William Maley

It's special to me because it actually might be a competitive hybrid sedan from GM. I look at their last two attempts with Malibu (with the mild hybrid system) and they were terrible. At least this sedan might have a chance of being decent. How many they'll actually sell... Not many, I would expect.

The Consumer Electronics Show in January is looking to be an interesting one for cars. GM will introduce the production version of the Chevrolet Bolt and CEO Mary Barra will do the official keynote. Volkswagen will also be showing a few things at CES, including a new concept car. Volkswagen says the concept "marks the beginning of a new era of affordable long-distance electromobility." A teaser shot of the concept shows an illuminated grille and narrow headlights. Some believe the concept is actually a new Microbus with an EV powerplant. Volkswagen will also reveal some new developments on the infotainment system front. Source: Volkswagen Press Release is on Page 2 Volkswagen at the CES 2016: The Focus is on Networking and Long-Distance Electromobility The starting shot for the Volkswagen brand's future initiative Dr Herbert Diess presents the keynote speech on the eve of the world's largest consumer technology trade show for digital trends and electronics development Wolfsburg, 11 December 2015 – In 2016 Volkswagen is once again represented at the Consumer Electronics Show, CES, which takes place from 6 - 9 January in Las Vegas/USA. Dr Herbert Diess, Chairman of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand, will be the keynote speaker on the evening before the show opens its doors. The main focus of his speech will be on the latest developments in electromobility, as well as the next generation of connectivity. Volkswagen will present a completely new concept car at the CES, to illustrate the major changes that the car is set to go through in the next few years. First and foremost the world premiere marks the beginning of a new era of affordable long-distance electromobility. Over and above this, innovative features will demonstrate the benefits to the customer that Volkswagen will be able to deliver in the near future thanks to the increasing interconnectedness of the motor car. As well as that, new display and operating concepts will also be making their debut in Las Vegas. For instance, Volkswagen will give quite a clear glimpse of the latest developments in in-car infotainment that are on the verge of being launched onto the market. This will see innovations such as the Golf R Touch concept car finding their way into Volkswagen's broad product portfolio. The CES has long been considered a reliable barometer of the key trends in digitalisation and consumer electronics. The latest products and services are presented to more than 150,000 trade visitors every January. View full article

Volvo is in the midsts of revitalizing their lineup with the XC90 currently on sale, and the S90 going on sale next year. But there is some talk of a new coupe coming. Auto Express spoke with Thomas Ingenlath, Volvo's senior vice president of design. Ingenlath said the trio of concepts shown Frankfurt, Detroit, and Geneva in 2013 and 2014 would carry the brand far. The XC Coupe previewed the XC90 and the Concept Estate is a hint at the upcoming V90 wagon. So this could mean a production version the Concept Coupe coming to Volvo's lineup. Now Ingenlath says that Volvo will focus on the volume models for the time being, meaning that the coupe - named S90 in the report - will arrive at the earliest in 2020. It will most likely use the SPA platform that underpins the XC90 and S90. Source: Auto Express View full article

Ford announced yesterday a massive investment for electric and hybrid vehicles. Mark Fields, CEO of Ford says the company plans on spending $4.5 billion by 2020 to bring out 13 electric and hybrid models, increasing the current percentage of electric and hybrid models from 13 to 40 percent. Now this announcement comes at an interesting time as sales of electric and hybrid vehicles are dropping due to low gas prices. According to Autodata Corp, sales of Ford's hybrids through November dropped 25 percent to 59,301 vehicles. The Nissan Leaf saw sales drop 41 percent through November. “Certainly, the gas prices that we’re seeing right now don’t help the electric-vehicle sales. We’ve got a lot to do to inform and educate the customer about the advantages of not just the battery-electric vehicles, but plug-in hybrids in particular and hybrids,” said Raj Nair, Ford's product development chief. But Ford is looking to the future with this investment as stricter emission standards are coming. “We’re going to see more and more companies invest in electrified vehicles because at the moment there’s some very stringent 2025 emission standards. The way to get there is using electrification. It’s a significant investment, but it’s the way the industry is moving forward,” said Michelle Krebs, senior analyst at AutoTrader.com. Source: Bloomberg View full article

