Korean Automakers Get the Better of Detroit Three
June 28, 2009
The US auto industry needs all the help it can get. With GM bankrupt, Chrysler taken over by the Italians, and Ford still reporting sales drop, the industry needs every help it can get. The government poured in billions to help keep the industry alive through the TARP and the cash-for-clunkers program is set to roll out soon.
However, while the Big Three struggle to get back on track, their shares of the market are slowly being eaten away by smaller and more agile automakers – primarily those from Korea like Hyundai and Kia. Both brands are owned by Hyundai which now hold 7.3% of the US market. That figure places them neck-and-neck with Nissan.
Their gains appear to be a replay of what occurred four decades ago, when upstart automakers from Japan started selling cars in the United States. At the time, American carmakers dismissed them, but today they control nearly 40 percent of the American car market.
The cash-for-clunkers program might just help boost car sales, but given the price off the new car, the best buck per bang can be had purchasing small Korean cars. The same possibility has been observed by Top Gear with UK’s cash-for-clunkers program. The government should definitely factor this into their efforts to save the US auto industry.
Source: NY Times
New York 2009: Hyundai Unveils Nuvis Concept CUV
May 13, 2009
Hyundai has unveiled its newest concept car, the Hyundai Nuvis concept crossover, at the New York Motor Show. It follows hot on the heels of the HED-6 and the Blue Will concepts to show the future of Hyundai vehicle design, especially given the car’s mix of coupe and SUV design elements.
The two-door crossover concept sports a pair of gullwing doors, along with 22-inch alloy wheels, bodywork creases, and the echo styling reminiscent of that in the Genesis saloon and coupe as well as in the Equus.
The Nuvis concept crossover runs on Hyundai’s BlueHybrid drivetrain, previewed at last year’s Los Angeles motor show and will debut in the next Sonata. The BlueHybrid system uses lithium polymer batteries instead of the more conventional lithium ion batteries, to allow more flexibility when it comes to packaging.
While the gullwing doors and 22-inchers might not be seen on the production model, it’s nice seeing the elements on a crossover. They allow for an interesting concept CUV, the sort of design language that turn heads in shows.
Source: Autocar
Chicago 2009: RMR Red Bull Hyundai Genesis Coupe
May 12, 2009
Rhys Millen Racing is turning the Windy City into a smoldering pot of awesomeness with its modified RMR Red Bull Hyundai Genesis Coupe. The 550-horsepower drifter was unveiled at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show.
“We are applying everything we know about fabricating into building this car,” said Rhys Millen himself. The car makes extensive use of carbon fiber. You’ll find the material on the hood, roof, fenders, doors, and side skirts. This helps the Genesis shed weight and achieve the high levels of performance it was intended for.
It has a 4.1-liter engine equipped with a Turbonetics turbocharger and an engine management system from AEM. The transmission is by HKS. All of these help the RMR Genesis Coupe reach 550 horsepower with 520 lb.-ft. of torque. There are also rocker panels on the side skirts, a rear diffuser, Aerocatch hood scoops, and an APR rear wing.
The paint scheme is, of course, in Red Bull racing colors: blue, silver, the yellow-and-red charging bull, and the black of the carbon fiber panels. Millen will be using the RMR Red Bull Hyundai Genesis Coupe in various competitions, including the Formula Drift Professional Drifting Championship.
Source: Edmunds
Hyundai Genesis Prada Hits Seoul
March 2, 2009
Korean car manufacturer Hyundai and world-class Italian fashion label Prada have worked together to come up with the special edition Hyundai Genesis Prada, which was unveiled yesterday in Seoul.
The Hyundai Genesis Prada comes with customized interiors featuring special saffiano leather upholstery. The car also has a new Prada-designed body work, along with a set of 20-inch alloy wheels.
The car also sports a unique metallic blue color scheme. This paint job, along with titanium and dark matte plated gold trim for the grille, exterior door handles, and the emblem, helps bring out the Prada’s lines and curves. Inside, the car also gets some gold-plated detailing along with wood grain paneling.
The Hyundai Genesis sedan is already becoming quite popular, and this ultra-luxury version helps spice things up further. The addition of a high-end interior and enhanced exteriors really complement the already-sleek sedan. The collaboration is also a great boost for Hyundai’s bid to extend its products into the luxury segment.
Source: Motor Authority
Recent Comments