The Hyundai Santa Cruz has been talked about off and on since its debut as a concept in 2015. But it seems the truck is finally coming to fruition as some new spy shots reveal.
Compared to the concept which was an extended cab, Hyundai is using a crew cab layout. The bed is quite short, possibly around four to five feet being our guess. Up front, the Santa Cruz gets the same front end treatment as the refreshed 2021 Santa Fe - wider front grille and new headlight treatment.
Following in the footsteps of the Honda Ridgeline, the Santa Fe will be based on a unibody platform. In this case, the Santa Fe. This likely means power will come from either the 2.4L four-cylinder with 185 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque or turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder with 235 hp and 260 lb-ft. Our money is on the latter engine.
Expect more details to come out on the Santa Cruz before its launch next year.
Source: Autoblog, Car and Driver
Hyundai has announced that is has developed the world's first road noise countering active noise control system. While active noise control is available in many makes and models, it is limited to when the noise is constant and predictable.
Hyundai's new system is able to analyze noise at a much faster pace. The digital sound processor can respond to a noise in 0.002 seconds. Cabin microphones constantly monitor road noise and then the speaker system emits sound waves that cancel out drone or engine roughness. Hyundai says they are able to decrease cabin noise by up to 3dB. That means that noise is cut nearly in half as compared to running without RANC. In EVs that can make the ride almost completely silent.
The first application of this will be applied to an upcoming Genesis model, likely the Genesis SUV.
The Hyundai Sonata is likely to make a big splash with its good looks when it hits dealers in a few weeks. One thing that was missing from the original release of the Sonata was an up-level engine option. To review, the Sonata can be optioned with a 191 horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder or a 180 horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with a wide peak torque band and 195 lb.-ft. Gone is the 245 horsepower 2.0-liter turbo.
Back in April, Hyundai confirmed that it would produce an N-Line version of the car with 275 horsepower. That car is likely to be debuting at the LA Auto Show later this month. The kicker is the N-line is not the full performance edition like a Sonata N would be.
Now, rumors out of Korea via Korean Car Blog say that the full N will be coming late next year. Powering the Sonata N would be a 2.5-liter turbocharge direct injected engine producing at least 300 horsepower and 311 lb.-ft of torque. Power would be fed through an 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. This powertrain has already been shown at a 2019 Hyundai Kia Motors Powertrain Conference, so we know they'll be building this engine for something.
Of course, Hyundai has not commented on any of these rumors, so take a Sonata N with a grain of salt. Still, a performance tuned Sonata could make an exciting addition to the otherwise stale and fading mid-size car market.
Last week we reported on a teaser that Hyundai sent out about it's upcoming hydrogen truck concept. Today, it's here. Meet the HDC-6 Neptune, a Class-8 semi-truck that runs on hydrogen fuel cells. Hyundai says that fuel cells are a better fit for long haul driving than batteries due to the lower refueling time, higher range, and higher payload. The styling of the concept is inspired by the Art Deco designs by Henry Dreyfuss of the New York Central railroad in the 1930s.
The fuel cell powertrain gave Hyundai the opportunity to change the classic layout of a Class-8 truck. They took the technical requirements and found new ways to combine form and function. For example, the massive cooling requirements necessitated a grille that wrapped nearly all the way around the vehicle. Inside the grille are retractable steps up to the cab. The combination of both cab over engine and conventional truck formats gives the Neptune gains in packaging efficiency and ergonomics.
Hyundai plans to work with partners to pave the way for a hydrogen ecosystem specifically for commercial vehicles in the US. In Switzerland, Hyundai is building 1,600 fuel cell heavy-duty trucks with its partner H2 Energy.
In addition to the Neptune, Hyundai introduced a concept refrigerated trailer. The trailer is virtually noiseless compared to typical diesel powered refrigerated trailers. The trailer reduces pollution and emissions. The roof, front wall, and side walls are constructed of one-piece, structural sandwich foam panels with fiber reinforced polymer skins. The trailer is made without posts or roof bows and the entire design is lighter than a typical trailer while also increasing wall strength and enhancing thermal efficiency.
