Hyundai cars

2015 Hyundai Genesis

Hyundai unveiled the Genesis sedan back in 2008 with hopes of attacking the market being dominated by models like the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes E-Class. It did okay for a while, but then both German models saw facelifts and the competition got fiercer. Hyundai shot back with a facelifted version for the 2012 model year, but now Hyundai is working even harder for the second generation Genesis, which will be unveiled at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The show is set to kick off for the press on January 13th and the public on January 18th.

Hyundai may have only waited two years after the facelifted model to bring out the new generation, but the company has always had the shortest product cycle, so it shouldn’t be all that surprising. This allows Hyundai to keep its models fresh and with BMW and Mercedes in the loop of competition.

As far as the 2015 Genesis goes, Hyundai hasn’t offered any details on what changes the company will apply, but expect a new design language. It won’t be completely new, but will feature major changes on the front grille - expect a grille similar to the one found in the new Genesis Coupe, new headlamps, a new bonnet and new bumpers. The interior will also receive a series of new technologies.

In terms of power, the next generation Hyundai Genesis will feature the same, albeit updated, engines with improved power outputs and fuel economy.

UPDATE 4/30/2013: Per Edmunds, Hyundai has announced that it will unveil the 2015 Genesis at the 2014 North American Auto Show in Detroit. Additionally, the model will have optional all-wheel drive for the first time ever.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Genesis

Video: Hyundai Teases Preparations for Pikes Peak Run

Hyundai’s record-setting performance with Rhys Millen at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb last year was met with widespread praise from all corners of the industry.

The record time of 9:46.164 was blistering to say the least and gave the Korean automaker something to shoot for when it returns to Pikes Peak later this year.

In preparation for its Pikes Peak run, Hyundai has released a pair of videos on how it plans to have a successful encore to its 2012 performance. The early discussions call for dropping the weight of its racer by about 1,000 pounds, using titanium and carbon fiber. On top of that, Hyundai is preparing a modified version of its Genesis Coupe V-6 engine; one that will produce 900 horsepower.

With the tremendous success it had last year, a lot is riding on Hyundai to have a successful encore. Whether or not it does remains to be seen, but what we do know is that Pikes Peak is scheduled for June 30, 2013 and whatever questions we might have now will be answered then.

Click past the jump to watch Rhys Millen’s record-setting lap from last year’s hill climb

2014 Hyundai Mistra Concept

The Hyundai Mistra Concept made its debut at the Shanghai Motor Show. Hyundai plans to position the mid-sized sedan between the Sonata and Elantra in its lineup.

With the Chinese market suddenly booming, the Korean manufacturer is grasping at all it can to increase its share in China, hence this being a China only model. The Chinese market hosts 1.3 billion people and its middle class is growing, making the market an important one for car manufactures.

Thanks to China’s anti-Japanese-car sentiment, companies based in other countries – Korea included – have had a lot of success in the region. Hyundai is hoping to cash in on this with the Mistra.

So, is this new concept model one that can help Hyundai reel in the up-and-coming Chinese middle-class, or is this simply another concept that will fall by the wayside?

Hit the jump to read more details about the Hyundai Mistra Concept and find out.

Spy Shots: 2014 Hyundai Genesis Reveals its Interior

It looks like today it’s been a pretty busy day at Nürburgring, as there are spy shots aplenty coming down the pipe. Even Hyundai took the next-generation Genesis out for some testing at the ’Ring and our spy photographers were able to catch its interior for the first time.

Also, the prototype caught testing was wearing lighter camouflage on the exterior, so we were able to see more of the new body, especially at the front and rear. As previously suggested, the second-generation Genesis will adopt a new exterior design language, with a grille similar to the one found in the new Genesis Coupe, new headlamps, a new bonnet and new bumpers.

The interior also looks updated, which helps Hyundai keep it fresh and in line with all of its top competitors.

You can expect the new-generation Hyundai Genesis to be unveiled by the end of 2013.

2013 Hyundai Equus Hermes Edition

A few years ago, Hyundai collaborated with Italian fashion label Prada to build a special-edition Prada-designed Genesis model. That endeavor proved to be a flop as only about 400 of the 1,200 models were sold.

But the Korean automaker is apparently undaunted because it’s once again taken the same partnership route, only this time it’s with French fashion brand Hermes.

Called the Hyundai Equus Hermes Edition, the special-edition model is only three units strong and none of them are for sale. Guess Hyundai learned a lesson or two from the Prada debacle, huh?

Aesthetically speaking, each of the three Equus Hermes models have interiors that live up to Hyundai’s pursuit of a "modern premium" car. More than 20 high-end items were used to dress up the interior, including luminary materials like crocodile leather lining the door panels. If the material rings a bell, it’s also the same one Hermes uses on a lot of its handbags.

As an extended wheelbase, the Equus Hermes has enough space to accommodate a host of luxury features, particularly the rear, which has its own folding table, four-cup holders, a water bottle compartment, and a large storage space, among other things.

Unfortunately, none of the three units of the Equus Hermes Edition are up for sale, according to Hyundai. But if you want to learn more about the automaker’s rationale in building the unique luxury sedan, you can check out its Q&A regarding the Equus Hermes Edition after the jump.

2013 Hyundai HND-9 Concept

We’ve gotta say, Hyundai’s been hitting these concepts out of the park lately. Remember the HCD-14 Genesis Concept that it introduced at the Detroit Auto Show?

Well, it followed that up with another fantastic concept that was unveiled in person at the Seoul Motor Show. It’s called the HND-9 Concept and it’s the ninth concept model developed by Hyundai’s own R&D Center in Namyang, Korea as a preview version for the next generation Genesis Coupe.

As far as the concept’s looks are concerned, the renderings points to an absolute stunning ride that has butterfly doors, a Lexus-like front profile with an aggressive nose and a dynamic wide hexagonal-shaped grille. At the back, there are definitely some hints of aggressiveness with highly stylized rear fenders, a dual twin muffler and sleek rear lamps.

Under its conceptual hood, the HND-9 is powered by a 3.3-liter turbo GDi V-6 engine that can produce 365 horsepower. This boosted engine mates to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The HND-9’s interior is unlike anything you’ve likely ever seen before and is almost certainly not what its resulting model’s interior will look like. It’s main focus was to offer up a modern and luxurious driving experience with its splendid lines, tasteful use of color and wild-looking steering wheel.

Updated 03/28/2013: The new Hyundai HND-9 Concept made its world debut today at the 2013 Seoul Auto Show. Hit the jump to read Hyundai’s press release.

2014 Hyundai Equus

Hyundai unveiled an updated version of its Equus luxury sedan at the 2013 New York Show. After teasing it for a few weeks, the updated Equus wowed the world today in the Big Apple.

According to Hyundai, the 2014 Equus will receive more than 30 new and enhanced features on both the exterior and the interior. These updates will include higher-quality materials, tweaks to ride and handling, an updated driver information display and new safety features.

On the exterior, the 2014 Equus receives a new front bumper fascia and grille design, new side mirrors and taillight graphics, plus a new set of wheels combined with revised suspensions. The interior receives a completely redesigned instrumental panel and center stack, plus a new series of updates for the materials, rear seats and steering wheel.

Updated 03/28/2013: This review has been updated with the official details, images and specs.

Hit the jump to read more about the 2014 Hyundai Equus.

2014 Hyundai i20 WRC

Hyundai has unveiled at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show an updated version of its i20 WRC racecar set to be used in the FIA World Rally Championship in the 2014 racing season. The new racecar is the result of a cooperation between Hyundai’s R&D facility in Namyang, Korea and the newly formed Hyundai Motorsport GmbH in Alzenau, Germany.

Unlike the model unveiled at the 2012 Paris Auto Show, the new i20 WRC features numerous updates to the aerodynamics, thanks to the addition of a new rear wing and front spoiler. Also updated were the chassis and suspension to improve cooling, enhance suspension kinematics and chassis stiffness. The model also received a redesigned livery that combines Hyundai’s corporate blue with innovative characters from the native Korean script, Hunminjeongeum.

The model will soon begin a more intensive test program at various locations in Europe and depending on the results, the car will be updated to be ready for the 2014 racing season.

Spy Shots: 2014 Hyundai Genesis Caught Winter Testing

Even though the Hyundai Genesis was just refreshed for the 2012 model year, the company is already developing the next-generation.

While the first spy shots let us see the new Genesis out for some testing on European streets, this time the car was caught testing on an ice track in Northern Sweden.

The new-generation Genesis is codenamed "DH" and will be built on an updated version of the current rear-wheel-drive chassis. Thanks to a revised suspension, the Genesis will deliver a sportier drive, and for the first time, Hyundai will offer the Genesis with a four-wheel-drive system.

On the exterior, the 2014 Genesis received styling cues that will provide the sedan with a more dramatic look. Up front, you can see full-LED headlights; a wide, hexagonal grille opening, featuring horizontal grille bars; plus LED day driving lights framing the headlights.

Under the hood, the Genesis will include with an updated version of the current 3.8-liter V-6 and 5.0-liter V-8 engines. At launch, the two engines will be offered with an eight-speed transmission and a 10-speed transmission will also be in the works for a later model year.

2014 Hyundai ix35

The second-generation Hyundai ix35 (also known as Tucson for the American market) was unveiled in 2009 and this is the first time the company is working on a facelift for it. Our spy photographers have caught the SUV testing for the first time, before the car’s official unveiling at the 2013 Frankfurt Car Show in September.

Even though the SUV is heavily camouflaged, we expect it to feature design elements we have seen on both the Santa Fe and i40. This means we will see a three-bar hexagonal front grille, new headlamps, wraparound taillights and a new rear spoiler. Our spy photographers managed to also catch a shot of the interior, reveling that it will also receive small changes, most likely inspired by previously unveiled Hyundai models.

Under the hood, you should expect some all-new or modified engines to meet the demand for more fuel-efficient engines and less CO2.