an aluminum block with a cast iron cylinder liner, cylinder head and crank. This unique configuration results in a block that is 30 percent lighter than an iron block, shedding more than 74 pounds off the entire engine weight, while still providing comparable strength.



The 1.8-liter Nu also offers Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT) camshafts and hydraulic engine mounts for optimum power, efficiency and refinement. Using D-CVVT on both camshafts has several advantages when compared with using it just on the intake camshaft. They include a two percent improvement in performance (increased volumetric efficiency), two percent improvement in fuel economy (reduced pumping loss) and a 30 percent reduction in hydrocarbon emissions. In the valvetrain, roller swing arms and hydraulic lash adjusters reduce valve driven friction to improve fuel economy one percent compared with direct valve driving. The Nu engine also features a maintenance-free silent timing chain system to enhance durability and improve Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH).



The application of a plastic two-stage Variable Intake System (VIS), enables switching between long and short intake manifolds, resulting in an across-the-board performance increase. These result in a four percent improvement in performance, a 15 percent reduction in cost and 30 percent reduction in weight, when compared with aluminum.



Another tool Hyundai engineers have incorporated into the next generation Elantra is an electronic throttle control. The electronic throttle control replaces the conventional cable and mechanical linkage found in the previous generation Elantra with fast responding electronics. This system accurately controls air intake and engine torque, improving drivability, response and fuel economy.



Hyundai's first application of double-pipe plumbing (internal heat exchanger) is found in Elantra. Double-pipe plumbing improves cabin cooling performance, while minimizing the capacity of the compressor, which further reduces fuel consumption. An external controlled variable compressor is also used to improve fuel efficiency versus an internal variable compressor.



The Nu four-cylinder engine also has an offset crankshaft design that reduces friction between the piston and cylinder wall for a one percent improvement in fuel economy.



SIX-SPEED TRANSMISSIONS



The 2011 Elantra can be equipped with a six-speed manual (M6CF3-1) or automatic (A6GF1) transaxle with SHIFTRONIC manual control. The 2011 Elantra is the first small car in the Hyundai lineup to receive a six-speed automatic. Hyundai now has its own six-speed automatic transmissions in its small, medium and large FWD cars. Hyundai is also only one of four global car manufacturers building their own unique six-speed automatic transmissions.



The all-new six-speed automatic is 11 pounds lighter than Hyundai's global five-speed and 17 pounds lighter than the five-speed automatic found in Honda Civic. It is considerably simpler, having 62 fewer parts, which is a key to increased durability, lighter weight and lower cost. It also features a super flat torque converter that shortens the unit's overall length by 0.43 inches, while being 2.6 pounds lighter.



This transmission mated to the 1.8-liter Nu engine helps Elantra deliver improved fuel efficiency - 11 percent more than its closest competitors and a four percent gain in fuel economy.



The 2011 Elantra's six-speed manual transmission is also all-new and provides crisp shifts and further optimizes engine performance. These crisp shifts are courtesy of triple-cone synchronizers for first and second gears, double-cone for third gear and single-cone for fourth, fifth and sixth gears.



OVERALL DIMENSIONS



The all-new Elantra rides on a 106.3-inch wheelbase, just two-inches longer than the previous generation. Its overall length has increased by 0.9 inches to 178.3 inches, with the 69.9-inch width remaining the same. The height has been lowered by 1.8 inches to 56.5 inches, without affecting headroom. Consequently, Elantra maintains its "class above" status when it comes to interior room, in comparison to Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. In fact, the Elantra is so roomy the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies it as a mid-size car, not a compact car like Civic and Corolla.



2011 Elantra's total interior volume of 110.4 cubic feet beats the 2011 Honda Civic sedan, 2011 Nissan Sentra, 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, 2011 Ford Focus and 2011 Toyota Corolla. Surprisingly, it even surpasses the Acura TSX (107.1 cu. ft.), Nissan Maxima (110.0 cu. ft), and VW Passat CC (109.3 cu. ft.) in total interior volume. Ultimately, the long wheelbase allows for compact car efficiency with mid-size car comfort. An example of this is found in the long seat track, delivering best-in-class front seat legroom. Hyundai Elantra's trunk volume at 14.8 cubic feet also beats Civic and Corolla.



2011 ELANTRA ARCHITECTURE



The all-new Elantra is fitted with a McPherson strut front suspension, with coil springs and gas shock absorbers. The rear suspension is a light weight coupled torsion beam rear suspension for enhanced steering stability and monotube shock absorbers for ride comfort. A 23.0 mm diameter front stabilizer bar helps reduce body roll when cornering.



