2011 Hyundai Sonata US Pricing

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, California — The 2011 Hyundai Sonata remains in the under-$20,000 sweet spot. Pricing for the redesigned sedan was announced on Monday. The 2011 Sonata GLS starts at $19,915, including a $720 destination charge, slotting it below the 2010 Toyota Camry and 2010 Honda Accord.

The base 2010 Camry, which is part of the Japanese automaker's massive throttle recall, starts at $20,145, including a $750 destination charge. The base 2010 Honda Accord LX starts at $21,765, including a $710 destination charge.

The most expensive model in the lineup is the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Limited with a navigation package, which tops out at $28,115, including shipping. The sporty 2011 Hyundai Sonata SE model starts at $23,315, including shipping.

Hyundai raised the price of the base Sonata by $495 over the outgoing 2010 model.

The base 2011 Sonata GLS is equipped with a 198-horsepower 2.4-liter inline-4 linked to a six-speed manual transmission. The "Popular Equipment package," which bundles 16-inch alloy wheels, a power driver seat, chrome interior door handles and other features, adds $750 to the bottom line. Options on the 2011 Sonata SE model include a $2,600 navigation and sunroof package.

HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2011 SONATA

• All-new sixth generation Sonata midsize sedan
  
• Bold Fluidic Sculpture design
  
• All four-cylinder engine lineup meets smart customer demands
  
• Launches with new Theta II 2.4-liter gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine and in-house six-speed automatic transmission
  
• Class-leading fuel economy of 24 mpg city/35 mpg highway
  
• Class-leading 198 horsepower standard (200 horsepower on SE trim)
  
• Built in America at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama
  
• XM Satellite Radio, real-time XM NavTraffic, XM Data Services, touchscreen navigation and iPod/USB inputs
  
• Segment first: HD Radio Technology with multicasting
  
• Segment first: Standard Bluetooth
  

  GLS: WELL EQUIPPED WITH A WIDE RANGE OF OPTIONS
  

  Sonata GLS I4 M/T - $19,195
  

• 2.4L GDI four-cylinder producing 198 HP
  
• Six-speed manual transmission
  
• 16-inch steel wheels with full covers
  
• ESC/TCS/ABS/TPMS
  
• Front active head restraints
  
• Front, front seat side and curtain airbags
  
• Bodycolor front grille
  
• Chrome window belt-line moldings
  
• Tilt and telescopic steering wheel with cruise and audio controls
  
• Metalgrain interior accents
  
• AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 with iPod/USB and Aux input jacks
  
• Remote keyless entry and alarm
  
• Power windows, locks, heated mirrors
  
• Air conditioning
  
• Advanced trip computer with custom settings
  
• Integrated Bluetooth with phonebook transfer
  
• Eco indicator
  
• Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
  

  Sonata GLS I4 A/T – $20,195
  

  (In addition to or in place of Sonata GLS I4 M/T equipment):
  

• Six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC
  
• Popular Equipment Package - $750
  
• 16-inch alloy wheels
  
• Power driver seat
  
• Driver's lumbar support
  
• Chrome interior door handles
  
• Leatherette interior panel door inserts
  
• Automatic light control
  
• Popular Equipment Package plus Navigation - $1,700
  
• Requires Popular Equipment Package
  
• Navigation system with high-resolution touchscreen display
  
• Dimension premium speakers, subwoofer/external amplifier
  

  SE: SPORTY FEATURES AND DRIVING DYNAMICS
  

  Sonata SE I4 A/T - $22,595
  

  (In addition to or in place of Sonata GLS I4 A/T equipment):
  

• 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 200 HP
  
• Six-speed automatic with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters
  
