The South Korean company, Hyundai, brought out the Santa Fe SUV in 2001 and after twelve years on the market, it will be ready for its third generation. The Santa Fe is one of the best sold SUVs in markets like Europe and if Hyundai wants to keep it that way, they need to come up with significant improvements for their 2013 model.
Our spy photographers have caught this model testing under heavy camouflage, but rumors thus far suggest that the new Santa Fe will get its design inspiration from models like the i40 Wagon, making the new SUV look more dynamic. Expect to see massive wheel arches, slanting and elongated front and rear lights, a new grille, and a polygonal sloping roof.
The current model is offered with engines like a 2.4-liter gasoline engine with an output of 174 hp and 197 HP diesel engine capacity of 2.2 liter. For the new model, Hyundai will offer more power in out of a couple of four cylinder engines.
The Hyundai Santa Fe’s - or if rumors are to be trusted, the ix45’s - debut is planned for late 2012 or early 2013.
UPDATE 09/21/2011: The facelift version of the Santa Fe has been caught testing one more time in the European Alps, this time wearing less camouflage. It’s even more clear now that the new Santa Fe will feature design elements that have also been used for the Veloster and the new generation i30.
The Hyundai Veracruz might be in its last days. The car has always been pretty good, but the crossover has never sold entirely well. So, with Hyundai models flying off the showroom floors, the Veracruz is getting left behind. Now, Autoblog is reporting that the Veracruz will be around for a little bit longer, but inevitably, the CUV will be replaced by a long wheelbase version of the Sante Fe.
This really caught us a bit off guard, as Crossover models seem to be the hip thing at the moment. Nissan has just added a longer version of the Qashqai and other automakers are likely to follow suit.
This move will likely be a ways off, so it’s not clear yet on how stretched the Sante Fe will be. This stretch won’t be new for the Sante Fe though, as it was offered in a three-row version before its update in 2010. Hyundai will need to increase cabin space, especially in the third row, in order to get shoppers thinking Korean.
Hyundai is also looking to put the new lithium-polymer hybrid drivetrain into the Santa Fe. The motor was first designed for use in the Sonata, but the SUV seems like the perfect fit. No word on if this is actually true, but it seems to make perfect sense. Look how well the Ford Escape Hybrid is selling and you’ll soon see the point.
More news to come.
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The Korean automaker Hyundai has brought a refreshed version of their Santa Fe SUV at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. Aside from the all new exterior design the 2010 Santa Fe also offers a number of interior improvements as well as two new fuel efficient engines. From the outside, the mid size SUV wears new bumpers and body moldings, sporty wheels and a new grill as well as a pair of fog lights to give the Santa Fe a much more stylish, dynamic and taut stance according to the new car builder. On the inside Hyundai is offering an assortment of leather and cloth seating surfaces, an Eco Indicator on automatic equipped models and a touch screen navigation system complete with rearview camera and XM NavTraffic, Bluetooth connectivity, iPod/USB auxiliary inputs for MP3 players and audio controls on the steering wheel standard in all models. The 2010 Santa Fe will be powered by either a 2.4 Liter DOHC Theta II four cylinder rated at 175 HP and 169 lb-ft of torque as well as a 3.5 Liter DOHC Lambda II V6 engine making 276 HP and 248 lb-ft of thrust propelling the affordable people mover wherever it’s occupants wish to go.
Press release after the jump.
Full story
Ever think Lamborghini drivers have their heads up their rears? Well this Murcielago driver was kind enough to go up someone else’s. This accident happened in Seattle on Monday morning. No one was hurt, so it’s ok to laugh.
The only way this could have possibly been funnier is if the Lambo belonged to a proctologist.
One of the models Hyundai will unveil at the Paris Auto Show will be the Santa Fe blue Hybrid. The company plans to sell its first hybrid-electric vehicle in its home market of Korea by July 2009. The gas-electric hybrid technology featured in the Santa Fe blue Hybrid reduces CO2 emissions to 148 g/km and delivers a fuel economy of about 39 mpg.
One of the ways Hyundai is maximizing fuel economy is by using a "start-stop" system that is also found on other economy-minded vehicles. Engine control software automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a halt, cutting emissions to zero. When pressure is reapplied to the accelerator pedal, the Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) automatically restarts the engine. The Theta’s engine control software governing injection pressure, engine cycle timing and exhaust retreatment rates has been revised to further reduce fuel consumption.
Press release after the jump.
Full story