Chevrolet is gearing up to launch its newest hybrid, the Mailbu Hybrid. When it goes on sale in the spring, it will carry a base price of $28,645 (includes a $875 destination charge). Now compared to the standard Malibu, the Hybrid is about $6,145 more. The Malibu Hybrid is also slightly more expensive than the Ford Fusion Hybrid (about $3,000) and Toyota Camry Hybrid (about $2,000). But the high price does mean a lot of equipment for the hybrid. Standard on all models is 10 airbags, cruise control, push-button start with passive entry, a 7-inch touchscreen with Chevrolet MyLink, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, and a backup camera. Power comes from a 1.8L four-cylinder and an electric motor delivering a total output of 181. GM says the Malibu Hybrid is capable of getting 48 MPG in the City/45 MPG on the Highway/41 Combined. This is better than any other midsize hybrid sedan on sale. Source: Chevrolet Press Release is on Page 2 NEXT-GEN CHEVROLET MALIBU HYBRID LT STARTS AT $28,645 Projected to offer 48 MPG city using technologies borrowed from Volt DETROIT – The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid LT, which achieves a General Motors’-estimated 48 mpg city, will be available this spring with a starting price of $28,645. “The Malibu leverages knowledge and technology directly from the second-generation Chevrolet Volt,” said Steve Majoros, marketing director of Chevrolet Cars and Crossovers. “By leveraging technology, we are broadening our level of expertise and lessons learned to bring consumers a world-class hybrid.” With an all-new, hybrid powertrain that uses a slightly modified drive unit and electric motors used in the 2016 Chevrolet Volt, the Malibu Hybrid offers a GM-estimated 48 mpg city, 45 mpg highway – and 47 mpg combined, unsurpassed in the midsize car segment. Official EPA estimates are pending. The Malibu Hybrid model includes standard Chevrolet MyLink Radio with 7-inch diagonal color touch screen, available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a rear vision camera. CarPlay and Android Auto are products of Apple and Google and their terms, data plan rates and privacy statements apply and require a compatible smartphone. Other standard equipment on the Malibu Hybrid includes 10 airbags, cruise control and push-button start with passive entry. Anew Ecotec 1.8L hybrid optimized direct-injected engine is mated with a two-motor electric drive unit. The 2016 Malibu Hybrid offers several new-to-Malibu safety technologies including Lane Keep Assist, Front Pedestrian Braking and Low Speed Front Automatic Braking. Teen Driver, available on all Malibu models, helps support safe driving habits by muting the audio or any device paired with the vehicle when front-seat occupants aren’t wearing their seat belts. It is also the first in-vehicle system in the industry that lets parents view information on how their teenagers drove the vehicle, which can be a teaching tool to reinforce safe driving habits. The 2016 Malibu is built at the GM Fairfax Assembly facility, in Kansas City, Kan. from globally sourced parts. View full article

Next year will see the introduction of the next-generation Porsche Boxster and Cayman. The new models will also boast new names; the 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman. You might be wondering what the deal is with 718. Porsche didn't just pull this number out of hat. 718 is referencing the 1959 718 racecar with a mid-mounted, four-cylinder engine. When the new Boxster and Cayman are introduced, they will also have a mid-mounted, four-cylinder. But unlike the 718 racecar, the Boxster and Cayman's four-cylinder will be turbocharged. Porsche says the two models "will share more similarities than ever before," both visually and mechanically. Also, the next-generation Boxster will cost more than the Cayman. Currently, the Cayman is slightly more expensive than the Boxster. Source: Porsche Press Release is on Page 2 Boxster and Cayman to be branded as 718 model range next year Porsche's mid-engine sports cars to receive new name Atlanta, Georgia. The mid-engine sports cars from Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG will be named 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman, respectively, when the models are introduced over the course of 2016. The 718 designation is a reference to the ground-breaking sports car Porsche introduced back in 1957, which achieved great success in a number of renowned car races. The 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman will share more similarities than ever before – both visually and technically. In the future, both will have equally powerful turbocharged flat-four cylinder engines. The Roadster will be positioned at a higher price level than the Coupe – as is the case with the 911 models. The 718 model range is driven by the four-cylinder concept and the history of distinguished Porsche sports cars. The latest example is the 919 Hybrid LMP1 race car, which is powered by a highly-efficient, turbocharged 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine. This powerplant not only helped Porsche finish first and second in the 24 hours