Hyundai Motor Group has announced they have developed the first Machine Learning based Smart Cruise Control (SCC-ML). This new technology can read the driver's behavior and incorporate the driving style into the cruise control's system. It incorporates artificial intelligence with advanced driver assistant system that is essential to self-driving technology.
Previously, the driver had to manually adjust factors like distance to the next vehicle and acceleration. Now with machine learning, the SCC can fine-tune these settings by reading a driver's habits. Even the same driver may accelerate differently depending on the situation. SCC is now able to read those different situations and adjust acceleration to the driver's preferences automatically.
The system is specifically programmed to avoid learning unsafe driving patterns.
The system is planned for Hyundai group vehicles in the future with an upcoming Highway Driving Assist system that features land change assist. SCC-ML achieves level 2.5 self driving.
Hyundai is set to debut a hydrogen powered fuel cell semi-truck at the North American Commercial Vehicle show in Atlanta next week. The truck, named the HDC-6 Neptune is named after the Roman god of the sea, the largest source of hydrogen on earth.
Not much is known yet about the truck, but in the teaser it is shown to be a very art deco design that Hyundai says is based on the streamline trains of the 1930s. Hyundai currently offers trucks from Class 2 to Class 8 and buses.
Look for an update on October 29th.
The EPA has released the fuel economy numbers for the 2020 Hyundai Venue and they look pretty darn good. Remember that the Hyundai Venue is offered with a choice of two transmissions, a 6-speed manual and a CVT. The CVT is the fuel miser with a rating of 30 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 32 mpg combined. The manual clocks in at 27 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined. The closest competitor, the Nissan Kicks does a little better at 31 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined. Other non-hybrid crossovers in the segment are a little bit larger and a bit more powerful, so the Venue beats them there.
The Venue is powered by a 1.6 liter 4-cylinder producing 121 horsepower and 113 lb.-ft of torque to the front wheels. All-wheel drive is not an option.
You can read more about our first impressions of the 2020 Hyundai Venue here.
Hyundai first showed the Santa Cruz pickup truck concept at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show and has teased the truck to the public in the 4 years since its debut. Now it seems that the Vice President of Product, Corporate, and Digital Planning is saying the Korean auto maker is expecting to enter the U.S. truck market soon with a model built in North America, and possibly in the U.S. Hyundai already builds the Santa Fe crossover in Montgomery Alabama.
The Santa Cruse that was shown at NAIAS was a crossover vehicle similar to the Honda Ridgeline and featured a 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine, a tailgate which could extend out further from the truck, and rear hinged rear doors. Given that Hyundai has already canceled plans for the diesel Santa Fe, don't expect one to make it into the Santa Cruz.
There is still no timeline for introduction or production of the consumer version, so if you're holding your breath for this truck, you'll have to keep holding a bit longer.
Last week, Hyundai released images of the 2020 Hyundai Sonata sedan, but was scant with the technical details. Today, Hyundai revealed that the 2020 Sonata will ride on a new Third-Generation platform designed to enhance safety, efficiency, and driving performance. The platform underpinning the 2020 Sonata will eventually find its way into other products.
On the safety front, the platform uses super high tensile steel, hot stamping, and a multi-load path structure. The Multi-load path helps in a collision by increasing the amount of energy absorbed by the structure and reduces intrusions into the passenger cabin. In a small frontal overlap crash, the tires are designed to move outward to prevent spinning and possible secondary collisions.
To make the Sonata more efficient, the platform directs the flow of air to optimize cooling and heat dissipation.
Stability and performance is enhanced by lowering the position of the engine and transmission to lower the overall center of gravity. Dramatically increased lateral stiffness helps with handling agility. Noise reduction is improved via reinforced sound-absorbing systems.
Additionally, Hyundai has teamed up with Bose to create a specially tuned premium sound system with 12 channels. The system will use Bose Centerpoint technology to take a stereo signal and convert it to multiple channels.
Powertrain information still has not been released.
