(Fortune Magazine) -- On the second floor of the 21-story Hyundai Motor headquarters in the south of Seoul is a 24-hour operations hub, the Global Command and Control Center (GCCC). Modeled after the CNN newsroom in Atlanta with dozens of computer screens relaying video and data, it keeps watch on Hyundai operations around the world.

Parts shipments are tracked from the time they leave the supplier until they reach a plant. Cameras peer into assembly lines from Beijing to Montgomery and keep a close watch on Hyundai's giant Ulsan, Korea, plant, the world's largest integrated auto factory and the scene of frequent labor unrest.

When chairman Mong-Koo Chung took over from his father in 1999, he switched the company's focus from volume to high quality.
Are competitors' spies lurking? The GCCC watches over Hyundai R&D activities in Europe, Japan, and North America, as well as its sprawling, 4,300-acre test facility in California's Mojave Desert, with its 6.4-mile oval track.

Almost no outsiders, and certainly no visitors from Fortune, are allowed inside the GCCC to view the operation firsthand. Hyundai employees aren't even supposed to talk about it. But its existence says volumes about how Hyundai views itself and the rest of the world.

Hyundai is a confident, hyperaggressive company that not only wants to win, it expects to win. By monitoring operations in real time, Hyundai can identify problems in an instant and react quickly. It is a different philosophy for an auto company. Whereas Toyota ™ thrives on consistency and Honda (HMC) on innovation, Hyundai is all about aggressiveness and speed.

These days Hyundai (rhymes with "Sunday") could get ticketed for exceeding the limit. Powered by a weak Korean won and a revitalized product line, it is ramping up volumes in major markets around the world.

Along with sister company Kia, of which it owns 39%, Hyundai has a hammerlock on Korea, with 80% of sales this year. In the U.S. generous incentives for retail customers and fleet purchases have pushed sales up a strong 7% in a market down 24%. November was a spectacular month: Hyundai brand sales jumped 46% from the previous year, and Kia rose 18%.

In China, where auto sales have skyrocketed this year thanks to government stimulus, Hyundai leaped 150% in September, leaving the company in second place, behind Volkswagen, among international automakers.

Behind the scenes at Hyundai
To take advantage of its momentum, Hyundai is pushing new models out of its factories faster and faster. American customers got to see the slick new 2011 Sonata in December, two months ahead of schedule, because, in an unusual move, Hyundai sped up the start of production.

Automakers hate to interfere with factory schedules because it is expensive, disrupts the flow of parts, and invites assembly problems. But Hyundai decided to move ahead. It was receiving good reads on early quality checks, suppliers showed ample stocks of parts, and engineers had prepped its Alabama plant. Speed became a competitive advantage.

Moving quickly and boldly has made Hyundai Motor Co. the fastest-growing major automaker in the world. Amid the global sales slump, it made a record $832 million in the third quarter ended Sept. 30. Analysts expect its net profits to rise almost 40% this year.

Despite its relative youth -- it is only 43 years old -- Hyundai already ranks fifth in volume among the world's auto producers, according to IHS Global Insight, and passed 107-year-old Ford Motor (F, Fortune 500) in 2009 to move into fourth place. Years ago Toyota used to say that Hyundai was the company it feared most. Today those fears have grown into a nightmare.

Despite their success, Hyundai executives keep pushing for more. Hyundai and Kia currently have capacity for 5.8 million cars and trucks. "We want to grow to 6.5 million units in two years," says Steve Yang, president and CEO, over a traditional multicourse Korean lunch at a small restaurant in Seoul.

Since Hyundai was expected to produce 5.2 million vehicles in 2009, that means a steep ramp-up if it wants to operate at full capacity. Western auto experts cringe at such a notion, because a big increase in volume can compromise quality and dilute brand equity. But Yang made the pledge with a smile as if he were merely exchanging polite chitchat. At Hyundai, it is understood that impossible targets are part of its way of doing business.

Sometimes speeding leads to accidents. Hyundai entered the U.S. market in 1986 with a single model, the Excel, which sold for $4,995 -- a price that so captivated bargain-minded Americans that Hyundai set a first-year record by selling 126,000 cars.

Its second year in business, Hyundai adopted the slogan "Cars that make sense" and set another record, selling 264,000 Excels. In its haste to grow, Hyundai made two near-fatal errors. It made fragile cars and sold them to noncreditworthy customers. When the cars were repossessed, their quality was so poor that they were worth less than the outstanding loans.


Hyundai's success story
Hyundai is making another big gamble this year by introducing a premium luxury car called the Equus that is priced thousands of dollars higher than any car Hyundai has sold before. The Equus (Latin for "horse"), expected to cost around $60,000, will cost more than most Cadillacs and is designed to compete with top-of-the-line models marketed by Mercedes, BMW, and Audi that sell for $20,000 more.

Depending on your point of view, the introduction of the Equus is either ambitious, arrogant, or ignorant. Popular brands like Hyundai are not supposed to stretch into premium luxury territory; consumers want a prestige label when they pay a prestige price. Volkswagen found that out a couple of years ago when it tried to sell a $70,000 car called the Phaeton. Despite its technical excellence, potential buyers didn't associate the people's car with a high-priced sedan.

Test-driving the Equus
Judged on its merits, not its image, the Equus is a winner. Fortune had an opportunity to test one in Korea and found it surprisingly competitive with German luxury sedans under normal driving conditions.

The exterior could go on a chrome diet, but otherwise the Equus adheres to the conservative design standards required for luxury cars. The interior is best in class, intelligently crafted from fine materials and smartly laid out. The spacious rear seat, where many Asian buyers will spend their time, is equipped with a variety of diversionary devices, including one that provides a back massage.

Powered by a smooth, quiet, 4.6-liter V-8, the Equus should appeal to customers for whom value is a higher priority than association with a three-pointed star or dual-kidney grille.

No such identity crisis faces Kia, which got its start as a bicycle manufacturer and has become a power in its own right with a line of smaller, sportier cars. In the U.S. it markets six passenger cars and five crossovers with idiosyncratic names like Borrego, Rondo, and Soul, and has built its own U.S. plant in West Point, Ga.

Kias are typically priced below competing models and, loaded with options and carrying a strong warranty, represent an attractive value. From its U.S. market debut in February 1994, Kia has expanded methodically to become the eighth-most-popular brand in the U.S., outselling such stalwarts as Jeep, Subaru, and Lexus. Through November its sales had risen 8%.

How do the Koreans do it? In addition to getting big, Hyundai has gotten good. Once known as a cheap and cheerful brand that offered a comprehensive warranty to make up for mechanical shortcomings, Hyundai has become a respected name and a smart buy.

"Hyundai is a brand that is on the verge of being aspirational," says New York--based consultant and investor John Casesa. "People are saying they are proud to own it, not just to settle for it."

The evidence can be seen in the strengthening demographics of Hyundai owners. Last year some 49% were college graduates, compared with just 36% in 1999. By comparison, Toyota has a higher percentage of college grads -- 57% -- but the number hasn't grown much, up only two percentage points in 10 years.

New leadership, new focus
Hyundai's success reflects a shift in attitude that occurred nearly a decade ago. In the 1990s the company was more interested in how many cars it could build than in how good it could make them. That changed in 1999 when founder Ju-Yung Chung passed corporate leadership to his son, Mong-Koo Chung.

According to company lore, the younger Chung decreed that Hyundai would henceforth concentrate on quality, not volume. With the chairman behind the push, and with its characteristic intensity, Hyundai went after quality improvements with a vengeance.

Hyundai benchmarked Toyota, then the industry's quality leader, to understand its processes. It installed Six Sigma at its engineering center to measure its improvement. It made quality a cross-functional responsibility, with involvement from procurement, finance, and sales and marketing. It enlisted outside suppliers and put them together with designers and engineers to work out problems before they occurred. Quality oversight meetings, which had been poorly attended, became must-go events after chairman Chung began to show up for twice-monthly gatherings.

Three years ago legal problems diverted Chung from his quality push. In May 2006 he was indicted on charges of embezzling some $100 million from Hyundai and its subsidiaries for a political slush fund. He was detained by authorities for two months before being released on bail. The following February he was found guilty and sentenced to three years in prison. But an appeals court decided that he was too valuable to the Korean economy to be incarcerated and suspended his sentence.

At 71, Chung still takes an active role in the company. He typically arrives in the office by 6:30 a.m. and gets frequent briefings from the CEOs of Hyundai and Kia, as well as their subsidiaries. He has taken a particular interest in a new $5 billion mill being built by Hyundai Steel to make lightweight, high-tensile steel for automobiles, and travels to the construction site by helicopter as often as four times a week.

Chung, who rarely gives interviews to English-language publications, spoke with Fortune through an interpreter from his penthouse office in the Hyundai tower. Chung attributes his company's success to the investment it has made in improving its products. He believes that Hyundai's quality, as well as its technology, "are head to head with Toyota at this moment," a statement he makes with some confidence since "we are monitoring what is going on with Toyota all the time."

Asked what scares Hyundai the most, he replied, "The thing we fear is uncertainty. There are many announcements about demand shrinking, and all the numbers are different."

Hyundai's quality success is a testament to the power of focused management and aggressive goals. In 2001 Hyundai ranked 32nd out of 37 brands in J.D. Power's study of new vehicle quality after 90 days of ownership -- close to the bottom. As its quality efforts took hold, it began moving up the list, and it achieved a breakthrough in 2004 when it reached seventh place. Since then, Hyundai has placed third in 2006 and then fourth in 2009, displacing Toyota as the highest- ranked mass-market brand in the world. (Three luxury brands -- Lexus, Porsche, and Cadillac -- finished ahead of it.)