• 18-inch Hyper Silver alloy wheels with performance tires
  
• Dark chrome front grille
  
• Chrome exterior door handles
  
• Sport-tuned suspension and steering
  
• Sport seats featuring leather bolsters with cloth inserts
  
• Proximity entry with push button start
  
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
  
• Front fog lights
  
• Dual exhaust
  
• Navigation and Sunroof Package - $2,600
  
• Power sunroof with tilt and slide
  
• Navigation system with high-resolution touchscreen display
  
• Dimension premium speakers, subwoofer/external amplifier
  

  LIMITED: PREMIUM MODEL FOR BUYERS DESIRING LEATHER AND OTHER UPSCALE FEATURES
  

  Sonata Limited I4 A/T - $25,295
  

  (In addition to or in place of Sonata SE I4 A/T equipment; excluding SE sport-tuned suspension):
  

• 2.4L GDI four-cylinder producing 198 HP
  
• Leather seating surfaces with heated front and rear seats
  
• Dual automatic temperature control
  
• Auto-dimming mirror/HomeLink/compass
  
• Premium door sill plates/"Limited" badge
  
• In-dash six-disc CD-changer
  
• HD Radio technology with multicasting
  
• Dimension premium speakers, subwoofer/external amplifier
  
• 17-inch alloy wheels with standard tire
  
• Side mirror turn signal indicators
  
• Power tilt and slide sunroof
  
• Unique interior accents (Piano Black or Woodgrain)
  
• Floor console mounted rear vents
  
• Navigation Package - $2,100
  
• Navigation system with high-resolution touchscreen display (replaces six-disc CD changer)
  
• Rear backup camera
  
• Infinity premium speakers, subwoofer/external amplifier
  
• Deletes HD Radio Technology with multicasting

Honda Begins Operation of New Solar Hydrogen Station

Owners of a Honda FCX Clarity may find the development below contributing to the the 'convenience' of owning a hydrogen powered Honda. The article is sourced from WorldCarFans:

Honda has launched a new solar-powered hydrogen fueling station capable of refilling fuel cell electric vehicles overnight. The device, under development for ten years, could theoretically be installed in the home garage of any future customer.

The single-unit station produces 0.5 kilograms of hydrogen over an eight-hour period. Sadly, many consumers would likely not find this to be purposeful in many situations. 0.5 kg of hydrogen will only move the Honda FCX Clarity a total of 30 miles.

Honda's new home station is not meant to replace commercial filling stations, which will still be necessary to fully fill a vehicle quickly, often in less than five-minutes. The slow-fill home-based station would be used to reduce costs to the end user.

A full "fast fill" at a commercial location would provide the Honda FCX Clarity with a 285-mile range, according to a press release. However, the FCX Clarity's range is listed at 240 miles on the official website for the vehicle.

Honda claims the fuel is produced more efficiently in the new home station than previous solar units, with enough hydrogen created for a typical urban or suburban commute. This efficiency was increased by 25% thanks to a smaller and lighter "high differential pressure electrolyser," replacing a system made up of an electrolyser and separate compressor.

Because the system is missing a storage unit, the station will only produce hydrogen when a vehicle is connected. Although some would no doubt prefer to refuel quickly by tapping into a storage tank, the tank would likely prevent the system from being installed at many homes due to land-usage and zoning rules.

The system's solar panels hook up to the grid, sending electricity during daylight if a vehicle is not hooked up. Honda says most customers would use off-peak electricity to power the station when recharging overnight.

Hyundai's Future Plans For UK Market

Hyundai is planning to Strengthen its Presence in the UK after gaining a good amount to leverage from the country's scrappage scheme. Kicking things off is the face lifted Tucson set to go on sale within weeks.

Fast forward to the first quarter of 2010, its replacemant the Hyundai ix35 will further give the Korean Car maker the boost.

In the second half of 2010, the firm will launch two new MPVs in an attempt to broaden its range and compete in market sectors where it has previously struggled. The first model will be based upon the Kia Venga unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show, while a larger seven-seater will arrive at the same time.

The five-seater will be based on the firm’s i20 supermini platform and will share its engine with that model. Whitehorn says the car’s main competitor will be the Nissan Note; that means the car will, in effect, be the replacement for the unloved Matrix. It will share its engines with the i20 and will adopt the firm’s ‘i’ badge.