The formal U.S. unveiling of the 2020 Hyundai Sonata is expected at the New York Auto Show next month.
Hyundai and Kia find in themselves in a bit of legal trouble. Last week, the law firm Hagens Berman filed a class-action lawsuit against the Korean automakers over an alleged defect on two engines; the 2.4L four-cylinder and turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder from the Theta II family.
The defect in question is a flaw in the engine design that “restricts or blocks oil flow to the engine’s moving parts, such as connecting rod bearings, prematurely wearing out those parts to the point that the engine parts seize, which stops engine operation while running. Engine seizure often causes internal parts, such as the connecting rods, to break and knock a hole in the engine, permitting fluids to leak and ignite a fire,” according to the lawsuit. More than 350 complaints have been filed on National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) on models equipped with these engines,
2011-2019 Hyundai Sonata
2011-2019 Kia Optima
2011-2019 Kia Sportage
2012-2019 Kia Sorento and Soul
2012-2019 Kia Soul
2013-2019 Hyundai Santa Fe
2013-2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
Bloomberg reports that NHTSA has opened an investigation into the "timeliness and scope of the carmakers’ recalls related to manufacturing errors in “Theta II” engines." Hyundai has issued two recalls in 2015 and 2017 for certain Sonata and Santa Fe models. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York meanwhile has opened a criminal investigation into this issue.
When reached for comment, Hyundai Motor declined to say anything about the lawsuit. In a statement, the company said that “nothing is more important than the safety and security of Hyundai customers,” noting that it is
cooperating with the U.S. Department of Transportation and the NHTSA.
“Over the past three years, we have held numerous meetings with DOT and NHTSA representatives, and proactively discussed and identified possible safety items for NHTSA’s evaluation, including the engine recalls. NHTSA has been fully briefed and kept apprised of these recalls and low rates of associated non-collision fires,” said Hyundai Motor.
Source: Bloomberg
Hyundai was planning on offering three different powertrains for the Santa Fe; the 2.4L four-cylinder as the base, an optional turbocharged 2.0L turbo-four, and a new 2.2L turbodiesel. The diesel would also be the only Santa Fe model to offer a third-row. But Green Car Reports has learned the diesel option has been canned.
Brandon Ramirez, a spokesman for Hyundai confirmed the cancellation of the diesel during a first drive event of the Palisade in South Korea. The reason was due studies showing that consumers were not as willing to purchase a diesel as before. Likely helping this is the downward trend in gas prices and the increasing push into electrification. The departure of the diesel also means no option of a third-row for the Santa Fe according to Ramirez.
This follows the announcement made by Kia back in October that the Sorento diesel option was canned.
Source: Green Car Reports
Chris Chapman, senior chief designer at Hyundai's Design Center has an ambitious plan for the coming years. He wants each Hyundai model to have their own visual identity.
"We're going for more of this chess-piece rather than the family look. We're using consistently shared elements … but we're going to avoid this sort of Russian-doll approach to our vehicles in the future," Chapman told reporters at the media launch of the Kona EV.
Designers will be tasked to give each model "a look that matches its intended use and customer." Take for example the Kona crossover which has a funky look that should appeal to a younger audience than the new Santa Fe. Another example is the Kona and Kona EV that have different design touches to set them apart.
"Both kind of have extroverted design, but they're dressed differently for different demographic purposes," Chapman said.
Part of Chapman's motivation for this comes from his past. As Roadshow notes, he worked as a designer at BMW during the Chris Bangle era which brought forth the problem of telling the difference between the 3, 5, and 7-Series. He said BMW referred to this as "Eine Wurst, drei Grosse" -- one sausage, three sizes. While he may not say it outright, reading between the lines reveals he would like to avoid this.
Source: Roadshow
Hyundai had a bit of surprise last night for journalists at the first drive event for the 2019 Santa Fe. They unveiled a refreshed 2019 Elantra sedan.
The company's designers really had a thing for triangles since there are a lot on the Elantra's front end. The headlights and cutouts in the front bumper are of the three-sided variety. The large grille appears to be borrowed from the Nexo hydrogen crossover. Around back, the Elantra takes the idea of a smoothed-out trunk lid from the Sonata. Inside, Hyundai only makes some minor changes with a new center stack design and updated trim pieces.