Characteristically, Hyundai is aiming yet higher. It has developed a two-part quality target it calls GQ 3-3-5-5, as Joon-Sang Kim, executive vice president of Hyundai-Kia's Quality Division, explained in an interview. Hyundai aims to finish in the top three in actual quality within three years as measured by Power's dependability survey -- and to finish in the top five in perceived quality in five years.

The first goal seems achievable. Hyundai has had solid, if unspectacular, success in the Power study, which measures problems experienced by original owners of three-year-old vehicles. From a rank of 35th out of 38 in 2001, it moved up to 20th by 2006 and kept climbing, finishing in 14th place in 2009.

Moving into the top five in perceived quality will be more difficult. That's because the rankings are based on the way outsiders perceive Hyundai. This year Hyundai ranked 11th in the brand-evaluation analysis performed by ALG (Automotive Lease Guide), which determines the residual value of cars for lease purposes.

At Hyundai Motor America's headquarters in Fountain Valley, Calif., the managers are learning they have to run fast to keep up with their Korean bosses. "Hyundai is an ambitious company that looks for boldness and leadership," says John Krafcik, president and CEO, who once referred to his employer as the "hardest-working company on the planet."

Having toiled under Jac Nasser at Ford, Krafcik, 48, is an expert on boldness and hard work, and he knows the industry from the inside out. Trained at MIT, he visited assembly plants around the world for the 1989 study "The Machine That Changed the World," about the Toyota manufacturing system, and he coined the term "lean production."

Krafcik joined Hyundai after 14 years at Ford overseeing development of SUVs, and he ascended to the top job at Hyundai America after one of its periodic management shakeups, the fifth in six years.

After working in Detroit's belt-and-suspenders culture, the boyish Krafcik delights in the challenges presented by Hyundai's determination to break rules. "One of the reasons we move fast is fewer people," says Krafcik. "Speed doesn't suffer bureaucrats well."

A willingness to take risks also keeps things moving. "Typically," adds Krafcik, "when we set targets, we haven't yet made a plan for how to get there." Krafcik says that when the company vowed to achieve a corporate fleet average fuel economy of 35 miles per gallon by 2015, a year ahead of the government deadline, it wasn't sure how it would do it.

Hyundai also likes to wait until the last possible moment to make decisions. "When developing a new model," says Krafcik, "companies typically sign off on the characteristics of the powertrain 4 1/2 months before production. Hyundai waits until a month ahead so that it can incorporate the most recent performance data." It's a technique that allows it to stay close to its customers, but it also increases the likelihood of mistakes.

Nothing shows off Hyundai's opportunistic culture better than its U.S. marketing team. Headed by Joel Ewanick, who joined Hyundai in February 2007 after stints at Porsche, Yamaha, and Hinckley Yachts, it operates like the war room of a political campaign, making lightning strikes when it sees an opportunity.

A year ago it noticed growing fears among customers about unemployment, so it developed a program that allowed them to return their new Hyundais risk-free if they lose their jobs. Pulling together such a program -- which included production of a TV commercial shown during the 2009 Super Bowl -- would take several months at other companies, but Hyundai marketers got the job done in 37 days. The campaign, called "Assurance," won Hyundai enormous amounts of attention and goodwill, even though only about 100 customers returned their cars.

Ewanick, 49, says programs like that are vital because buyers no longer respond to traditional cash and interest-rate promotions. He is looking for new ways to create showroom traffic. Last summer he devised the "Assurance Gas Lock," which guaranteed customers $1.49-a-gallon gasoline for a year.

Then Hyundai beat the government's Cash for Clunkers program to the punch by offering tax credits to buyers several weeks before the program started. "Customers want to be involved with the brand," says Ewanick. "Incentives aren't enough. We want to break away and have Hyundai be considered as more than a car company."

That doesn't mean that Hyundai doesn't use incentives -- and use them very effectively. It just does so where the consumer can't see them but where they drive down the transaction price.

Consultant Kimberly Rodriguez of Grant Thornton in Detroit cites data showing that Hyundai was spending $2,825 per car on incentives for the first 10 months of 2009 -- more than any other Asian manufacturer -- and selling lots of excess production into rental-car fleets. "They are clearly taking advantage of a lull in the action," says Rodriguez, "and with currency in their favor, they can afford to do it."

Whatever the attraction, customers seem to be getting a new message about Hyundai. Five years ago Hyundai was known for its low prices, so-so quality, and a 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Today, Ewanick says, Hyundai stands for softer, more positive qualities like smart, fresh, and high-tech. "Consumers," he says, "want brands that feel the same way they do about society and the environment. But they don't want to pay for it."

Labor union disputes to Genesis' success
The automaker's origins date back to the Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co. (Hyundai means "modernity" in Korean), which was founded after World War II and created Hyundai Motor in 1967. Thanks to high tariffs that rebuffed foreign manufacturers, the motor company thrived and was spun off as a separate enterprise in 1998.

That same year it acquired a controlling stake in rival Kia, which was struggling from the Asian financial crisis. Gradually the two companies are consolidating around common functions for economies of scale, but they are keeping the Hyundai and Kia brands separate for marketing and distribution purposes: Hyundai is positioned as the responsible adult, while Kia is the mischievous adolescent.

Hyundai's growth was accompanied by a decade of labor union disputes that produced paralyzing strikes. Labor rights in South Korea had been long suppressed, and a series of healthy pay increases kept its militant labor unions at bay until the mid-1990s.

But the financial crisis as well as an industry slump brought the strikers out in force, and Hyundai was hit by a seemingly endless number of work stoppages. A 47-day walkout in 2003 cost Hyundai an estimated $1.2 billion in exports. Since then a measure of labor peace has been restored. The strikes haven't become a thing of the past -- there is usually one a year -- but the level of vitriol has been reduced.

In the U.S., Hyundai spun its wheels for a decade after the Excel fiasco, selling inexpensive cars to lower-income customers as it churned through a succession of U.S. sales executives who failed to meet its aggressive targets. But along with improved quality, Hyundai began to pay attention to international designs with greater market appeal. Its cars developed cleaner lines with more elegant details as Hyundai moved away from traditional Korean styles, which tend to be baroque and fussy.

The two trends -- better quality, sharper designs -- came vividly together in 2008 with the launch of the Genesis sedan. A step up from the midsize Sonata, Hyundai's best U.S. seller, the Genesis is powered by a V-6 engine (with an optional V-8) and is designed to compete in the so-called entry luxe segment with cars like the Lexus ES 350.

The journalists who judge the North American Car of the Year competition made it the surprise winner in 2009, an award Ewanick and his team promptly made a centerpiece of their advertising. With a starting price of $32,250, the Genesis was recognized by customers as an attractive value, and they have been buying more than 1,500 units a month. The success of the Genesis in such a highly competitive segment signaled Hyundai's arrival as a top-tier manufacturer.

Speedy in most matters, Hyundai has been a laggard when it comes to developing alternative-fuel vehicles. It didn't introduce its first fuel-saving hybrid until last summer, a decade after Toyota started selling the Prius. Typically, Hyundai's ambitions remain huge. Despite its late start, it has stated its intention to sell 500,000 hybrids a year by 2018. Hyundai has developed a lithium-polymer battery that is 40% smaller and weighs 35% less than conventional nickel-metal-hydride ones used in the Toyota Prius.

A wave of new models should keep both Hyundai and Kia hustling over the next few years. The two companies are due to turn over their entire U.S. product line in the course of the next four years, the highest replacement rate in the industry, according to a forecast by Merrill Lynch/Bank of America's John Lynch. He sees Hyundai and Kia gaining 3 1/2 points of market share over the span. That would be enough to vault the Koreans past Chrysler and Nissan into fifth place in the U.S., with a share of 10.8% by 2013.

The old bumper sticker used to preach that speed kills, but Hyundai shows no signs of slowing down -- and so far has no need to report any casualties.

June 13, 2015 - 11:48 am ET

Over the last 25 years, Hyun-dai Motor Co. has transformed itself from an also-ran purveyor of lackluster econoboxes into a stylish leader in high-tech, high-quality cars.

Yet one area in which the South Korean giant has yet to match, let alone surpass, its U.S., European and Japanese rivals is ride and feel. Now, Hyundai is bearing down on that challenge.

For the last three years, a team of select engineers at Hyun-dai’s sprawling Namyang technical center outside Seoul has been toiling on a project to spice up the brand’s ho-hum performance.

Its mission: Develop a toolbox of technologies that can be deployed in production vehicles as early as 2017 to zest up handling and performance, engineers say. They are looking at across-the-board changes that encompass lightweighting, improved rigidity and lower centers of gravity.

As they tinker with the new technologies, they are funneling them into a series of concept cars that serve as rolling laboratories for engineering better Hyundai road cars.

Their efforts are just one part of a palpable performance push sweeping the company.

Hyundai recently rebooted motorsports activities by entering the World Rally Championship. It brought in Lotus engineers to help Hyundai’s engineers in Korea tune the redesigned Genesis to satisfy American and European expectations for driving feel. It also opened a European technical center for testing cars on Germany’s famed Nurburgring race circuit.

The aspiring Korean brand is even mulling its own “N” performance subbrand.

And to orchestrate it all, Hyundai poached BMW AG veteran Albert Biermann, former chief engineer of the German luxury brand’s M performance unit. Biermann started April 1 as an executive vice president, charged with injecting BMW magic into Hyundai’s ride and handling.

If Hyundai can replicate BMW’s successful M formula, it will pose a big challenge to competitors. But migrating those qualities from the top-shelf Genesis to more-mainstream models won’t be easy for a young brand with scant racing heritage and one that only developed its first proprietary engine in 1991.

“They have steadily improved their content, technology and design,” said Eric Lyman, main industry analyst at TrueCar Inc. “The next phase of the brand’s transformation will come down to product execution, including ride, handling and performance.”