Whitehorn further added that the seven-seater is likely to be based on the i-mode concept car, displayed at the Geneva motor show in 2008. This model will be a rival to the Vauxhall Zafira, sharing its platform and engines with the i30 hatchback.





The stylish i40 sedan is also set to go on sale in 2011 with the possibility of launch during the Bologna motor show later in 2010. Saloon, hatchback and estate versions will all be offered.


It was sometime ago when Hyundai announced its 800cc three-cylinder turbocharged engine. It is now confirmed that the power plant will make it to he popular i10 city car which will receive cosmetic & trim updates.

Production version of the Veloster concept could roll-off the production plant in 2011 according to Whitehorn. Though he said that firm's new flagship model won't contribute much to sales numbers.

Finally, a production version of the ix-metro concept from Frankfurt should arrive in 2012. The source said it would “look much the same as the concept” and will be pitched as a rival to the Nissan Qazana.







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Bufori CS Come 2010

Bufori plans to build a sports car they describe as " a pure and powerful two-door coupe with a lightweight carbon fiber and Kevlar body." While details are limited, the CS will be powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that "delivers effortless power and an exhilarating driving experience." Other performance features include an advanced space frame chassis, unequal upper and lower control arms, and a fully-adjustable coil over suspension.

The company has also announced plans to build a racing version of the CS, called the Bufori BMS R1. Jointly-developed with Axle Motorsport, the BMS R1 will make its racing debut at the 56th Macau Grand Prix.

According to Bufori's general manager of marketing and operations, Felix Haller, "After two years of hard work in designing and developing our new sports car, the Bufori CS, we are very proud that a racing version of our car has been developed and will have its first public appearance at such a prestigious event as the Macau Grand Prix. We could not have wished for a better occasion. Our intention is to transfer the racing technology to the road version of the Bufori CS and bring in all the qualities for which Bufori is renowned".

My advice to Bufori is go back to the drawing board & redesign the whole car. It does not look attractive at all eventhough the car may handle like a Porsch.




Source : WorldCarFans

Ferrari To Consider Turbocharging

Ferrari is considering using turbocharging in future engines, but it needs to improve the forced induction technology before it will make its cars available with the set-up.

Speaking with Britain's Autocar magazine, Ferrari engine chief Jean-Jacques confirmed that the company is preparing to use turbochargers, but that it will take time to develop a new version that will mitigate the effects of turbo lag. This confirms the patent drawings that leaked out earlier this year revealing a developmental two-stage turbocharging system from Ferrari.

He went on to explain that a delay of any sort before the power arrived was unacceptable for a Ferrari engine.It’s unlikely that Ferrari will be using Multiair, the Fiat Group’s variable valve technology, any time soon, though.

He said Ferrari had tried applying the system to an F430’s V8 but couldn’t get it to work at the power outputs required.“The main benefit from Multiair comes in torque,” he said, “and it is difficult to get it to work at high revs.”The report does confirm, however, that the dual-clutch transmission launched on the California is capable of handling the power from V12 engines, suggesting that the gearbox may be implemented across the range for future models.

His also said Ferrari’s dual-clutch transmission, currently only available in V8-engined Ferraris, was suitable for V12 cars and would work up to 10,000rpm.

Source : Autocar.uk

Renault Brings Back Gordini

The first new-generation Gordini will be based on the Renaultsport Twingo 133, and be unveiled on 25 November 2009 at Renault's premier showroom on the Champs Elysees. The new car will be called the Twingo Gordini RS, and then a Clio Gordini RS will follow in spring 2010.

When & Who invented the "Gordini" name? Well back in 1964 when Amedee Gordini developed a rally car based on the Renault 8. The R8 Gordini finished 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th in the 1964 Tour of Corsica rally and two years later, the Gordini Cup one-make race series was established.