SEL models and above will get a number of active safety features such as blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane keep assist as standard.
The engine lineup is unchanged,
2.0L Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder with 147 horsepower - SE, SEL, Value Edition, and Limited
Turbocharged 1.4L four-cylinder with 129 horsepower - Eco
Turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder with 201 horsepower - Sport
No word on pricing, but the 2019 Elantra will be arriving at Hyundai dealers later this fall.
Source: Hyundai
Safety Comes First in the Redesigned 2019 Elantra
Hyundai SmartSense safety and convenience technologies enhance driver assurance
PARK CITY, Utah, Aug. 22, 2018 – The redesigned 2019 Elantra sedan conveys emotion with a new intense design, while delivering a sophisticated driving experience through Hyundai SmartSense safety and convenience technologies. Hyundai SmartSense offers a variety of advanced active safety and convenience features. SmartSense technologies available as options on the 2019 Elantra include: Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keep Assist, Driver Attention Assist and Safe Exit Assist. The newly designed 2019 Elantra will be available later this fall.
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) data shows that Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW), which are both integrated into Hyundai’s Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, are associated with a 50-percent reduction in rear-end collisions. In addition, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 94 percent of serious vehicle crashes involve human error, which is why advanced safety technologies like Lane Keep Assist have the potential to save lives.
2019 Elantra Sedan Updates
Exterior Design Changes
New hood, front fenders, front fascia, grille and headlights
New trunk, taillights and rear fascia
New 16- and 17-inch wheel designs
New 15-inch alloy wheel design on Eco trim
LED headlights applied to Limited and Sport trims
Interior Design Changes
New center cluster
Air vents
AVN/Audio/Temperature controls
Storage tray
New instrument cluster and housing
Hyundai SmartSense
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) applied to SEL trim and above
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) applied to SEL trim and above
Driver Attention Alert (DAA) applied to SEL trim and above
Safe Exit Assist (SEA) added to Limited with Ultimate Package
Interior Features
Standard: 5-inch color audio system
Bluetooth and steering wheel audio controls applied to SE manual
Blue Link® Connected Car System with three years of complimentary Blue Link services applied to Value Edition
Qi wireless charging applied to Limited
Available AVN 5.0 with faster processor, Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ and HERE HD Traffic 8-inch Multimedia Navigation System offered with higher level trims
Infinity premium audio with 8 speakers including a center channel and subwoofer applied to Limited
Smart Shift Drive Mode applied to SEL and above
Standard: Rear view camera with dynamic guidelines
Now in its sixth generation, the Elantra has sold more than 3 million units since its launch in the U.S. in 1991. Elantra has received numerous accolades including the most recent IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus for model year 2018. In addition to quality, reliability and being backed by America’s Best Warranty, the JD Power IQS recently awarded Hyundai third place overall in the highly regarded industry quality study. The Elantra is built in Hyundai’s Montgomery, Alabama plant and its Ulsan, South Korea facility.
“Refinements to both the interior and exterior were initiated on the 2019 Elantra to maintain its emotional design character and include affordable and desired features,” said Scott Margason, director, product planning, Hyundai. “The hood, front fenders, fascia, grille and headlights as well as the rear fascia, trunk and taillights each have been redesigned to convey a catchy and confident image. On the rear of the vehicle, the license plate has been relocated to the lower fascia to further enhance the new body sculpture.”
Safety
Cutting-edge SmartSense safety features have been added to the 2019 Elantra. Most of these features have been added to the SEL trim level and above meaning they are now available on 75 percent of the Elantra lineup. SmartSense safety features have been added to the SEL, Value Edition, Eco, Limited and Sport (SEL and above) trims and include the following:
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (camera-only type) that is designed to help detect and monitor the vehicle ahead and warn the driver if a collision may be imminent. The system also initiates automatic braking when it detects a slower or stopped vehicle ahead.