All Elantras have column-mounted, motor-driven electric power steering that adjusts instantly to changing driving conditions while improving fuel economy over a conventional steering system. A quick-ratio steering rack is used for crisp feel on turn-in. Elantra's turning diameter of 34.8 feet is better than Corolla's at 35.6 feet.

World-class weight efficiency was one of the program targets for the Hyundai Elantra engineering team. In fact, the 2011 Elantra leads all of its competitors in weight efficiency. Hyundai engineers also targeted leadership in power-to-weight ratio. Having these targets paid huge dividends in both performance and fuel economy.



The Elantra's widespread use of high-strength steel provides a 37 percent increase in body stiffness at a lower body weight. High-strength steel allows the suspension to work optimally. At 2,701 pounds, the automatic transmission Elantra GLS is lighter than its competitors, while offering more interior room than Focus, Cruze, Civic and Corolla, with body-bending rigidity 50 percent higher than the Corolla. This weight efficient unibody architecture allows for Elantra to achieve an estimated 40 mpg EPA highway rating, without the need for a special eco model.



MODERN, SOPHISTICATED INTERIOR



Inside the Elantra, customers will find Hyundai's expertise in interior packaging, lighting, leading-edge design and craftsmanship. This approach is visible in the clarity of the instruments and the tilt and telescopic steering wheel. The seats help fuel economy and the environment, being made of lightweight, environmentally friendly foam. Heated seats are available in the front and the rear, a segment first. Not only does Elantra have multiple storage areas, but it delivers useable storage capacity.



The 2011 Elantra GLS has a two-tone interior. Gray and beige are the two GLS interior color choices. The Limited trim adds a monotone black interior. All Elantras have cloth-like pillar trim made of fibrous tissue and volcanic rock for a premium look and feel.



Elantra is available with two audio systems. Standard is a 172-watt AM/FM/Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system with six-speakers and iPod®/USB/auxiliary input jacks. A 360-watt system with external amplifier is optional.



Touch-screen navigation is available on GLS and Limited trims and includes a high-resolution 7.0-inch screen and voice-activation by headliner-mounted microphone. The sound system plays compact discs, accesses digital music files via Bluetooth streaming audio or allows driver and passenger to access their personal listening devices through the iPod/USB/auxiliary inputs. Bluetooth audio wirelessly streams music from select mobile phones to the head unit. The XM Satellite Radio interface is also integrated into the navigation unit and features channel logos, real-time NavTraffic and XM Data services, such as XM NavWeather®, XM Stock Ticker and XM Sports Ticker. The system also integrates a rear-view camera, which cannot be found on the Honda Civic or Mazda 3. Users can even upload personal pictures from a USB rather than a CD to be displayed on the system's home screen.



Elantra owners can also get premium features, such as a proximity key with push button start and immobilizer, power sunroof, one touch driver's window and leather seating surfaces.



This modern, sophisticated interior is also whisper quiet. Engineers worked hard on reducing noise and vibrations inside the cabin.



NVH COMPARISONS



The all-new Elantra is fitted with a McPherson strut front suspension, with coil springs and gas shock absorbers. The rear suspension is a light weight coupled torsion beam rear suspension for enhanced steering stability and monotube shock absorbers for ride comfort. A 23.0 mm diameter front stabilizer bar helps reduce body roll when cornering.



ADVANCED STANDARD SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES: PART OF HYUNDAI'S ASSURANCE COMMITMENT



Elantra was one of the first compact sedans with ESC when it launched in July of 2007. The 2011 Elantra now takes compact car safety to the next level with the introduction of Vehicle Stability Management (VSM). Similar to the one found in the Hyundai Equus, VSM optimally manages ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and the Motor-Driven electric Power Steering (MDPS).



VSM works to control two effects. The first is when a driver accelerates or brakes on a split-mu surface (slippery on one side, dry pavement on the other) and the vehicle wants to pull in one direction. VSM detects this condition and sends a signal to the MDPS to apply steering assist. VSM counters the pull and automatically provides 8 Newton meters of counter steering. VSM reacts the same way during sudden lane changes or fast cornering. ESC is still not standard on the 2011 model year Civic.



Elantra features six airbags-including dual front, front seat-mounted side-impact, and front and rear side curtain airbag.