The Gordini cars will be priced above their Renaultsport siblings, but there won’t be any mechanical differences between the two brands. Both will share the same Renaultsport engines and choice of regular or Cup suspension setups.

'We’re not creating a substitute for other Renaultsport models. It’s something new. Gordini is for a chic sport clientele and not for purists,' said Eric Zuber, Renault's head of brand marketing and brand promotion. According to Zuber the Gordini cars will be 'more premium, chic and more exclusive.' There’s no indication yet about how big the price premium will be.






Source : CAR

NIssan NV200 Panel Van's Price Revealed In UK

The entry-level NV200 van is priced at £13,867.50 & it features a standard CD/Mp3 audio system plus keyless entry. Upgrade to the SE trim & Nissan will throw in electric windows & a full steel bulkhead. Both variants are powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel engine that returns a combined fuel economy of 54mpg UK (44.9 mpg US or 5.2lt/100km) with CO2 emissions of 137g/km. If one finds the standard kit list a little too short. Nissan offers various optional extras such as air conditioning for £575, glazed rear doors for £150 and a safety pack that includes air con for £1,000.The combi Version will be launched in February 2010.



Source : Carscoop

Novel Idea To Spur Electric Vehicle Sales

Speaking of Electric cars, Israel-born entrepreneur Shai Agassi started a company that aids consumer confidence in purchasing an electric car. At Better place, robots in charge of replacing depleted batteries located under your vehicle much faster than the time to fill up your gas tank.

Agassi said “When electric cars are more affordable and convenient than gas cars, consumer adoption will tip the market,”. Better Place proposes building a network of curbside charging stations where owners can top off their vehicle batteries. Agassi’s idea generated $300 million in venture capital and sparked international interest: Cities in Israel and Denmark hope to have the first robotic change stations running in 2011, and the company aspires to expand operations to Australia, Canada, Hawaii and California in 2012. In late September, Better Place signed a deal with Renault-Nissan to put 100,000 electric vehicles on the road in Israel and Denmark by 2016.

So here is how the system functions :

• Better place will own the batteries along with the infrastructure for servicing them. Hence the owner does not need to worry about worn out battery performance over a period of time which is extreemly costly to replace.
• Those have some time to spare can opt for an electric plug so that drivers can top off at curbside charging
• Gps-enabled software in the car will alert drivers when they are running low on battery power which then directs them to the nearest quick-charge station along their route.
  

The following shows how the whole process is completed within 1 minute 30 seconds on an apparently Electric Nissan Rogue.


The electric 'Fueling Station' will solve many if not all the issues afflicting the future of electric vehicles especially high density areas where most of its residents lives in high rise buildings. The need of having an electric socket in every parking lot is eliminated along with the risk of electric theft. Kudos for making the world....a Better Place.

Source : Popularmechanics.com

Electric Cadillac Converj Simply Stunning

General Motors Co. will expand its electric vehicle lineup by building the Cadillac Converj, a luxury car some feared would never move beyond the concept stage because of GM's financial troubles. I have to say this is one extended-range electric car that is spared from design faux pas committed by most 'Green Vehicles' out there.

The concept which won accolades at the 2009 North American International Auto Show features solar panels on a glass roof, rear view cameras instead of exterior mirrors, 21-inch tires in the front and 22-inch in the rear. The Converj will have the technology developed for the Chevrolet Volt being assimilated into it. This move will help GM meet consumer demands appetite for electric vehicles & at the same time cut production cost through the spread of EV technology. The converj is also aimed at strengthening GM financially as The Caddy badge carries a premium over Chevrolet.

"Cadillac needs as much excitement in its portfolio as possible, so I think it's a good strategy for them," said Rebecca Lindland, director of auto industry research at IHS Global Insight in Lexington, Mass. Those of you that has already planned to have on in your garage have to wait for 2 years after the Volt is launched.