Lane Keep Assist that detects the lane on the road and may apply steering wheel control if the vehicle leaves the lane when the vehicle speed is over 40 mph.
Driver Attention Alert that warns the driver of tired driving patterns with an audible alert and visual warning displayed on the instrument cluster.
SmartSense features included on the Elantra Limited with Ultimate Package include:
Safe Exit Assist that may sound an alert when a vehicle approaches from behind letting passengers know it may not be safe to open the door to exit the vehicle.
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection is a technology that utilizes both the front forward-facing radar and camera through sensor fusion to help detect a vehicle or pedestrian, and warn the driver of a potential collision. If the driver does not react to avoid the impact, the system may apply emergency braking in certain circumstances.
Additional Smart Sense Safety features include:
Blind-Spot Collision Warning with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Lane Change Assist.
Next Generation Infotainment: Audio/Video/Navigation (AVN) 5.0 with HD Traffic
The 2019 Elantra also debuts with Hyundai’s next generation AVN 5.0 infotainment system. This system features an upgraded processor for greater responsiveness, as well as an 8-inch screen vs. the 7-inch screen in the last generation Elantra. Using presets with AVN 5.0 is a snap because AM, FM and SiriusXM channels are now combined on one screen and also feature HERE HD Traffic (without a subscription). A bird’s eye view has also been added to navigation maps and drivers can now get traffic flow and incident data without ever paying for a subscription via HD Radio.
The Elantra is available with conveniences like Infinity Premium Audio with Clari-Fi™, Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto™ and wireless smartphone charging.
Engine Performance
The Elantra features two engine options that provide fuel efficiency and a third engine option in the Elantra Sport model. The SE, SEL and Limited offer the Nu 2.0L MPI Atkinson Cycle engine with 147 hp @6200 RPM and Eco offers the Kappa 1.4L Turbo-GDI with 128 hp @5500 RPM. The Eco model achieves an EPA estimated 35 mpg combined fuel economy rating thanks to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission.
Elantra Sport Trim
The redesigned 2019 Elantra Sport will debut later in 2018 and have similar design changes to the other models. Hyundai will release more details in the fall. Mechanically, it will have the same level of differentiation as the 2018 model. The Elantra Sport trim features a 1.6L Turbo-GDI engine, 6-speed manual transmission or available seven-speed dual clutch transmission, a sporty interior and revised trim headliner, advanced technology and connectivity, paddle shifters, sport front seats with leather, flat-bottom, leather-wrapped steering wheel, a sport instrument cluster and door trim garnish. The Elantra Sport features multi-link independent rear suspension which improves the dynamic performance and allows for greater flexibility in tuning.
Trim Levels
The 2019 Hyundai Elantra offers 6 trim levels—SE, SEL, Value Edition, Limited and Eco or Sport.
If you wanted an long-range electric vehicle that didn't have a Tesla badge, your best choice was the Chevrolet Bolt EV as it offered a range of 238 miles. But there is a new long-range EV champion/
The EPA has announced the figures for the 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric. It will have a maximum range of 258 miles, which is 20 miles more than the Chevrolet Bolt. It also soundly beats a number of other competitors,
107 miles more than a Nissan Leaf (151 mile range)
134 miles more than a Hyundai Ioniq Electric (124 mile range)
169 miles more than a Honda Clarity EV (89 mile range)
Of course, the Tesla Model 3 Long Range beats the Kona Electric soundly with a range of 310 miles. But standard range Model 3 trails it by 33 miles (215 mile range).
No word on pricing, but the Kona Electric will go on sale towards the end of the year.
Source: EPA
Hyundai's N performance division has seen early success with the i30 N in Europe, already hitting its full-year sales target at the end of June and customers waiting six to seven months to get their vehicle. This has the brand encouraged that the upcoming Veloster N due for the U.S. later this year will see similar success. It also has N planning two more models, along with the possibility of a third.