of Le Mans, but it also helped win the manufacturer's and driver's championship titles in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) this year. With these victories, the 919 Hybrid has showcased the performance potential of future sports car engines from Porsche. History of the 718: flat-four cylinder engine has achieved many racing victories Flat-four cylinder engines have a long tradition at Porsche – and they have enjoyed incredible success. In the late 1950s, the 718 – a successor to the legendary Porsche 550 Spyder – represented the highest configuration level of the flat-four cylinder engine. Whether it was at the 12-hour race in Sebring in 1960 or the European Hill Climb Championship which ran between 1958 and 1961, the Porsche 718 prevailed against numerous competitors with its powerful and efficient flat-four cylinder engine. The 718 took first place twice between 1959 and 1960 at the legendary Italian Targa Florio race in Sicily. At the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in 1958, the 718 RSK with its 142-hp four-cylinder engine achieved a significant class victory. View full article

Not a pleasant day at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles as the company was handed a $70 Million fine by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for failing to report death and injury claims to regulators. Now this penalty comes from FCA admitting to NHTSA that it failed to provide Early Warning Report data to NHTSA over several years starting in 2003. Now this is required by the TREAD Act of 2000 where an automaker provides claims of death and injuries, warranty claims, consumer complaints and field reports of safety issues as a way to identify a possible defect. Automotive News reports that FCA has brought in a third-party to do an audit of its reporting failures. “FCA US LLC accepts these penalties and is revising its processes to ensure regulatory compliance. However, FCA US is confident that it identified and addressed all issues that arose during the relevant time period, using alternate data sources.” FCA said in a statement. This new fine is in addition to a $70 Million penalty that FCA agreed to pay in July to settle a probe by the U.S. government into a pattern of violations found in FCA’s handling of 23 recalls since 2009. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), NHTSA Press Release is on Page 2 View full article

This morning at Volkswagen's headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany, executives admitted there were parts of the company "tolerated breaches of rules" and would be 'relentless' in finding those involved in the diesel emission scandal. Volkswagen Chairman Hans Dieter Pötsch told reporters at the press conference that investigations into the affair were going well, but it would take time for the investigation to figure out which individuals were the key players. Poestch also reiterated that a small group of individuals were involved in the cheating. The key question is how did the cheating happen in the first place? Poetsch explained there were three key reasons, “Mindset in some areas of the Company that tolerated breaches of rules.” Misconduct of individuals Flaws in processes that prevent issues like this "It is clear that, in the past, deficiencies in processes have favored misconduct on the part of individuals. This is true, for example, for test and certification processes affecting our engine control devices, which were not suited to preventing use of the software in question. Group Audit has suggested specific remedies to correct this. We are concentrating on structuring these processes more transparently and systematically. For example, in the future, software for engine control devices will be developed more strictly in accordance with the 4-eyes principle. In addition, the bodies responsible for the release of such software are being reorganized," Volkswagen said in a statement. Aside from an internal investigation, Volkswagen has also brought in the law firm Jones Day to do an external investigation. The firm is expected to present the results of their investigation in April during Volkswagen' annual meeting. Volkswagen CEO Matthias Mueller also spoke at the conference and announced that changes were coming to how Volkswagen corporate structure will look like. Muller is also committed to keeping the twelve brands and protecting jobs. "We will not allow the crisis to paralyze us. Although the current situation is serious, this company will not be broken by it," said Muller. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), Jalopnik, Volkswagen Press Release is on Page 2 Volkswagen making good progress with its investigation, technical solutions, and Group realignment Initial results of the emissions investigation available Approximately 450 external and internal experts involved in the investigations 100 terabytes of data secured – equivalent to information in approximately 50 million books Volkswagen will have future emissions tests evaluated independently Technical solutions for customers in Europe developed; implementation to begin in January 2016 Group realignment making good progress The Volkswagen Group’s realignment is well underway. The Group is making progress on all five of the priorities it set at the end of October: The technical solutions for customers in Europe have been devised, presented to the authorities, and positively evaluated by them. These solutions will begin to be implemented in January 2016. The emissions investigation is producing results, and initial consequences have already been drawn based on the findings to date. The implementation of the new structure is proceeding according to plan, and the process of developing a new strategy has commenced. The Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Volkswagen AG, Hans Dieter Pötsch, told the press in Wolfsburg today: “The Volkswagen Group is fully functional in every respect, even during these eventful days. How, and when we meet the current challenges is primarily – although not solely – up to us. In order to pass this test, we must make an enormous, common effort – and we are all ready to do so.” The Chairman of the Board of Management, Matthias Müller, said: “We are doing everything to overcome the current situation, but we will not allow the crisis to paralyze us. On the contrary, we will use it as a catalyst to make the changes Volkswagen needs.” For the first time, the Company provided detailed commentary on the status of its investigation, which is being coordinated by a special committee of the Supervisory Board. Approximately 450 internal and external experts are involved in the investigations, which are being conducted in two phases. An internal review, being conducted by a task force of experts from various Group companies with a clearly defined mandate and a deadline, is focused on the mandate to Group Audit by the Supervisory Board and the Management Board to investigate relevant processes, reporting and monitoring systems, and the associated infrastructure. Group Audit will provide its findings to the external experts of Jones Day. The Supervisory Board has given this internationally respected law firm a parallel mandate to completely clarify the facts and responsibilities – i.e., among other things, it has been asked to conduct a forensic investigation. In connection with its work, Jones Day is being provided with operational support by the audit firm Deloitte. Group Audit has identified process weak points As reported on Wednesday, extensive internal investigations, which were subject to external independent review, did not confirm the suspicion of irregularities during the CO2 certification process. Now, the first significant findings in the investigation of the nitrogen oxide (NOx) issue are available. Group Audit’s examination of the relevant processes indicates that the software-influenced NOx emissions behavior was due to the interaction of three factors: The misconduct and shortcomings of individual employees Weaknesses in some processes A mindset in some areas of the Company that tolerated breaches of rules. It is clear that, in the past, deficiencies in processes have favored misconduct on the part of individuals. This is true, for example, for test and certification processes affecting our engine control devices, which were not suited to preventing use of the software in question. Group Audit has suggested specific remedies to correct this. We are concentrating on structuring these processes more transparently and systematically. For example, in the future, software for engine control devices will be developed more strictly in accordance with the 4-eyes principle. In addition, the bodies responsible for the release of such software are being reorganized. They will be given more sharply defined and binding powers and responsibilities. Deficiencies were also found in reporting and monitoring systems. The main problem there was that responsibilities were not sufficiently clear. Volkswagen will now further sharpen them. Group Audit also found deficiencies in some areas of Volkswagen’s IT infrastructure. These deficiencies will also be remedied. Volkswagen will introduce IT systems that allow individual processes to be monitored with greater efficiency and transparency. This will simultaneously reduce our dependence on individuals when problematic processes have to be identified and, if necessary, escalated. As Pötsch stated: “Group Audit’s investigation is producing valuable findings, which will help us create a structure that, rather than favoring breaches of regulations, will prevent them, or at least allow them to be detected early on.” The Company has already drawn a key conclusion based on Group Audit’s findings, namely that its testing practice must undergo comprehensive changes. Volkswagen has decided that in the future emissions test will be evaluated externally and independently. In addition, randomly selected real-life tests to assess emissions behavior on the road will be introduced. Chairman of the Supervisory Board Pötsch stated: “We hope that this will help Volkswagen regain lost trust.” More time is required for the external