Biermann’s arrival could be a tipping point. Design at Hyundai and its Kia sibling brand took a huge leap forward when Hyundai Motor Group hired Peter Schreyer, another German ace, from Audi AG in 2006. Biermann will be the group’s No. 2-ranked foreign executive after Schreyer.

Hyundai entered its “next phase” in 2012, when the carmaker established its High Performance Vehicle Development Center at Namyang. In fact, the N branding used on Hyundai’s i20 World Rally car and earmarked for future high-performance vehicles stands for the N in Namyang.

RM15 changes, challenges

The Namyang team’s latest creation debuted at April’s Seoul Motor Show as the RM15 high-performance coupe concept. Outside, it uses the familiar sheet metal of the Veloster sporty hatch.

But other than the styling, just about everything is different, starting with the RM, which stands for “racing midship.” Hyundai has never made a midship-engined production car. But engineers are using the layout in the concept series to nail down a better formula for weight distribution.

“We faced challenges with everything on this car except the exterior design,” Kim Dae Seung, engineer in charge of lightweight body development for the RM15, said on the sidelines of the Seoul show. “With this, we are accumulating ideas that will be utilized in production vehicles.”

This year’s car is the second in the series. The first, dubbed simply the RM, was shown at last year’s Busan Motor Show. The next, possibly an RM16, is expected to arrivein 2016.

The RM15 gets a 2.0-liter, direct-injection turbocharged gasoline engine wrapped in an aluminum frame. The roof and hood panels are carbon fiber, while the doors are lightweight, high-tensile steel. The engine generates 296 hp, doing 0 to 62 mph in 4.7 seconds.

The RM projects were a challenge from the start — beginning with the raw materials.

A key goal, engineers say, is reducing the weight and increasing the rigidity of Hyundai’s cars. This required delving into slightly more exotic materials, such as aluminum and carbon fiber.

By using the new materials, engineers were able to shave 430 pounds from an all-steel architecture and reduce the RM15’s weight to 2,778 pounds.

Adequate, but …

But simply finding high-quality suppliers for the materials in South Korea was a challenge, Kim said. His team had to develop the components from scratch. They fastened them into an aluminum frame and carbon-fiber body panel architecture Hyundai dubs the hybrid lightweight body structure, or HLBS. The exercise exposed a crucial Achilles’ heel of the Korean carmaker.

“We were not building just one car,” Kim said. “We had to build up an entire supply chain.”

Another weakness Hyundai wants to address is road manners. Americans and Europeans tend to want a firmer, more precise steering feel than South Korean drivers, U.S. executives and engineers at Hyundai say. This is partly cultural, but partly because driving on high-speed highways is far more commonplace in the U.S. and Europe than in densely populated South Korea.

Hyundai is competent but blah when it comes to sportiness and handling, said Karl Brauer, senior analyst at Kelley Blue Book. Hyundai matches mass-market brands such as Chevrolet, Subaru and Toyota but trails other mainstream rivals including Ford, Honda and Mazda, he said.

“Most models lean more than some competitors when driven aggressively, and the brand’s tire choices are typically more focused on durability and ride quality than traction and handling,” Brauer said. “Steering feel is also right in the mainstream for any given vehicle segment, which means fully adequate but not particularly engaging or inspiring from a performance standpoint.”

Hyundai is aware of such critiques, said Hwang Injin, senior research engineer at the High Performance Vehicle Development Center and head of testing for RM15 ride and handling.

A top priority is damping excessive yaw movement in Hyundai’s cars, Hwang said. Yaw is the unwanted wavering to the left and right that can cause a car to deviate from a straight course.

“Body rigidity is the most important foundation for high performance,” Hwang said.

Hyundai also aims to improve handling by lowering the center of gravity of its cars.

The center of gravity in the RM15 is 19 inches above the road. That compares with around 22 inches in a typical Hyundai production car, Hwang said.

Subbrand

Hyundai still is considering the launch of an N-series performance subbrand. It already uses N as the insignia for its World Rally car, but it is mum on a commercialization schedule.

Still, the engineers said Hyundai aims to deploy RM technologies in a high-performance production car due around late 2017. They declined to give further details.

To be sure, some of the advances already have made it to showrooms.

The second-generation Genesis sedan, which went on sale in 2014, made big strides in noise, vibration and harshness. It added lightweight parts such as aluminum shock-absorber housings. And by using 38 percent more high-strength steel than in the first generation, engineers increased body rigidity. They also added a new all-wheel-drive system and multilink rear suspension.

Analysts say the improvements are slowly trickling throughout the brand’s lineup.

“Some models have shown significant gains in terms of delivering a more refined ride quality,” said Ed Hellwig, Edmunds.com executive editor. “The 2015 Sonata is a good example. Its ride is firm but not uncomfortable. The steering is precise and predictable and yet not artificially heavy.”

It’s a sign of things to come, promises Park Joonwoo, a brand strategy manager at the High Performance Vehicle Development Center: “We’re going to communicate our high-performance story very continuously from now on.”

REFRESHED 2014 ELANTRA ARRIVES AT LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW WITH NEW GDI ENGINE, DYNAMIC DESIGN AND HOST OF NEW FEATURES

Performance-Oriented Elantra Sport Added to the Lineup

More Than 75 New Reasons to Drive the Hyundai Elantra

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 20, 2013 – The award-winning Hyundai Elantra returns for 2014 with extensive design upgrades and a more powerful GDI engine in the new Sport trim. A host of new features have also been added, while maintaining the roominess, warranty and safety that has made Elantra a three-time recipient of the ALG Residual Value Award. In total, more than 75 Elantra major sub-systems are new or redesigned. The all-new 2014 Elantra Sport and the rest of the Elantra line up was introduced today at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show.

The 2014 Elantra receives all-new front and rear exterior designs, along with interior styling upgrades. Sport-tuned steering and suspension calibrations sharpen the new Elantra Sport's handling, while extensive technology upgrades improve ergonomics for the entire Elantra Sedan lineup.

New technologies built into the 2014 Elantra include the application of the next-generation navigation and audio technology, which feature simpler user interfaces, enhanced voice recognition commands, improved navigation screens and available Pandora internet radio. A 4.3-inch color touchscreen with integrated rearview camera is now available on the entry level SE, in the Preferred Package, and as standard equipment on the Elantra Sport and Limited. Also new to Elantra Limited is Hyundai's Blue Link and Assurance Connected Care safety, service and infotainment telematics system.

NEW FOR 2014:
Packaging
-Elantra GLS is now Elantra SE
-Elantra Sport added to the lineup

Exterior Enhancements
-New front and rear fascia styling with new rear diffuser
-Projector headlights with LED headlight accents standard on Elantra Sport and Limited
-LED taillights standard on Elantra Sport and Limited
-Chrome belt line molding standard on Elantra Sport and Limited
-Exposed single exhaust tip standard on Elantra Sport
-15-inch alloy wheels standard on Elantra SE
-New Fog lamp styling
-Redesigned 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels on Elantra Sport
-Redesigned 17-inch alloys wheels on Elantra Limited
-Redesigned 16-inch alloy wheels on SE Preferred Package
-Rear spoiler standard on Sport

Interior Enhancements
-Pandora® Internet Radio (available)
-Center stack HVAC vents relocated
-New 4.3-inch color LCD touchscreen audio with rearview camera standard on Elantra Limited and Sport and included in SE Preferred Package
-New dual dial HVAC controls
-New aluminum entrance sills standard on Elantra Sport and Limited
-New third generation navigation with seven-inch touchscreen optional on Elantra Limited
-New straight pull transmission selector with leather boot
-New aluminum pedals standard on Elantra Sport
-New beige interior color choice
-Increased height of center armrest
-New reverse LCD display

Safety and Technology
-New Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC)
-New driver's blind spot mirror
-New standard Blue Link and Hyundai Assurance Connected Care on Elantra Limited

Driving Dynamics
-All-new 2.0-liter Nu GDI inline four-cylinder engine standard in Elantra Sport
-Driver Selectable Steering Mode (DSSM) standard on Elantra SE and Limited
-Stiffer dampers, rear springs and a larger front stabilizer bar on the Sport deliver better front roll control

NVH Enhancements
-New HVAC duct absorption material
-New higher density carpet
-Increased anti-vibration floor pad thickness
-Increased anti-vibration cowl pad thickness
-Additional expandable foam in the A pillars
-New anti-vibration material in dash pad
-Hood insulator added to Elantra Sport and Limited
-New 16-inch and 17-inch wheels
-Raised cowl top
-Applied full underbody cover

REFRESHED EXTERIOR DESIGN

For 2014, the Elantra has received a host of exterior design changes. The front and rear styling of the 2014 Hyundai Elantra have been altered for a more stable, balanced look. Up front, a new open-mouth lower bumper, grille, more technical foglights and projector headlamps with LED accents add a dynamic, precise feel to Elantra. The whole L-shaped foglight graphic stabilizes the front end and gives the car a more grounded look, while maintaining a greater sense of width that forces the eye to the corners. The headlamp and taillamp LED accents were also given a more technical appearance to give the Elantra a stronger attitude. From the profile, a chrome beltline molding and new sets of 17-inch alloy wheels on the Elantra Limited and Sport accentuate the Elantra's premium image. A new black, two-tone rear diffuser also sharpens the look of the 2014 Elantra.

INTERIOR REFINEMENTS

Inside, refinements in design give the entire 2014 Hyundai Elantra a more premium feel, with an all-new third-generation navigation and audio technology, available aluminum accents and new HVAC controls. Subtle changes to the placement of HVAC vents, controls and the height of the front center armrest lend a higher-quality, simplified look. Providing a more upscale environment is accomplished with a slightly darker, more neutral beige interior color choice, aluminum pedals on the Sport and aluminum door sill plates on the Sport and Limited.