According to Automotive News, the first of the two new N models will the i30 Fastback N, debuting at the Paris Motor Show in October. This model wasn't originally planned, but would be green-lighted after Hyundai-Kia design chief Peter Schreyer showed a mock-up to Albert Biermann, head of vehicle testing and high-performance development. Following this is a possibly an SUV. We've heard reports that it could be the Tucson or Kona.
Biermann said there could be a fifth model in the wings.
"There's a car within the next two or three months that we probably have a chance to show to Vice Chairman Chung [Eui-sun] and our top management. Depending on what is the current mood and situation, we might get a spontaneous 'OK, go for it,' " he told Automotive News.
Also being talked about at N is what alternative powertrains could power their vehicles.
"When we think of cars after 2021 for N, I think we cannot avoid electrification. We will have an EV sooner or later. It's just a matter of timing," said Biermann.
"As an example, we have an Ioniq EV. Were we to find a nice battery, a bigger motor and inverter, we could make an Ioniq EV N with a nice chassis and more power. Something like that is not fully crazy."
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)
Hyundai's N performance division is beginning to make itself known with the i30 N for Europe and the Veloster N for North America. But the group has its eyes set on something bigger.
“I can tell you Albert Biermann [Hyundai engineering boss] and myself are interested in hot things and have some ideas in the pipeline for a halo model - rest assured we are coming up with something,” said Thomas Schemera, vice president of Hyundai's high-performance and motorsport.
Schemera wouldn't spill any details about the vehicle, only saying that more information would be revealed soon. According to Auto Express, there is an internal debate going on as to what the 'halo' model will look like - a two-seater coupe and a four-door sedan are in the discussions.
Source: Auto Express, Roadshow
Hyundai has announced the pricing for the redesigned Santa Fe that will be arriving later this summer. Pricing will range from $26,480 for the base SE FWD equipped with the 2.4L four-cylinder (185 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque) to $39,780 for the Ultimate AWD with the turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder (235 hp and 260 lb-ft). Prices include a $980 destination charge.
So what do you get for your money?
SE: 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility; and Hyundai SmartSense (suite of active and passive safety features including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and high beam assist).
SEL: Keyless entry and start, heated side mirrors, 7-inch color screen for the instrument cluster, power driver's seat, and heated front seats.
SEL Plus: 18-inch wheels, hands-free tailgate, dual-zone automatic climate control system, and a 12-speaker Infinity audio system with a subwoofer.
Limited: LED headlights and taillights; panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, and power passenger's seat.
Ultimate: Surround-view camera system, rain-sensing wipers, heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, color heads up display, and a 8-inch infotainment system with navigation.
Be aware that the Santa Fe will be replacing the Sport in Hyundai's lineup. The current Santa Fe with three-rows will be renamed the Santa Fe XL. It will be replaced by a new three-row crossover in the near future.
Source: Hyundai
Hyundai Announces Pricing for All-New 2019 Santa Fe
Entry level price only increases $550 easily offset with more content when compared with the 2018 Santa Fe Sport
Fourth generation model offers family-oriented interior, loaded with practical cutting-edge technologies, bold exterior looks and Hyundai SmartSense safety and convenience features
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., June 27, 2018 – Hyundai Motor America has announced pricing for its all-new 2019 Santa Fe, starting at $25,500 for the SE 2.4 model. New standard features on the 2019 Santa Fe SE trim include:
Hyundai SmartSense
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist
Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
Safe Exit Assist
Lane Keeping Assist
Driver Attention Warning
Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go
High Beam Assist
Bolder design
Increased visibility, cabin and storage space
Idle Stop and Go
Eight-speed automatic transmission
Improved EPA estimated fuel economy of 25 mpg combined
Rear View Monitor with parking guidance
Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™
Dual front and rear 2.1-amp USB charge ports
The all-new Santa Fe includes all of this with a small price increase of $550 compared with the 2018 Santa Fe Sport.
The five-passenger Santa Fe Sport is now called Santa Fe. The current long wheelbase three-row, seven-passenger model called Santa Fe will be renamed Santa Fe XL for the 2019 model year. An all-new three-row, eight-passenger SUV is currently under development and will carry an all-new name.