investigation Although Group Audit’s analysis of the processes will be concluded shortly, Jones Day will need well into next year in order to finish its work. The external investigators will need more time for their investigation, for two reasons. The first is that they have a massive volume of data to screen. At present, 102 terabytes of information have been secured, which is the equivalent of the information contained in approximately 50 million books. More than 1,500 electronic data storage units have been collected from approximately 380 employees. The second reason is that their investigation of the facts takes legal responsibility into account. Therefore, their findings must not only be plausible and consistent, but must also hold up in court. Volkswagen plans to provide a status update on the external investigation at its Annual General Meeting on April 21, 2016. The information that has been screened to date has largely explained the origin and development of the nitrogen oxide issue. It proves not to have been a one-time error, but rather a chain of errors that were allowed to happen. The starting point was a strategic decision to launch a large-scale promotion of diesel vehicles in the United States in 2005. Initially, it proved impossible to have the EA 189 engine meet by legal means the stricter nitrogen oxide requirements in the United States within the required timeframe and budget. This led to the incorporation of software that adjusted nitrogen oxide emission levels according to whether vehicles were on the road or being tested. Later, when an effective technical process was available to reduce NOx emissions, it was not employed to the full extent possible. On the contrary, the software in question allowed the exhaust gas treatment additive “AdBlue” to be injected in variable amounts such that the NOx values were particularly low when vehicles were in the test bay, but significantly higher when vehicles were on the road. Hans Dieter Pötsch stressed that, “No business transaction justifies overstepping legal and ethical bounds.” As a first step, nine managers who may have been involved in the manipulations were suspended. Pötsch emphasized: “I here and now guarantee that we will pursue our thorough investigation to its conclusion. I vouch for this personally, as does the entire Supervisory Board of Volkswagen AG.” Technical solutions, which have been positively evaluated by the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (“Kraftfahrtbundesamt”), are now available for the European variants of the EA 189 engine type affected. Volkswagen is thus ensuring that the models affected in Europe will meet all legal requirements in the future. The costs of implementing these solutions will be manageable in technical, manufacturing, and financial terms. The software of the 2.0 and 1.2 liter TDI will be updated. For the 1.6 liter TDI, a so-called flow transformer will be used that increases the measurement precision and, in combination with redesigned software, will optimize injection quantity. Now that the technical solutions have been approved, Volkswagen is working intensely on plans to implement them. The recall of the highest-volume variant, the 2.0 liter TDI, will begin in January 2016. The recall of the 1.2 liter TDI is currently scheduled to begin in the second quarter. The implementation phase for the 1.6 liter models is planned to begin in the third quarter to allow time to prepare for the hardware modification. Under the current plan, the entire initiative will take at least all of calendar year 2016. Matthias Müller, Chairman of the Board of Management, promised: "Volkswagen will not rest until this matter has been resolved once and for all to our customers’ satisfaction.” Volkswagen will inform the owners of the affected vehicles individually as to when their vehicles will be updated. Volkswagen guarantees that the solutions will be implemented free of charge. The company waives any statute of limitations for the technical solutions, and will provide an appropriate replacement vehicle if required. Due to far stricter nitrogen oxide limits in the United States, it is a greater technical challenge to retrofit the vehicles such that all applicable emissions limits can be met with one and the same emissions strategy. To this end, Volkswagen is cooperating closely with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The solution designed for North America will be presented as soon as it has been approved by the responsible authorities. Implementation of the new Group structure commenced Parallel to overcoming the crisis, Volkswagen is also instituting a comprehensive new alignment that affects the structure of the Group, as well as its way of thinking and its strategic goals. Volkswagen will be managed in a more decentralized fashion in the future, and its brands and regions will be granted more independence. The Group’s Board of Management is fully focused on its core task: advancing the major, global issues for the future, as well as synergies, controls, and strategy. Volkswagen will have significant input