The Elantra Limited offers a new optional multifunction seven-inch touch-screen display with navigation. This third-generation display features a simpler user interface, enhanced voice recognition commands and improved navigation screens. The system is more intuitive for commonly used tasks. Simple pop-up messages now appear to help pair a cell phone and the voice recognition software understands street addresses and cities all in one sentence. The route screens display speed limits and details the next three maneuvers. One or two button pushes now complete most functions. The systems memory also allows for viewing and storing of jpeg images and Mpeg music files from a USB stick.

PANDORA INTERNET RADIO
Pandora internet radio is integrated into the Elantra Limited's optional multifunction seven-inch touch-screen display with navigation. The display screen has a Pandora icon for internet radio from an iPhone. Pandora can also be viewed on the display screen and songs can be given the familiar Pandora thumbs up or thumbs down. (By selecting the thumbs down icon, that particular song will never be played again.) Pandora can be connected to the head unit via a USB cable and integrates album cover art.

-Pandora, the leading internet radio service, gives people music they love anytime, anywhere, through personalized radio stations available on a wide variety of connected devices
-Personalized radio stations launch instantly from a single song, artist or composer "seed" and are refined to each listener's taste through simple thumbs-up and thumbs-down feedback
-Pandora has more than 200 million registered users and more than 70 million monthly active listeners who stream more than a billion hours every month
-More than 80% of Pandora's total listening hours occur via mobile and other connected devices
-Approximately one out of every two U.S. smartphone users has listened to Pandora in the past month

Elantra SE and Sport have an AM/FM/SiriusXM/CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers. This system also includes iPod®/USB auxiliary inputs. The Sport and Limited trims come equipped with a 4.3-inch color touchscreen audio with standard rearview camera. This system is part of the Preferred Package on the Elantra SE. Elantra Limited features an optional premium audio system with navigation that pumps out 360-watts of sound and includes an external amplifier. It also accesses digital music files employing Bluetooth streaming audio and allows the driver and passengers to access their personal listening devices through the iPod/USB/auxiliary inputs. Bluetooth audio wirelessly streams music from a phone to the audio system.

NVH IMPROVEMENTS HAPPEN AT HYUNDAI SPEED
Since the launch of the current generation in 2010 as a 2011 model, Elantra has undergone significant changes to reduce cabin noise. These engineering changes will be noticed immediately by driver and passengers:

Features to help block engine noise:
-New HVAC duct absorption material
-Increased anti-vibration upper cowl pad thickness and coverage area
-New hood insulator added to Elantra Sport and Limited
-Raised cowl top

Features to help block road noise:
-New higher density carpet
-Increased anti-vibration floor pad thickness
-Additional expandable foam in the A pillars
-New 16-inch and 17-inch wheels for improved NVH
-Applied full underbody cover

Features to help block combustion noise:
-New perforated anti-vibration material in dash panel

POWERTRAINS
The 2014 Elantra now offers the 2.0-liter "Nu" GDI engine in the all-new Sport trim. This addition will be very popular with consumers who are looking for exceptional responsiveness, refinement and more performance. The 2.0-liter Nu GDI engine in the Elantra Sport produces 173 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 154 lb.-ft. of torque at 4700 rpm. This adds 25 more horsepower (+ 17 percent) and 23 lb.-ft. of torque (+18 percent) when compared with last model year's 1.8-liter Nu engine from the prior model year. These performance gains were achieved by increasing the displacement of the 1.8-liter Nu engine to 2.0 liters and equipping it with a GDI fuel delivery system. The stroke of the 1.8-liter Nu engine was increased from 87.2 mm to 97 mm to get the displacement up to 2.0 liters. The 2.0-liter Nu has been tuned to provide more torque at 1,500 rpm than the outgoing 1.8-liter Nu. The engine also delivers more torque - from 4,000 rpm to 5,500 rpm - for impressive linear power delivery all the way up to redline. Equipping the Elantra Sedan Sport with the 2.0-liter Nu four-cylinder engine with GDI ensures a great balance between performance and fuel economy. The Elantra Sedan Sport with the 2.0-liter GDI engine and six-speed automatic transmission achieves an EPA estimated 24 city/35 highway mpg with a ULEV emissions rating. The 1.8-liter Nu four-cylinder engine with six-speed automatic when equipped with 15 or 16-inch wheels achieves an EPA estimated 28 city/38 highway mpg.

Under the hood of the Elantra SE and Limited sedans is the 1.8-liter Nu four-cylinder engine with 145 horsepower and 130 lb.-ft. of torque.

THE BENEFITS OF GASOLINE DIRECT INJECTION
This shorter, more direct path of fuel delivery, allows for greater control of the fuel mixture at the optimum moment, thus improving efficiency. The fuel is injected by a camshaft-driven, high pressure pump that operates at pressures up to 2,176 psi. Direct injection also utilizes a higher than normal 11.5:1 compression ratio for increased power. The pistons are "dished" to increase combustion efficiency in the cylinder.

KEY 2.0-LITER AND 1.8-LITER NU ENGINE COMPONENTS
-Aluminum block and head
-Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT)
-Variable Intake System (VIS)
-Roller swing arm and Hydraulic Lash Adjusters (HLA)
-Electronic throttle control
-Offset crankshaft

Nu engines feature an aluminum block with a cast iron cylinder liner and aluminum cylinder head. They also offer Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT) camshafts and hydraulic engine mounts for optimum power, efficiency and refinement. Using CVVT on both camshafts has several advantages when compared with using it just on the intake camshaft, including a two percent improvement in performance (increased volumetric efficiency), two percent improvement in fuel economy (reduced pumping loss) and a 30 percent reduction in hydrocarbon emissions. In the valvetrain, roller swing arms and hydraulic lash adjusters reduce valve driven friction to improve fuel economy one percent compared with direct valve driving. The Nu engine family also features a maintenance-free silent timing chain system to enhance durability and improve Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH).

The application of a plastic two-stage Variable Intake System (VIS) versus aluminum, enables switching between long and short intake manifolds, resulting in a four percent improvement in performance.

Another tool Hyundai engineers have incorporated into Elantra is an electronic throttle control. The electronic throttle control replaces the conventional cable and mechanical linkage with fast responding electronics. This system accurately controls air intake and engine torque, improving drivability, response and fuel economy.

The Nu four-cylinder engine also has an offset crankshaft design that reduces friction between the piston and cylinder wall for a one percent improvement in fuel economy.

CHASSIS AND STEERING REFINEMENTS
Under the skin, the new 2014 Elantra Sedan Sport trim level has significant alterations aimed at enhancing handling and steering. A reworked Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) setup reduces friction and provides a quicker ratio for a more responsive cornering attitude. Stiffer dampers, rear springs and a larger front stabilizer bar on the Sport deliver better front roll control / stiffness and more fluid suspension action.

Elantra SE and Limited Elantra Sedan Sport
Steering Rack (32 bit) Base Modified for quicker response
Stabilizer Bar (front) 22 mm 23 mm
Front Spring (kgf/mm) 2.4 2.4
Rear Spring (kgf/mm) 2.3 2.4
Dampers Base Stiffened

Behind the wheel of the entry level Elantra SE and top-of-the-line Elantra Limited, drivers benefit from Hyundai's Driver Selectable Steering Mode, with three operating modes – Comfort, Normal and Sport. This innovative system allows drivers to adapt the Elantra's steering characteristics to varying driving preferences and road conditions. Comfort mode is ideal for city and parking environments, offering the greatest ease of steering with a decrease in steering effort. Normal mode is ideal for a mix of driving conditions. Meanwhile, Sport Mode is optimized for higher-speed freeways or winding roads and decreases power steering assistance. The Driver Selectable Steering Mode not only adjusts power assistance levels in each mode, but also adjusts on-center build-up feel and steering build-up curves throughout the steering range, for a very natural and progressive feel. Steering dampening characteristics, active return and friction levels have also been optimized in Elantra.

OVERALL DIMENSIONS
Elantra is still a "class above" some competitors when it comes to interior room. In fact, the Elantra is so roomy the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies it as a mid-size car, rather than a compact car like Civic, Mazda3 and Focus. Elantra's total interior volume of 110.4 cubic feet beats the 2013 Honda Civic sedan, 2014 Chevrolet Cruze, and 2014 Ford Focus. Surprisingly, it even surpasses the Acura TSX (108.5 cu. ft.), Nissan Maxima (110.0 cu. ft), and VW CC (106.8 cu. ft.) in total interior volume. Ultimately, the long wheelbase allows for compact car efficiency with mid-size car comfort. An example of this is found in the long seat track, delivering best-in-class front seat legroom. Elantra's trunk volume at 14.8 cubic feet also beats Civic and Corolla. This means Elantra's trunk can fit three sets of golf clubs versus only two for Focus and Civic.

SAFETY
Named a "2013 TOP SAFETY PICK+" by the IIHS and the holder of a NHTSA five-star overall crash safety rating, the Elantra returns for 2014 with a Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC), driver's blind spot mirror and Blue Link. HAC minimizes rolling backwards on steep ascents while the blind spot mirror provides a view of the driver's blind spot.

2014 Standard Safety Features
-Six airbags
-Vehicle Stability Management
-Electronic Stability Control (ESC) /Traction Control (TC)
-ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist
-Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC)
-Seatbelt pretensioners
-Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
-Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
-Driver's blind spot mirror

HYUNDAI ASSURANCE CONNECTED CARE POWERED BY BLUE LINK®
Hyundai's industry-leading telematics services program, Assurance Connected Care, is standard on the 2014 Elantra Limited, for three years. This innovative ownership program provides Hyundai owners with proactive safety and Car Care services via the Hyundai Blue Link telematics system. These services include Automatic Collision Notification, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Diagnostic Trouble Code Notification, Monthly Vehicle Health Report and in-vehicle Car Care maintenance scheduling.