The Elantra also features a state-of-the-art braking package. The package includes four-wheel disc brakes (Civic, Jetta and Corolla still feature rear drum brakes) and an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) including Brake Assist, which provides maximum braking force when a panic stop is detected, and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), to automatically adjust the braking force to front and rear axles based on vehicle loading conditions. This package delivers shorter braking distances from 60 miles per hour than Civic, Corolla and Mazda 3.



Elantra engineers even looked at something as simple as the parking brake, having introduced Hyundai's first integrated rear parking brake caliper for weight reduction.



In terms of passive safety, the Elantra has strong unibody construction, along with front and rear crumple zones and the rear doors have internal dual beams unlike some of its competitors.



2011 ELANTRA PRICING



The all-new Elantra offers modern design, loads of comfort and convenience features, and is an outstanding weapon against gas prices all with a low starting price of $14,830.

Here are the picture that finally confirm drivers can expect a whole lot more from the next generation Hyundai Santa Fe.

These prototypes are almost totally undisguised, and clearly reveal a range of new details while also offer a first look at the car's uprated interior.

At the front, there's a new grille as well as new headlights while around the back the spacious SUV gets a new set of very flashy taillights.

A redesigned bumper should also be in store. The Santa Fe is currently offered with a 2.2-litre diesel engine, and that looks unlikely to change in the near future.

However, the firm has promised a raft of new hybrid models.

Hyundai has presented at the Geneva Show the series model i30 hatchback and Hyundai QarmaQ concept.The crossover Concept, which has been announced in a sketch published a few weeks ago by Hyundai, brings an important change of approach in what concerns the materials used in its composition.While the traditional cars use metal and glass, QarmaQ is assembled from plastic materials made by GE Plastics. The Hyundai QarmaQ concept is the result of the cooperation between the 2 companies and brings, as novelty, a vista of the kind that only a view from the chopper gives, because of the great surface of the plasticized windows from the car's body.By integrating GE's polycarbonate glazing wrap-around and the GE Lexan windscreens, the body weight of the cars is reduced by almost 50 %. A unique technology characterizes Lexan screens: Exatec Technology. It' s a technology through which a thin, protective layer of glass is deposited on the screen, which helps when protecting from scratching or effects of humidity. The material, much lighter than traditional glass used in automotive industry, also increases the impact resistance and both occupant and pedestrian safety. When talking about pedestrian safety, we can also mention the system that uses deformable sections under the concept's body panels, which is able to absorb crush energy in case a collision with a person may happen.GE Plastics' High Performance Thermoplastic Composite (which is used for the horizontal body panels) manages to also save some weight. 900 recycled plastic bottles have been used when manufacturing other body panels.The new concept is a showcase of 30 new technologies that will be found in the future Hyundai models. The car is the result of the hard work of Hyundai Motor Europe's Design and Technical Center and it has been engineered in cooperation with GE Plastics. It will be ready to roll in 2008 to 2014

Front wheel drive 2012 Hyundai Veloster are out and this sports coupe looks as good. Despite the test vehicle being camouflaged in black, Hyundai’s Veloster lives up to the expectations with its 2+2 seating after the Concept version released at the 2007 Seoul Auto Show. Besides an attractive exterior body style, the side windows are much improved- they stretch beyond the B-pillar. The tail lamps are positioned on the rear plane. The sides are taller with a long roof and a steeply raked windshield. The front and rear fenders have been made less fat and toned down.  The dramatic stance is heavily brought down and it leaves car lovers slightly disappointed, especially people who were hoping for the next Honda CRX. The Veloster is inspired by the Hyundai Accent and is slightly longer than the Mini Cooper, while still retaining 70 percent of the Concept’s styling. It looks really small and comes with a host of power improvements in the form of the pretty decent 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, gasoline direct injection (GDI technology). The power figures are a neat 138 hp and 136 lb-ft of torque. There is also a choice of a dual-clutch automatic transmission or one can have manual transmission as well with an entry level power plant of over 40 mpg. Expected to hit the roads soon sometime later this year or early 2011, the Veloster is pegged at a neat price of US $18,000.

The BLUE-WILL concept is powered by an all-aluminium Gasoline Direct Injected 1.6-litre engine which is coupled to a Continuously Variable Transmission and a 100kw electric motor which is at the heart of Hyundai's parallel hybrid drive architecture. Electric power, stored by a Lithium Ion Polymer battery pack, is neatly bundled with the fuel tank under the rear seat to maximise luggage space. Hyundai will be the first automaker in the world to apply Lithium Ion Polymer in a mass production vehicle when the Elantra LPI Hybrid goes on sale in Korea in July this year.