to the technical changes that have a major impact on its own business model, becoming more agile, and streamlining its decision-making processes. In addition, Volkswagen will become leaner and improve cost efficiency. All these structural changes ultimately aim to reduce managerial complexity and ensure that the Group can be effectively led over the long term. At an organizational level, with the appointment of Dr. Christine Hohmann-Dennhardt, the Integrity & Law area will be represented as its own department on the Group’s Board of Management in the future – a clear indication that these issues are extremely important to Volkswagen. Significantly more importance will be attached to digitalization, which will report directly to the Chairman of the Board of Management. Overall, direct reports will be reduced from more than 30 to 19. The renewal of personnel in the Group has recently again been given new impetus. Since the beginning of 2015, the Group’s Board of Management has seen six new members join, seven of the brands have had their top personnel changed, and eight departments falling within the CEO’s area of responsibility now have new heads. Müller stated: "The team with which we wish to address the challenges of the coming months and years is in place.” The details of the new structure are to be worked out in the first quarter of 2016. The new structure will be in place Group-wide by the start of 2017. New mindset initiated Müller noted: “We can have the best people, and a great organization, but we can do nothing without the right attitude and mentality.” During the upcoming process of change toward a new way of thinking, Volkswagen can build on its traditional strengths: quality consciousness, strong identification with its vehicles, and a high degree of social responsibility. According to Müller, the future will be about more open discussions, closer cooperation, and a willingness to allow mistakes if they are understood as an opportunity to learn. The Chairman of the Board of Management stated, “We don’t need yes-men, but managers and engineers who make good arguments in support of their convictions and projects, who think and act like entrepreneurs. I am calling for people who are curious, independent, and pioneering. People who follow their instincts and are not merely guided by the possible consequences of impending failure. In short: the future at Volkswagen belongs to the bold. We need a little more Silicon Valley, coupled with the competence from Wolfsburg, Ingolstadt, Stuttgart, and the other Group locations.” New strategic destination under development In addition, Volkswagen has initiated development of a new strategic target: “Strategy 2025”, with which Volkswagen will address the main issues for the future, is scheduled to be presented in mid 2016. Müller explained, “We are realigning Volkswagen strategically and technologically. Our goal is to courageously and decisively participate in shaping the future of mobility.” Among other things, the Group aims to achieve a significant expansion of its sales outside of its current core business. Furthermore, a digitalization and an electrification offensive are being prepared. In parallel, Volkswagen is currently doing everything it can to limit the effect the current situation has on its business performance. The operating business is meeting expectations, and the 2015 annual forecast, which was updated at the end of October, remains unchanged. The sales figures are very mixed as regards the various markets and brands. Müller explained, “Overall, the situation is not dramatic, but, as was to be expected, it's tense.” In summary, the Chairman of the Board of Management stated: “Although the current situation is serious, this company will not be broken by it. We have a clear mission: we will create a new, better, and stronger Volkswagen. A company that uses its strengths to make the transition to the new world of automobiles. A company that now releases new forces, and takes better advantage of its huge potential. And, last but not least, a company that will be successful over the long term on the basis of strong values.” View full article

Now for something completely out of left field. A report from Motoring.com.au says the next-generation Subaru WRX STI could go hybrid. A source tells the Australian website that the Japanese automaker has two hybrid systems under development as a way to increase performance while improving fuel economy and emission levels. The first system pairs a turbocharged 2.0L boxer-four with an electric motor and six-speed dual-clutch automatic. Total output of this stands at 321 horsepower, about 20 horsepower more than the current STI. The other system is a plug-in hybrid that would have the turbocharged engine powering the front wheels, while the back wheels will be solely powered by an electric motor on the rear axle. The report says we could be seeing the hybrid STI next year, followed by the plug-in a year later. Source: Motoring.com.au View full article