Hyundai also recently introduced an all-new mobile app for the Blue Link telematics platform. The mobile app allows subscribers to remotely access various optional Blue Link features and services through compatible mobile devices. Completely redesigned from the ground up, the app has been significantly enhanced from the previous version and boasts a new user experience, faster navigation and innovative new features. Google Android® and Apple® iOS users can download the app today from Google Play or Apple iTunes, respectively.

Blue Link is an innovative telematics solution that brings seamless connectivity for safety, service and infotainment capabilities and is offered in three packages: Assurance, Essentials and Guidance.

BLUE LINK® PACKAGES
Blue Link Assurance package:
Safety:
-Automatic Collision Notification (ACN) and Assistance
-SOS Emergency Assistance
-Enhanced Roadside Assistance

Car Care:
-Maintenance Alert
-Automated Diagnostic Trouble Code Notification
-Recall Advisor
-Monthly Vehicle Health Report and Web Vehicle Diagnostics
-Service Link

Blue Link Essentials package:
Remote Access:
-Remote Door Lock/Unlock
-Remote Horn and Lights
-Remote Vehicle Start
-Car Finder

Vehicle Safeguard:
-Stolen Vehicle Recovery
-Stolen Vehicle Slowdown
-Vehicle Immobilization
-Alarm Notification
-Panic Notification
-Valet Alert
-Geo-Fence
-Speed Alert
-Curfew Alert

Blue Link Guidance package:
-TBT (Turn-by-turn) Navigation Service
-POI Search by advanced voice recognition system and by Web and download
-Daily Route Guidance with Traffic Condition
-Traffic
-Gas Station Locations and Gas Prices
-Eco-Coach
-Restaurant Ratings
-Weather

More details on Hyundai Blue Link are available at https://www.hyundaiusa.com/technology/bluelink

==========
HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA LAUNCHES 2014 ELANTRA GT AT
LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW

New Standard Torque-Rich 2.0-liter Gasoline Direct Injection Engine Builds
Performance Credentials

LOS ANGELES, Nov. , 2013 – Hyundai Motor America introduced the refreshed 2014 Elantra GT in a North American debut at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show today. The 2014 Elantra GT adds a more powerful engine to a model known for its design, five-door functionality, sophisticated suspension tuning and interior space.
Hyundai upped both the horsepower and torque on the refreshed Elantra GT to make it even more fun to drive. The GT now includes a standard 2.0-liter Nu Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine, which adds 25 more horsepower (+17 percent) and 23 lb.-ft. of torque (+18 percent) from the prior model year. This powertrain in the Elantra GT produces 173 horsepower available at 6,500 rpm and 154 lb.-ft. of torque on tap at 4,700 rpm. With these gains along with a low curb weight, Elantra GT can now boast the best power-to-weight ratio and specific output in the segment. Furthermore, Elantra GT now produces more horsepower than the Subaru Impreza, Ford Focus, Mazda3 five-door and Volkswagen Golf five-door. To sharpen the look of the 2014 Elantra GT, Hyundai engineers added LED taillights. To improve visibility a new integrated driver's blind spot mirror was also added. The 2014 Elantra GT goes on sale in December.

NEW FOR 2014:
-2.0-liter Nu GDI inline four-cylinder engine replaces 1.8-liter Nu Multi Port Injection (MPI) engine
-Horsepower: 173 at 6,500 rpm
-Torque: 154 lb.-ft. at 4,700 rpm
-Best power-to-weight ratio in the segment
-Best-in-class specific output
-Driver's blind spot mirror
-New available premium feature: LED taillights

HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2014 ELANTRA GT
-'Fluidic Sculpture' design
-Sport-tuned suspension
-More passenger and cargo volume than Focus, Mazda3 and Golf
-Driver knee airbag – an Elantra first
-Hidden rear camera
-More aerodynamic than Impreza or Golf

TORQUE-RICH 2.0-LITER NU GASOLINE DIRECT INJECTION ENGINE
The 2014 Elantra GT enjoys the more powerful 2.0-liter Nu engine. Fuel is delivered to the 2.0-liter Nu by a high-pressure Gasoline Direct Injection, which contributes to improved engine response. Power is rated at 173 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 154 lb.-ft. of torque at a 4,700 rpm, which is a significant improvement compared to the 2013 Elantra GT's 1.8-liter engine that developed 148 horsepower and 131 lb.-ft. of torque. The 2.0-liter Nu has been tuned to provide more torque at 1,500 rpm than the outgoing 1.8-liter Nu. The engine also delivers more torque - from 4,000 rpm to 5,500 rpm - for impressive linear power delivery all the way up to redline.

2014 2.0-LITER NU GDI ENGINE COMPARED WITH 2013 1.8-LITER NU MPI ENGINE

This powerplant delivers an impressive 24 mpg city/33 highway EPA estimated fuel economy rating with the available six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC®. (When equipped with the six-speed manual, the Elantra GT achieves 24 mpg city/34 mpg highway EPA estimated fuel economy rating).
Horsepower Torque
2013 Elantra GT
vs.
2014 Elantra GT 148 hp

173 hp 131 lb.-ft.
154 lb.-ft.

The performance gains were achieved by stroking the engine from 87.2 mm to 97 mm to increase the displacement of the engine from 1.8 liters to 2.0 liters and equipping it with a GDI fuel delivery system instead of a MPI fuel delivery system. This high-tech, all-aluminum engine also has Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (DCVVT) and a Variable Induction System (VIS) for better engine breathing. A lightweight intake manifold also reduces weight by 30 percent over a cast unit. The aluminum "bed plate" located below the cylinder block reduces engine NVH levels and improves block rigidity by 30 percent.

THE BENEFITS OF GASOLINE DIRECT INJECTION
This shorter, more direct path of fuel delivery allows for greater control of the fuel mixture at the optimum moment, thus improving efficiency. The fuel is injected by a camshaft-driven, high pressure pump that operates at pressures up to 2,175 psi. Direct injection also utilizes a higher than normal 11.5:1 compression ratio for increased power. The pistons are "dished" to increase combustion efficiency in the cylinder.

'FLUIDIC SCULPTURE' DESIGN
The 'Fluidic' essence provides the Elantra GT with a slippery .30 coefficient of drag. Everything about Elantra GT is aerodynamic from the aggressive profile and low overall height, to the sleek side mirrors. Tire gaps are minimized while rocker panels are streamlined. Lower wind resistance translates into a smoother ride.

Up front, Hyundai's signature hexagonal grille with chrome accents flows into the hood. The bodyside graphic features a chrome beltline molding to keep up with the sleek character lines. Sharp projection headlamps, fog lights and available 17-inch alloy wheels with chrome spears complete the modern design. It's all finished off in the rear with the new available LED taillights.

THE BENEFITS OF A LOW CURB WEIGHT IN THE COMPACT SEGMENT
Elantra GT's widespread use of high-strength steel allows the suspension to work optimally. At 2,908 pounds, the automatic transmission Elantra GT is lighter than most of its competitors, while offering more interior room than Focus, Mazda3 and Golf. Elantra GT is 40 pounds lighter than Focus and 194 pounds lighter than Golf.

SIX-SPEED TRANSMISSIONS
The Elantra GT can be equipped with a six-speed manual (M6CF3-1) or automatic (A6GF1) transaxle with SHIFTRONIC® manual control. Elantra GT's six-speed manual transmission provides short, crisp shifts and further optimizes engine performance. These crisp shifts are courtesy of triple-cone synchronizers for first and second gears, double-cone for third gear and single-cone for fourth, fifth and sixth gears.

INTERIOR SPACE AND PRACTICALITY
Maximizing interior volume and delighting customers with various seating layouts are hallmarks of Hyundai engineering and translate into more cabin room, cargo space and versatility. The Elantra GT features seating layouts that can comfortably seat five people or accommodate four passengers, plus long items like golf clubs or snowboards. Fold down two seats to seat three people and hold larger packages or fold down all of the back seats to get CUV-sized cargo space. These options allow customers to discover that Elantra GT has more interior volume than Mazda3, Ford Focus and VW Golf and even more cargo capacity than the Nissan Juke crossover, thanks to fold-flat rear seats and rear seat cushions that can flip upward.
The Elantra GT includes a number of convenient, standard stowage and storage features, including a sunglasses holder, two front and two rear cup holders, door bottle holders, cooled glove compartment, central console storage, sliding armrest, front storage tray and front seatback pockets. The cargo area also has a 12-volt outlet for consumers who desire to plug in their portable electronic devices.

ELANTRA GT ARCHITECTURE
Elantra GT is fitted with a MacPherson strut front suspension with coil springs and gas shock absorbers. The rear suspension is comprised of a light weight coupled torsion beam for enhanced steering stability and monotube shock absorbers. A 22 mm diameter front stabilizer bar helps reduce body roll when cornering. Elantra GT is tuned for added feel, responsiveness and control, while the Elantra sedan is tuned for comfort. Modifications to the GT include higher rear spring rates, a stiffer twist beam and Sachs dampers for improved body motion control. These changes create driving dynamics which are sporty and comfortable. In addition, two suspension packages were developed to optimize tuning for the two different tire sizes. The Elantra GT's Style package offers a sportier suspension calibration that is optimized for its lower-profile P215/45R17 tire.
Behind the wheel, drivers benefit from Hyundai's Driver Selectable Steering Mode. With three operating modes to select – Comfort, Normal and Sport – this innovative system allows drivers to adapt Elantra GT steering characteristics to varying driving preferences and road conditions any time they choose. Comfort level offers the greatest ease of steering and is ideal for city and parking environments. Sport is optimized for higher-speed highways or winding roads, while Normal is ideal for a mix of driving conditions. The Driver Selectable Steering Mode adjusts power assistance levels in each mode and moderates on-center build-up feel and steering build-up curves throughout the steering range, allowing for a very natural, progressive feel. Steering damping characteristics, active return gain and high frequency friction levels have also been optimized for Elantra GT in this system. Even more, Elantra GT's turning diameter of 34.8 feet is better than Focus and Golf.

