Hyundai Prius-Fighter Hybrid could preview next attack on Toyota's champion | Autoblog | Amarillo Hyundai

Hyundai is no stranger to the hybrid game, selling a gas-electric version of the Sonata in the US since 2011. The 2015-model-year version gets 38 miles per gallon combined, which is certainly admirable but not quite in the same league as the hybrid champion Toyota Prius (50 mpg combined). New spy shots reveal that Hyundai might be finally ready to targeting the non-plug-in fuel economy leader. Why else would some mysterious Hyundai prototypes be cruising through the desert hills with a few Priuses in tow?

Our photographers believe these mules hint at an all-new hybrid model, which makes us think of the Blue Will concept from the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. At the time, Hyundai said the concept could be a preview of a future dedicated hybrid that would compete with the Prius.

We don't know what it all means for sure, but our spy photographers found four heavily modified Elantra GTprototypes driving around with a standard Prius and a Prius V. As if that wasn't enough of a clue, the four changed Elantras represent different approaches Hyundai might be using to go after Toyota, since there were two versions driving by our photographer's lenses, with different rear extensions indicating that both the standard Prius and the larger V might be in Hyundai's sights.

Despite the inclusion of a battery pack and a high-voltage cable running under the car, there was no obvious sign of a plug, so the old rumors of a Sonata PHEV will likely remain in the dustbin for now. Unless that strange rectangle of tape on the gas cover is hiding something surprising, of course.


Source:  http://www.autoblog.com/2014/08/20/hyundai-prius-fighter-hybrid-preview/

2015 SONATA ECO DELIVERS ESTIMATED 32 MPG COMBINED FUEL ECONOMY AND PREMIUM DRIVING EXPERIENCE | Amarillo Hyundai

 Hyundai today announced the third powertrain available in the 2015 Sonata. The 2015 Sonata Eco is expected to deliver 32 mpg combined fuel economy, will start at $23,275, excluding $810 freight charge, and go into production at the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama plant later this summer.

"Sonata Eco enhances the sophisticated design and confidence-inspiring driving dynamics of the 2015 Sonata with even more impressive fuel economy," said John Shon, manager, product planning. "This innovative powertrain improves fuel efficiency without sacrificing the driving experience."

The 2015 Sonata Eco is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged Gamma four-cylinder engine producing an estimated 177 horsepower and 195 lb. ft. of torque. Sonata Eco is the first Hyundai product to utilize a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which no other mid-size sedan offers. This innovative powertrain helps Sonata Eco deliver an estimated 28 mpg city and 38 mpg highway. The estimated 32 mpg combined rating is more than a 10 percent improvement over a 2015 Sonata SE powered by the 2.4-liter Theta II engine.

2015 Sonata Eco comes standard with all the features of Sonata SE plus a chrome grille, side mirror-mounted turn signal indicators, automatic headlights, a 10-way power driver seat with lumbar support, stitching on the instrument cluster hood, chrome interior door handles, 5-inch color touchscreen audio, a rearview backup camera and Blue Link® telematics system.

The only available option is the $4,100 Technology Package that includes:

• Blind Spot Detection System (BSD) with Rear-cross Traffic Alert and Lane Change Assist
• Chrome exterior door handles with welcome light
• Hands-free Smart Trunk Auto Open
• Proximity key entry with push-button start
• Leather seating surfaces
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
• Heated front seats
• Dual automatic temperature control
• 4.2-inch color LCD Multi-Info Display
• 8-inch navigation system featuring voice command technology, HD Radio Technology, improved touch sensitivity, navigation and map split display, navigation with junction view lane guidance, Apple Eyes Free Siri integration, Wi-Fi client for downloading apps
• Dimension premium audio
• SiriusXM Travel Link®, which provides access to traffic information, sports scores, weather, stock prices, fuel prices and local movie times, with 3-month complimentary subscription.
• Auto-dimming mirror with HomeLink and compass
• Auto up/down front passenger window

Source:  https://www.hyundaiusa.com/about-hyundai/news/Corporate_2015_SONATA_ECO_DELIVERS_ESTIMATED_32_MPG_FUEL_ECONOMY_AND_PREMIUM_DRIVINGs-20140617.aspx

HYUNDAI SNARES MOST INITIAL QUALITY AWARDS IN ITS HISTORY | Amarillo Hyundai

 J.D. Power today presented three Hyundai vehicles – 2014 Genesis,2014 Elantra and 2014 Accent – their highest award for initial quality in their respective segments. Hyundai ranked fourth overall in initial quality, climbing six spots from last year, and was the highest-ranked non-premium brand. In total, Hyundai had six vehicles in the Top Three positions in their segments, including two second place finishes forSanta Fe and Sonata and a third-place finish for Equus. This year's results mark the third time Hyundai has been the highest-ranked non-premium brand in the past 10 years, and the third time it finished among the Top Four brands overall.

The award comes from the J.D. Power 2014 U.S. Initial Quality StudySM (IQS). Now in its 28th consecutive year, IQS is the industry benchmark for new-vehicle quality, measured at 90 days of ownership.

"Receiving IQS awards in multiple vehicle segments acknowledges Hyundai's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction across our entire product lineup, not just our luxury vehicles," said Dave Zuchowski, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America. "Today's awards are a true reflection of the hard work and dedication of all the Hyundai team members here, in Korea and Montgomery, Alabama."

The IQS serves as the industry benchmark for new-vehicle quality and has proven to be an excellent predictor of long-term reliability, which may significantly impact new-vehicle purchase decisions. The focus of the study is model-level performance and comparison of individual models to similar models in respective segments, which helps manufacturers worldwide to design and produce higher-quality vehicles.

In addition to victories in three vehicle segments, the Hyundai brand substantially reduced problems per 100 vehicles and finished fourth overall, gaining six rank positions compared with 2013. The Hyundai overall score was 94 problems per 100 vehicles, 12 fewer than last year and 22 fewer problems than the industry average which actually deteriorated three problems per 100 compared with 2013. Also, Genesis scored back-to-back segment while Accent, with a mere 65 problems-per-100, was the second highest performing vehicle in the study.

ABOUT THE J.D. POWER AND ASSOCIATES 2014 U.S. INITIAL QUALITY STUDY

The 2014 U.S. Initial Quality Study is based on responses from more than 86,118 purchasers and lessees of new 2014 model-year cars, trucks and multi-activity vehicles surveyed after 90 days of ownership. The study is based on a 233-question battery designed to provide manufacturers with information to facilitate identification of problems and drive product improvement. The study was fielded between February and May 2014. The study is used by manufacturers worldwide to improve quality and by consumers to help them make more informed purchasing decisions. Throughout the years, initial quality has been shown to be a leading indicator of long-term durability, which directly impacts customer loyalty and purchase decisions.

Source:  https://www.hyundaiusa.com/about-hyundai/news/Corporate_HYUNDAI_SNARES_MOST_INITIAL_QUALITY_AWARDS_IN_ITS_HISTORY-20140618.aspx