After announcing that Genesis would be spun off into its own brand and teasing the first model, Hyundai has revealed today the G90 in South Korea. This is the replacement for the Equus flagship. As shown in teasers, the G90 gets a more upscale front end with LED headlights, larger grille, and a sculpted hood. The back is very reminiscent of the Mercedes S-Class with a similar design for the trunk and lights. Inside, the G90 promises to be one of the luxurious models with real wood trim and Italian leather. Tech features include a 12.3-inch touchscreen, 360-degree around-view monitor, Lexicon surround sound system, and wireless inductive phone charging. Three engines will be on offer for the G90. A 3.8L V6 with 310 horsepower will be the base, followed by a twin-turbo 3.3L V6 with 364 horsepower, and 5.0L V8 with 419 horsepower rounds out the lineup. All engines will be paired to a eight-speed automatic and either go through the rear or all four wheels. Now in certain markets, the G90 will come with a number of driver assist devices such as highway driving assistance, Advanced Smart Cruise Control, and a lane-keeping system. Other safety systems include adaptive headlights, blind-spot monitoring, and emergency braking with pedestrian detection. Now the G90 will launch in the U.S. as a 2017 model, but where it will make its debut is still up in the air. Source: Hyundai Press Release is on Page 2 Genesis Brand Launches its First Model, G90 Cutting-edge technologies, ultimate refinement and luxurious convenience features set the Genesis brand’s range-topper apart from competitors Luxury large sedan exudes confidence and originality through its ‘Athletic Elegance’ and refined yet dynamic performance Host of world-best safety and technological innovations realized in G90 December 9, 2015 – Hyundai Motor has unveiled the new Genesis G90 large luxury sedan, the model that will top the new Genesis brand’s luxury car line-up. The G90 (called EQ900 in Korea) will compete at the top of the luxury car market with world-best technological innovations and the highest levels of refinement, convenience and dynamic performance. Designed with profound elegance, natural dignity and grandeur by the Prestige Design Division that will craft the visual identity of each Genesis model, the G90 is the first realization of the brand’s ‘Athletic Elegance’ design style. Outside, the G90’s silhouette is powerful and refined, from its long hood to its sophisticated rear. While inside, the finest artisan materials meet human-centered ergonomics to provide occupants with absolute convenience and luxurious comfort. Human-centered Technological Innovation With technological innovation at its core and in anticipation of fully-autonomous cars, G90 features Genesis Smart Sense, which brings together advanced systems including Genesis’ advanced ‘Highway Driving Assistance’ (Korean market only), Advanced Smart Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Assistance System. Accentuating the customer-oriented approach of Genesis, the system substantially reduces driver fatigue by combining a series of innovative technologies. This combination of newly-developed technologies create a first-class, all-but autonomous driving experience, elevating the G90 to the top of its class.   First-class Comfort The first-class theme extends to occupant comfort, with the G90 offering the world’s first clinically-validated Smart Posture Caring (SPC) System, which automatically adjusts the seat, steering-wheel, outside mirror and head-up display to the optimal position for the driver’s body (Korean market only). G90’s VIP ergo passenger seats feature multiple ranges of electronically-controlled adjustment and are approved by German campaign for healthier backs, Aktion Gesunder Rücken. Best-in-class Luxury Refinement Benefitting from an intensive four-year development program by an 800-strong team, the G90 has best-in-class refinement thanks to extensive work on the car’s NVH characteristics. Every detail of the interior has been crafted to continue the car’s human focus. Advanced ergonomics analysis dictates the positioning of driver controls and the passenger comfort and entertainment features, while materials are sourced from the finest artisans around the world. Ride comfort and road holding is optimized by combining an advanced H-TRAC all-wheel-drive system with the first application of Genesis Adaptive Control Suspension. Sporty Agility with Refined Performance Driving the car, owners will notice standards of refined performance. This is central to the Genesis brand’s character, with development teams carrying out rigorous performance testing of the G90 at the Nürburgring circuit in Germany and the Mojave test center in the U.S. Despite the car’s sporty and responsive characteristics, the interior environment remains refined with all of the three available gasoline powertrains: V6 3.3-liter T-GDI, V6 3.8-liter GDI or V8 5.0-liter GDI. The newly introduced G90 in Korea will be rolling out to other markets, including United States, China, Russia and countries in the Middle East. A further five Genesis models will be launched over the next five years. View full article