OVERALL DIMENSIONS
The Elantra GT rides on a 104.3-inch wheelbase and has an overall length of 169.3 inches. The height is 57.9 inches and the width is 70.1 inches.

CABIN REFINEMENT
Cabin refinements on the Elantra GT are inspired by the high standards of the entire Hyundai lineup. Located in the center console, the available navigation system is displayed via a seven-inch touch-screen and incorporates the rearview camera screen. Elantra GT's rearview camera is like no other. This mechanized camera is hidden behind the Hyundai flying H badge on the rear hatch and only appears when needed.
Dual-zone climate controls ensure a comfortable environment for all occupants during long journeys, and the addition of a panoramic sunroof provides increased natural light within the cabin. The Dual-zone climate controls also incorporate an automatic defogging system, which detects humidity levels using a sensor and removes it from the windshield. Another premium feature in the Elantra GT is a CleanAir Ionizer that automatically cleans the air when the heater or air conditioner is running.
Elantra GT comes standard with a 172-watt AM/FM/Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system with six-speakers and iPod®/USB/auxiliary input jacks. A Bluetooth interface is also standard. The sound system plays CDs, accesses digital music files via Bluetooth streaming audio or allows driver and passenger to access their personal listening devices through the iPod/USB/auxiliary inputs. The SiriusXM Satellite Radio interface is also integrated into the navigation unit and features channel logos, real-time NavTraffic and Data services, such as NavWeather®, Stock Ticker and Sports Ticker. Users can even upload personal pictures from a USB rather than a CD to be displayed on the system's home screen.
Elantra GT offers many premium features, such as:
-Standard cooled glove box
-Standard heated front seats
-Standard driver's blind spot mirror
-LED taillights
-10-way power driver's seat including power lumbar support
-Dual Automatic Temperature Control with Clean Air Ionizer
-Leather seating surfaces
-Automatic headlights
-Side mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators
-Standard steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls
-Standard Bluetooth hands-free system with voice recognition

HYUNDAI ASSURANCE CONNECTED CARE POWERED BY BLUE LINK®
Hyundai's industry-leading telematics services program, Assurance Connected Care, is standard on all 2014 Elantra GTs equipped with Blue Link for three years. This innovative ownership program provides Hyundai owners with proactive safety and car care services via the Hyundai Blue Link telematics system. These services include Automatic Collision Notification, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Diagnostic Trouble Code Notification, Monthly Vehicle Health Report and in-vehicle Car Care maintenance scheduling.
Hyundai also recently introduced an all-new mobile application for the Blue Link telematics platform. The mobile app allows subscribers to remotely access various optional Blue Link features and services through compatible mobile devices. Completely redesigned from the ground up, the app has been significantly enhanced from the previous version and boasts a new user experience, faster navigation and innovative new features. Google Android and Apple iOS users can download the app today from Google Play or Apple iTunes, respectively.
Blue Link is an innovative telematics solution that brings seamless connectivity for safety, service and infotainment capabilities and is offered in three packages: Assurance, Essentials and Guidance.

BLUE LINK® PACKAGES
Blue Link Assurance package:
Safety:
-Automatic Collision Notification (ACN) and Assistance
-SOS Emergency Assistance
-Enhanced Roadside Assistance
Car Care:
-Maintenance Alert
-Automated Diagnostic Trouble Code Notification
-Recall Advisor
-Monthly Vehicle Health Report and Web Vehicle Diagnostics
-Service Link

Blue Link Essentials package:
Remote Access:
-Remote Door Lock/Unlock
-Remote Horn and Lights
-Remote Vehicle Start
-Car Finder
Vehicle Safeguard:
-Stolen Vehicle Recovery
-Stolen Vehicle Slowdown
-Vehicle Immobilization
-Alarm Notification
-Panic Notification
-Valet Alert
-Geo-Fence
-Speed Alert
-Curfew Alert

Blue Link Guidance package:
-TBT (Turn-by-turn) Navigation Service
-POI Search by advanced voice recognition system and by Web and download
-Daily Route Guidance with Traffic Condition
-Traffic
-Gas Station Locations and Gas Prices
-Eco-Coach
-Restaurant Ratings
-Weather

More details on Hyundai Blue Link are available at https://www.hyundaiusa.com/technology/bluelink/.
============
2014 HYUNDAI ELANTRA COUPE UPS FUN FACTOR

New Standard Torque-Rich 2.0-liter Gasoline Direct Injection

New Sport-tuned Steering and Suspension Sharpen Handling

LOS ANGELES , Nov. 20, 2013 – The 2014 Elantra Coupe adds more fun-to-drive elements to a model known for its design, value and premium features. The updated Elantra Coupe now features a standard 2.0-liter Nu Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine, which adds 25 more horsepower (+17 percent) and 23 lb.-ft. of torque (+18 percent) from the prior model year's 1.8-liter engine. In the Elantra Coupe, this power plant produces 173 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 154 lbs.-ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm, enhancing the behind the wheel experience for consumers. The refreshed 2014 Elantra Coupe and the rest of the Elantra line up was introduced today at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show.

To up the fun factor even further, the 2014 Elantra Coupe receives sport-tuned steering and suspension calibrations to sharpen turn-in and handling on twisty roads. Other new standard refinements to the Elantra Coupe include the addition of a rear spoiler, 17-inch alloy wheels, a leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and a unique blackout grille with chrome surround. These features were optional last year.

The 2014 Elantra Coupe is now offered in only one, very well equipped trim level, making it easier for customers to find the Elantra Coupe of their choice. The only choices a shopper has to make is color and if they want the Technology Package or not. The GS and SE trims have been consolidated into one model for the 2014 model year.

New technologies available on the 2014 Elantra Coupe include the application of Hyundai's next-generation navigation and audio technology. The new system features simpler user interfaces, enhanced voice recognition commands, improved navigation screens and a seven-inch color touchscreen with rearview camera. Also, optional for 2014 is Pandora internet radio, LED taillights, projector headlights with LED accents and Hyundai's Blue Link and Assurance Connected Care safety, service and infotainment telematics system. Blue Link and Assurance Connected Care services include Automatic Collision Notification, Monthly Vehicle Health Report and in-vehicle Car Care maintenance scheduling among other features. The 2014 Elantra Coupe with all its upgrades will be available at Hyundai dealerships in winter of 2013.

2014 ELANTRA COUPE UPDATES AT A GLANCE:
NEW STANDARD EQUIPMENT FOR 2014:
-2.0-liter Nu GDI inline four-cylinder engine
-Replaces the 1.8-liter Nu Multi Port Injection (MPI) engine in the previous model
-Sport-tuned steering and suspension
-Driver's blind spot side mirror
-17-inch alloy wheels with P215/45R17 tires
-Unique grille – black with chrome surround
-Rear spoiler
-Leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
-Power windows with driver's one touch up and down
-Side view mirror repeaters
-GS and SE trims have been consolidated into one model for the 2014 model year

NEW TECHNOLOGY PACKAGE EQUIPMENT FOR 2014:
-Blue Link and Hyundai Assurance Connected Care
-Projector headlights with LED accents
-LED taillights
-Next-generation navigation and audio technology with Pandora internet radio

INTERIOR ENHANCEMENTS FOR 2014:
-New center stack HVAC vents (relocated)
-New dual dial HVAC controls refresh – separate fan and temp. controls
-New straight pull transmission selector with leather boot
-New cooled glovebox
-New reverse LCD display

NVH Enhancements
-New HVAC duct absorption material
-New higher density carpet
-Increased anti-vibration floor pad thickness
-Increased anti-vibration cowl pad thickness
-Additional expandable foam in the A pillars
-New anti-vibration material in dash pad
-Hood insulator added
-Raised cowl top
-Full underbody cover

TORQUE-RICH 2.0-LITER NU GASOLINE DIRECT INJECTION ENGINE
In a segment where GDI technology is not normally found, Hyundai is anticipating the addition of a 2.0-liter GDI engine will be very popular with Coupe shoppers looking for performance and affordability. The all-new 2.0-liter GDI engine called 'Nu' produces 173 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 154 lbs.-ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm. The performance gains were achieved by increasing the displacement of the engine from 1.8 liters to 2.0 liters and equipping it with a GDI fuel delivery system instead of a MPI fuel delivery system. Increasing the stroke from 87.2 mm to 97 mm gets the 1.8-liter Nu engine up to 2.0 liters. This engine in the Elantra Coupe delivers more torque and enhanced response when compared with a similar MPI engine. In fact, the 2.0-liter Nu has been tuned to provide more torque at 1,500 rpm than the outgoing 1.8-liter Nu. The engine also delivers more torque - from 4,000 rpm to 5,500 rpm - for impressive linear power delivery all the way up to redline. Equipping the Elantra Coupe with the 2.0-liter Nu four-cylinder engine with GDI ensures a great balance between performance and fuel economy. The Elantra Coupe with the new 2.0-liter GDI engine achieves an EPA estimated 24 city/34 highway mpg figure with a ULEV emissions rating.