Source : Detnews

Skoda Is Launching A Budget Saloon

Skoda is planning a budget saloon to go head to head with Renault's Dacia brand targeted at emerging eastern european countries. According to Volkswagen group, budget brand Dacia has seen strong sales growth in the past few months under pan-European scrappage schemes so the folks at Volkswagen is keen to cover the gap between Skoda and Dacia as part of its ‘alignment’ strategy.

The new Skoda is set to take the place of the original Octavia which is still sold in some emerging markets. Skoda further added that it will be a similar size to that car thus making it smaller than the current Octavia. I personally feel that the greatest rival to this car will be the recently launched Renault Fluence which I can safely say brought 'budget saloon' to the next level. Speaking to Autocar, Skoda’s CEO Reinhard Jung said the model would be sold in Western Europe in order to bridge the gap between the current Fabia and Octavia, which he described as “too big.”




Source : Autocar

Next MX-5 Will Be Lighter Said Mazda

According to Mazda the current generation of MX-5 has gotten to heavy for their liking hence they set a goal for the next incarnation to loose about 98kg to come close to the weight of the MX-5 Superlight concept. According to Officials at Mazda, making the MX-5 lighter will replicate the spirit of the original one weighing in at 970kg.

Among the measures Mazda plans to carry out through a smaller and lighter engine, likely to copy the original’s 1.6-litre capacity. “We are testing both 1.6 and 1.8-litre engines, which undercut our current 2.0-litre unit but deliver the same 160-170bhp power range,” they further added. The dimensions of the car's platform and wheelbase will remain intact but front & rear overhangs will be trimmed. Lightweight construction techniques will also be employed. Mazda is experimenting with using new steel construction methods that enable less metal to be used in its bodyshells.

Mazda is putting Takao Kijima who is the chief engineer for the first gen MX-5 as a special advisor for the new car. The new car is due in 2011. To put a "SMILE" in your face, sources are suggesting that the price could come down, too, to reflect the new MX-5’s more simple appeal. :)











Source : Autocar

2010 Suzuki Kizashi Price Announced

The Suzuki Kizashi was made public earlier this year and the price for the US Market has been revealed. Listed below are the price for various trims (excluding $735 for destination and handling) :
Kizashi GTS 2.4L I-4 6-speed manual 2WD $22,499

Kizashi GTS 2.4L I-4 Automatic (CVT) 2WD $23,599

Kizashi SLS 2.4L I-4 6-speed manual 2WD $24,399

Kizashi SLS 2.4L I-4 Automatic (CVT) 2WD $25,499

Kizashi S 2.4L I-4 Automatic (CVT) AWD $21,749

Kizashi SE 2.4L I-4 Automatic (CVT) AWD $22,749

Kizashi GTS 2.4L I-4 Automatic (CVT) AWD $24,849

Kizashi SLS 2.4L I-4 Automatic (CVT) AWD $26,749

The entry level Kizashi comes equipped with eight airbags (front/rear side and curtain), keyless start, dual-zone climate control, a 9-speaker stereo system with steering wheel mounted controls, powered windows, doors and mirrors and ambient and footwell lighting. Impressive for a car of this class.

The SE trim will set you back an additional $2,500 that adds continuously variable transmission (CVT), 17-inch alloys, a 10-way adjustable driver’s seat, 3-position memory for the driver’s seat, and a leather wrapped parking break handle and steering wheel with cruise control.

The next level of upgrade is the Sporty GTS model with a price starting at $22,499. This will se your Kizashi ship in with Rockford Fosgate 10-speaker stereo, Bluetooth connectivity, 18-inch wheels, fog lights and a power moon roof.

The Flagship Kizashi (SLS Model) has everything the GTS has with additional goodies such as leather seats, power passenger seat, heated front seats, auto dimming rear view mirror, heated outside mirrors, automatic rain sensing wipers, automatic headlamps and rear proximity sensors with audible warning and graphic display. Prices for this model start at $24,399 (plus $735 for destination and handling).


Source : Suzuki