“The new Santa Fe underlines our commitment to safety through new standard features like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president, product, corporate and digital planning, Hyundai Motor America. “We have been a leader in adopting key safety features into our vehicles at attractive prices. Families are going to really appreciate Santa Fe’s blend of technology, interior space and striking looks.”
Model
Drivetrain
MSRP*
SE 2.4
Front-Wheel Drive
$25,500
SE 2.4
All-Wheel Drive
$27,200
SEL 2.4
Front-Wheel Drive
$27,600
SEL 2.4
All-Wheel Drive
$29,300
SEL Plus 2.4
Front-Wheel Drive
$29,800
SEL Plus 2.4
All-Wheel Drive
$31,500
Limited 2.4
Front-Wheel Drive
$32,600
Limited 2.4
All-Wheel Drive
$34,300
Ultimate 2.4
Front-Wheel Drive
$35,450
Ultimate 2.4
All-Wheel Drive
$37,150
Limited 2.0T
Front-Wheel Drive
$34,200
Limited 2.0T
All-Wheel Drive
$35,900
Ultimate 2.0T
Front-Wheel Drive
$37,100
Ultimate 2.0T
All-Wheel Drive
$38,800
*Freight charges for the 2019 model year Santa Fe are $980. Pricing in this release does not include freight.
Hyundai's N performance division has its eye on building a hotted-up Kona.
Albert Biermann, head of the N sub-brand tells Auto Express that he has asked engineers to begin work on a test mule. Biermann also revealed what engine could be under the hood, a turbocharged 2.0L four from the i30 N.
“I’ve told them [the engineers] to build the car and we’ll see what happens with getting it approved. It has to be the i30 N powertrain, really. Of course, we can give Kona different specifications on suspension and steering, although there are some common components we can use in that area as well, because it’ll be front-wheel drive, like the i30 N. But we already know that it has to be that car’s engine and gearbox for the Kona N, yes,” said Biermann.
Emphasis mine. Hyundai's top brass needs to give the green light to make the Kona N a reality. We're assuming by building a test mule, it may give N some leverage to possibly make it into a production model.
Auto Express says that the Kona N would use the 250 horsepower variant of the turbo-four, and not the 271 horsepower version available with an optional Performance Pack.
Source: Auto Express
Ever since Hyundai revealed the Santa Cruz concept back at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show, there have been questions whether or not it would make it to production. The last we heard anything about the truck was last August where the home office finally gave the green light to go forward with the project. No time frame was given at the time.
Speaking to Motor Trend, Hyundai Motor America's chief operating officer Brian Smith said Santa Cruz will likely arrive in 2020 or so. Smith also revealed that the model would be using the Tuscon's platform.
“We love it, we talk about it a lot,” said Smith.
It is unclear whether Hyundai is planning to change up the Santa Cruz's design or not.
Getting the Santa Cruz from concept to this point has been long and arduous. Then-CEO Dave Zuchowski pushed hard for this model to go into production after it got enough positive feedback. In 2016, Hyundai reportedly gave the ok for the project to go forward and Zuchowski said an official announcement was coming. The plan was to have the Santa Fe launched in 2018 as a 2019 model. But things fell apart only a year later as Zuchowski was shown the door due to falling sales. The champion for the Santa Cruz was lost and the model was up in the air.
Now, it seems things are back on track.
Source: Motor Trend
Auto Express had the chance to speak with Byung Kwon Rhim, Hyundai's global head of sales at the reveal of the 2019 Santa Fe last week. The topic of the N performance division came up and Auto Express asked if there are plans for expansion.
"Tucson is under development, and other models will come after that,” Rhim said.
We first heard about a fast Tucson last May when the head of N, Albert Biermann expressed interest in building one.
"We started with the [i30] C segment and the Fastback [coupe] will follow and we are already working on some other concepts for the B segment [Accent] and SUV also. Right now we are open," said Biermann.
Auto Express thinks the Tucson N could debut sometime in 2019. It may feature the 275 horsepower, 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder found under the hoods of the i30 N and upcoming Veloster N
Source: Auto Express