Key Engine Components
-Aluminum block and head
-Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT)
-Variable Intake System (VIS)
-Roller swing arm and Hydraulic Lash Adjusters (HLA)
-Electronic throttle control
-Offset crankshaft

The 2.0-liter Nu offers D-CVVT camshafts and hydraulic engine mounts for optimum power, efficiency and refinement. Using D-CVVT on both camshafts has several advantages when compared with using it just on the intake camshaft. These advantages include a two-percent improvement in performance (via increased volumetric efficiency), two-percent improvement in fuel economy (via reduced pumping losses) and a 30 percent reduction in hydrocarbon emissions. In the valvetrain, roller swing arms and hydraulic lash adjusters reduce valve-driven friction to help improve fuel economy one percent compared with direct valve tappets.

A plastic two-stage Variable Intake System (VIS) enables intake air to be directed between long and short intake manifolds, resulting in a broad, linear power band. This results in a four-percent improvement in performance.

Another technology Hyundai engineers have incorporated into the Elantra Coupe is an electronic throttle control. Electronic throttle control replaces the conventional cable and mechanical linkage with virtually instantaneous computerized control. This system accurately controls air intake and engine torque, improving drivability, response and fuel economy.

To further improve fuel economy, Elantra Coupe applies double-pipe plumbing technology to the internal heat exchanger. Double-pipe plumbing improves cabin cooling efficiency, while minimizing compressor size and reducing fuel consumption. In addition, an externally-controlled variable compressor is used to improve fuel efficiency when compared with an internal variable compressor.
The Nu four-cylinder engine also has an offset crankshaft design that reduces friction and pressure between the piston and cylinder wall for a one-percent improvement in fuel economy. The Elantra Coupe comes equipped with a six-speed automatic (A6MF1-1) transaxle with SHIFTRONIC® manual control.

ELANTRA COUPE VS. HONDA CIVIC COUPE
Base Engine 2014
Elantra Coupe 2013
Civic Coupe
Displacement 2.0L 1.8L
Horsepower 173@6500 140@6500
Torque (lb.-ft.) 154@4700 128@4300
Specific output 86.5 77.8
Transmission 6AT 5MT or 5AT
Fuel economy
A/T 24 city/34 highway
28 city/39 highway
Curb Weights
A/T
2,877 2,789
Power-to-weight
A/T 16.6 19.9

CHASSIS AND STEERING REFINEMENTS
Under the skin, the new 2014 Elantra Coupe has had significant alterations aimed at enhancing handling and steering. A reworked Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) setup along with stiffer dampers, rear springs and a larger front stabilizer bar on the Elantra Coupe deliver better front roll control / stiffness and more fluid suspension action.
2013 Elantra Coupe 2014 Elantra Coupe
Steering Rack 16 bit 32-bit Modified for
sportier feel
Stabilizer Bar (front) 22 mm 23 mm
Front Spring (kgf/mm) 2.5 2.4
Rear Spring (kgf/mm) 2.3 2.4
Dampers Base Stiffened

THIRD-GENERATION NAVIGATION AND AUDIO TECHNOLOGY
Elantra Coupe now offers an optional multifunction seven-inch touch-screen display with navigation. This third-generation display features a simpler user interface, enhanced voice recognition commands and improved navigation screens. The system is more intuitive for commonly used tasks. Simple pop-up messages now appear to help pair a phone. The voice recognition software understands street addresses and cities all in one sentence. The route screens display speed limits and details the next three maneuvers. One or two button pushes now complete most functions.
Elantra Coupe has an AM/FM/SiriusXM/CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers. This system includes iPod®/USB auxiliary inputs. A premium audio system with navigation pumps out 360-watts of sound. This system includes an external amplifier and is available in the Technology Package. It also plays compact discs, accesses digital music files employing Bluetooth streaming audio and allows driver and passenger to access their personal listening devices through the iPod/USB/auxiliary inputs. Bluetooth audio wirelessly streams music from a phone to the audio system.
The XM Satellite Radio interface is also integrated into the navigation unit and features channel logos, real-time NavTraffic and XM Data services, such as XM NavWeather®, XM Stock Ticker and XM Sports Ticker. The system also integrates a rear-view camera. Users can even upload personal pictures from a USB to be displayed on the system's home screen.

PANDORA® INTERNET RADIO
Pandora internet radio is integrated into the Elantra Coupe's optional multifunction seven-inch touch-screen display with navigation. The display screen has a Pandora icon for internet radio from an iPhone®. Pandora can also be viewed on the display screen and songs can be given the familiar Pandora thumbs up or thumbs down. (By selecting the thumbs down icon, that particular song will never be played again.) Pandora can be connected to the head unit via a USB cable and integrates album cover art.
-Pandora, the leading internet radio service, gives people music they love anytime, anywhere, through personalized radio stations available on a wide variety of connected devices
-Personalized radio stations launch instantly from a single song, artist or composer "seed" and are refined to each listener's taste through simple thumbs-up and thumbs-down feedback
-Pandora has more than 200 million registered users and more than 70 million monthly active listeners who stream more than a billion hours every month
-More than 80% of Pandora's total listening hours occur via mobile and other connected devices
-Approximately one out of every two U.S. smartphone users has listened to Pandora in the past month

HYUNDAI ASSURANCE CONNECTED CARE POWERED BY BLUE LINK®
Blue Link is now available in the Technology Package on the 2014 Elantra Coupe. Blue Link is now coupled with Hyundai's industry-leading telematics services program, Assurance Connected Care, which is free for three years. This innovative ownership program provides Hyundai owners with proactive safety and Car Care services via the Hyundai Blue Link telematics system. These services include Automatic Collision Notification, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Diagnostic Trouble Code Notification, Monthly Vehicle Health Report and in-vehicle Car Care maintenance scheduling.

Hyundai also recently introduced an all-new mobile app for the Blue Link telematics platform. The mobile app allows subscribers to remotely access various optional Blue Link features and services through compatible mobile devices. Completely redesigned from the ground up, the app has been significantly enhanced from the previous version and boasts a new user experience, faster navigation and innovative new features. Google Android® and Apple® iOS users can download the app today from Google Play or Apple iTunes.

Blue Link is an innovative telematics solution that brings seamless connectivity for safety, service and infotainment capabilities and is offered in three packages: Assurance, Essentials and Guidance.

BLUE LINK® PACKAGES
Blue Link Assurance package:
Safety:
-Automatic Collision Notification (ACN) and Assistance
-SOS Emergency Assistance
-Enhanced Roadside Assistance

Car Care:
-Maintenance Alert
-Automated Diagnostic Trouble Code Notification
-Recall Advisor
-Monthly Vehicle Health Report and Web Vehicle Diagnostics
-Service Link

Blue Link Essentials package:
Remote Access:
-Remote Door Lock/Unlock
-Remote Horn and Lights
-Remote Vehicle Start
-Car Finder

Vehicle Safeguard:
-Stolen Vehicle Recovery
-Stolen Vehicle Slowdown
-Vehicle Immobilization
-Alarm Notification
-Panic Notification
-Valet Alert
-Geo-Fence
-Speed Alert
-Curfew Alert

Blue Link Guidance package:
-TBT (Turn-by-turn) Navigation Service
-POI Search by advanced voice recognition system and by Web and download
-Daily Route Guidance with Traffic Condition
-Traffic
-Gas Station Locations and Gas Prices
-Eco-Coach
-Restaurant Ratings
-Weather

More details on Hyundai Blue Link are available at https://www.hyundaiusa.com/technology/bluelink/

FLUIDIC SCULPTURE DESIGN LANGUAGE
Elantra Coupe takes Hyundai's dynamic Fluidic Sculpture design principles to the next level. Fluidic Sculpture design language replicates the interaction of wind with rigid surfaces to create a perception of fluid in motion.

Hyundai's signature hexagonal front fascia opening and jeweled swept-back headlights now with available projector beams and LED accents give Elantra Coupe a lean, aggressive demeanor. Fog lights and bodycolored side mirrors turn signal repeaters complement the view from the front.
From the side, Elantra Coupe conveys a wedge-like sport coupe silhouette with deeply sculpted surfaces. Standard sporty five-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels with dark spoke inserts add a dynamic presence, while fast A- and C-pillar angles frame a sharply tapered greenhouse, further accentuating the wedge profile. Just below the belt line, a prominent character line carries from the door through to the rear deck. Wheel arch creases give a subtle flared appearance around front and rear wheels, for a wide and aggressive presence. Further, a beveled rocker panel rounds out the lean and muscular effect.

From the rear, a blacked-out rear diffuser valance contrasts with dual chrome-tipped exhaust tips, and the integrated lip spoiler design element. New for the 14 model year is the addition of available LED taillights to further heighten Elantra Coupe's rear appearance.
These sculpted surfaces serve to create a highly aerodynamic body. The drag coefficient for the Elantra Coupe is an exceptionally low 0.28 Cd, resulting in minimal cabin noise intrusion and optimal fuel economy. Elantra Coupe was designed at Hyundai's North American Design Center in Irvine, Calif.

NVH IMPROVEMENTS HAPPEN AT HYUNDAI SPEED
Since the launch of the current generation in 2012 as a 2013 model, Elantra Coupe has undergone significant changes to reduce cabin noise. These engineering changes will be noticed immediately by driver and passengers:

Features to help block engine noise:
-New HVAC duct absorption material
-Increased anti-vibration upper cowl pad thickness and coverage area
-New hood insulator
-Raised cowl top

Features to help block road noise:
-New higher density carpet
-Increased anti-vibration floor pad thickness
-Additional expandable foam in the A pillars
-Full underbody cover

Features to help block combustion noise:
-New perforated anti-vibration material in the dash panel
OVERALL DIMENSIONS
The Elantra Coupe rides on a 106.3-inch wheelbase, an overall length of 178.7 inches, 69.9-inch width, and 56.5 inch height for uncompromised headroom. Elantra Coupe's total interior volume of 110.2 cubic feet exceeds the 2013 Honda Civic Coupe and 2014 Kia Forte Koup by large margins and is surprisingly larger than the 2014 Honda Accord Coupe. The Coupe's long wheelbase allows for compact coupe efficiency with class-above relative comfort levels. Elantra Coupe's trunk volume at 14.8 cubic feet also beats Civic Coupe and Kia Forte.
VOLUME COMPARISON
2014 Elantra Coupe 2013 Civic Coupe 2014 Forte Koup
Passenger volume
(cu. ft.) 95.4 83.2 92.3
Cargo volume
(cu. ft.) 14.8 11.7 13.3
Total interior volume
(cu. ft.) 110.2 94.9 105.6
EPA size classification Mid-size Compact Compact

SPORTY, SOPHISTICATED INTERIOR
Inside, refinements in design gives the 2014 Hyundai Elantra Coupe a more premium feel with the integration of new HVAC controls. Subtle changes to the placement of HVAC vents and controls lend a higher-quality, simplified look. Providing a more upscale environment is accomplished with a negative LCD display and a cooled glovebox.

Elantra Coupe customers will also find Hyundai's expertise in interior packaging, lighting, leading-edge design and craftsmanship. This approach is visible in gauge clarity and the tilt and telescopic steering wheel. Seat construction uses lightweight materials and environmentally-friendly foam for further benefits to fuel efficiency. Elantra Coupe seat design also provides deeper side bolsters compared with Elantra sedan for sportier driving. Heated seats are also standard equipment on Elantra Coupe.

The Elantra Coupe offers two interior color choices, gray and black. All Elantra Coupes have cloth-like pillar trim made of fibrous tissue and volcanic rock for a premium look, feel and minimal environmental impact. Elantra Coupe will offer six exterior colors, two of which are unique from Elantra sedan color choices: Monaco White and Black Noir Pearl.

Elantra Coupe owners can also get additional premium features, such as proximity key with push-button start, leather seating surfaces and power sunroof.

ADVANCED STANDARD SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES: PART OF HYUNDAI'S ASSURANCE COMMITMENT
The Elantra Coupe takes compact coupe safety to the next level with the introduction of Vehicle Stability Management (VSM). Similar to the one found in the Hyundai Equus, VSM optimally manages ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and the Motor-Driven electric Power Steering (MDPS).

VSM works when the driver brakes on a split-mu surface (slippery on one side, dry on the other) and the vehicle wants to pull in one direction. VSM detects this condition and sends a signal to the MDPS to apply steering assist. VSM counters the pull and automatically provides eight Newton meters of counter steering force. VSM reacts the same way during sudden lane changes or fast cornering.

Elantra Coupe features six airbags-including dual front, front seat-mounted side-impact, and front and rear side curtain airbag.

The Elantra Coupe includes four-wheel disc brakes and an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) including Brake Assist, which helps provide maximum braking force when a panic stop is detected, and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), to automatically adjust the braking force to front and rear axles based on vehicle loading conditions and driving dynamics. Elantra Coupe engineers even looked at something as simple as the parking brake for an integrated rear parking brake caliper for weight reduction.

In terms of passive safety, the Elantra Coupe has strong unibody construction, along with front and rear crumple zones to effectively absorb and dissipate impact energy away from cabin occupants.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA
Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Costa Mesa, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 820 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle limited warranty, Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, and five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance. Hyundai Assurance includes Assurance Connected Care that provides owners of Hyundai models equipped with the Hyundai Blue Link telematics system with proactive safety and car care services, complimentary for three years. These services include Automatic Collision Notification, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Vehicle Diagnostic Alert, Monthly Vehicle Health Report and in-vehicle service scheduling.
For more details on Hyundai Assurance, please visit www.HyundaiAssurance.com

will be a "very handsome vehicle" but "it’s not as distinctive" as its predecessor.

has scored "significantly higher" than key rivals - including the Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Focus, Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla

Spy photographers snapped a camouflaged car which appears to be the upcoming Hyundai hybrid hatchback, the first dedicated hybrid model in its lineup. Hyundai’s Prius fighter looks every bit the part, despite the camouflage. The general proportions of the hatch lift a page right out of Toyota’s perennial hybrid champion’s book. With a gently curving roof, an overall teardrop profile, and a sloping rear liftback, the shape is unmistakable.

The photographers were able to steal some shots under the chassis of the car, capturing visuals of high voltage cables, leads, and control arms stamped with “AE HEV”, with “AE” representing the internal model designation, and the “HEV” standing for hybrid-electric vehicle.

Expect the Hyundai hybrid to ride on a modified variant of the next-generation Elantra chassis, with power coming from a 1.6 liter four-cylinder, with assistance from an electric motor that pulls its power from a lithium-ion battery pack. It remains to be seen whether this hybrid will use similar hybrid technology as the new powertrains debuting on the 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and Sonata Hybrid Plug-In model.

We expect the dedicated Hyundai hybrid model to arrive on dealer floors in 2016, with a plug-in variant to arrive at a later time. In the meantime, take a look at the spy photos below.

1. Hyundai Motor said it will introduce its third-generation Tucson compact crossover in the first half (of 2015). The model will include more features and incorporate more high-strength steel and structural adhesives in its construction. Such changes will make the small SUV safer and give it better noise, vibration and harshness characteristics.The car is expected to feature elements of Hyundai's corporate Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language that first made its debut on the Genesis premium sedan and was later included in the Sonata.

2. The company, the flagship of Hyundai Motor Group, the world's fifth-largest automotive conglomerate in terms of sales, said it will launch its sixth-generation Avante compact in the second half. The car sold as the Elantra in markets such as the United States is one of Hyundai's best sellers, having sold over 10 million units since the first model rolled out in 1990. "The Avante will sport the Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design and have driving dynamics on par with the latest European and some U.S. car models," a company official said. The Avante, like many older generation cars, has been criticized for having unresponsive steering feedback and weaker performance vis-a-vis rivals in both driving characteristics and fuel economy.

3. To improve fuel economy, Hyundai has vowed to introduce cars with diesel engines and move towards low displacement turbo engines, like the 1.6-liter unit used on the eco model of the Sonata that is coupled with the carmaker's first seven-speed dual-clutch-transmission. The 1.6L car is currently sold only in the United States.

4. Hyundai Motor's plans to show off its first ever plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) vehicles based on the latest generation of the Sonata that should give greater fuel economy and make it attractive to a growing number of environment-conscious drivers. The global market for "green" cars has been growing rapidly in recent years.
This PHEV Sonata will complement the hybrid version of the car that will be unveiled next month. Hyundai sources hinted the hybrid will sport a different appearance compared to the conventional Sonata.

5. Kia said 2015 is an important year because it will launch its next generation K5 (Optima), five years after the last version reached showrooms.

The re-engineered 2016 Hyundai Elantra gets major changes to its sheet metal and proportions. This spy photo shows a longer and sleeker sedan, with bigger front and rear overhangs and a hood that looks stretched from the current version. Up front is the new hexagonal grille seen on the 2015 Sonata and Genesis sedans that will be applied across Hyundai's lineup. The tapered, wraparound headlights have been brought down into the corners, and the flowing creases of the current car's beltline look to be softened and straightened into a more traditional look.

DAVE ZUCHOWSKI NAMED PRESIDENT/CEO OF HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

COSTA MESA, Calif., December 27, 2013 - Hyundai Motor America today announced that President and Chief Executive Officer John Krafcik will step down upon the successful completion of his contract on December 31, 2013. David Zuchowski, executive vice president of Sales, will assume the position of President and CEO effective January 1, 2014.

"On behalf of Hyundai Motor Company, we sincerely thank John for his visionary leadership and relentless pursuit of customer satisfaction, which has driven Hyundai's record growth over the past five years," said Im Tak Uk, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Hyundai Motor Company. "John's forward-looking perspective, commitment to quality and design, and pursuit of innovative new product offerings have elevated the Hyundai brand and introduced our vehicles to a new generation of satisfied and loyal customers."

Under Krafcik's tenure with the automaker, Hyundai Motor America experienced dramatic increases in sales volume and market share, while garnering numerous prestigious industry awards. During the same time period, the model year 2009 Genesis and 2012 Elantra took top honors as North American Car of the Year, while numerous Hyundai models received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's Top Safety Pick designation.

"It's been a sincere privilege and honor to lead Hyundai Motor America over the past five years, and I am confident that with Dave's succession, our brand will continue to expand and thrive for years to come," said Krafcik. "We have many of the best and brightest employees in the business coupled with a committed and talented dealer network that will continue to pay dividends."

Incoming President and CEO David Zuchowski joined Hyundai Motor America in February 2007 as vice president of Sales with responsibility for all sales, sales operations, market representation, field operations and overall dealer relations. A proven 33-year veteran of the automotive industry, Zuchowski was previously with Mazda North America, where he served as vice president of Sales and Field Operations. Zuchowski began his career in 1980 at Ford Motor Company, where he progressed through various executive-level positions including regional manager, product marketing manager, national merchandising manager and field operations manager for the Ford and Lincoln Mercury divisions. Zuchowski earned his Bachelors of Arts in Communications from the University of Washington.

"I am both humbled and excited to lead Hyundai Motor America into the next chapter by continuing to build on John's great legacy, and focusing on what matters most – building the highest quality, safest and most diverse fleet of models that customers love," said Zuchowski.

"Dave has consistently distinguished himself as a results-oriented and motivational leader in our industry," said Im. "During his time at Hyundai, Dave has been instrumental in our growth, especially among our dealers. He exhibits a rare combination of passion, intelligence, creativity and diligence, and we are confident that he is the right choice to build on John's momentum and take Hyundai to new and greater heights."

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA