Hyundai has been known for its leadership in car audio systems. By early 2004, all Hyundai models sold in Australia had MP3 player capability and with the launch of the i30 hatch, Hyundai introduced iPod, MP3 player and USB memory stick connectivity.

Technology is evolving at a rapid pace and Hyundai is leading the way once again. Hyundai is launching its integrated Bluetooth audio system complete with hands-free phone operation and Bluetooth wireless music streaming capabilities.

The system allows wireless streaming of music directly from a Bluetooth compatible mobile phone or Bluetooth compatible music player.

During phone conversations, the in-built microphone captures the driver’s voice and the car’s speakers transmit the other caller’s voice. There is also a phone-book that can store up to 78 phone numbers and names. All listed names and numbers appear on the audio’s display when an incoming call is received.

Other enhancements for the next generation audio platform include USB and Auxiliary inputs, allowing users to connect and play music from their iPod, MP3 player or USB memory stick.

The first cars in the range to receive the system will be Getz and Tucson.

Key features of Hyundai’s new Bluetooth wireless audio system:

Wireless Bluetooth Media Streaming: Connect (pair) any media player (iPod, MP3 player, mobile phone, etc.) with Bluetooth capabilities to the audio unit. In this mode, the audio unit (and steering wheel audio controls where fitted) will control volume and tone.

Wireless Bluetooth Phone Connectivity: Connect (pair) a Bluetooth compatible mobile phone to the car’s audio unit and speak hands-free. Up to 78 phone numbers can be stored in the audio unit’s on-board phonebook. For incoming calls, numbers are displayed on the screen.
USB input: Connect most data storage devices (USB memory sticks and media players) and play MP3 or WMA media files with the supplied USB connector cable. In this mode, the audio unit (and steering wheel audio controls where fitted) controls volume, tone and folder navigation.

Auxiliary Audio Input: Connect any media player (walkman, iPod, MP3 player, etc.) with the supplied 3.5mm audio jack connector cable. In this mode, the car’s audio head unit (and steering wheel audio controls where fitted) controls volume and tone only.

CD Player: As per outgoing models, the CD player is compatible with MP3 and WMA files.

Other features of Hyundai’s new Bluetooth wireless audio system includes:

Advanced digital noise and echo suppressor: The new audio features an advanced technology that minimises background ‘noise’ and echoes commonly experienced during hands-free telephone use.
Operates using Bluetooth Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) and Audio Video Remote Control Profile (AVRC): A2DP allows streaming of high quality stereo audio signals. AVRC allows the Hyundai audio head unit to control certain features of the connected Bluetooth phone or MP3 player wirelessly. For example the steering wheel controls (where fitted) can track up or down to select songs wirelessly.
Compatibility with iPod Bluetooth Accessories: When an iPod is fitted with a Bluetooth accessory device (e.g. Motorola D650 or Jabra A125S), music can be streamed wirelessly to the Hyundai audio system and tracks can be controlled from the steering wheel audio controls (where fitted) or the Hyundai audio system.
Voice recognition dialing: If supported by the user’s mobile phone.
Audio muting: Automatically mutes the car audio when a call is active.
Last number redial: If supported by the users’ mobile phone.
Call Answer/Disconnect: Via audio head unit.
Call Reject: Via audio head unit.
Call Redial: Via audio head unit.
Automatic connection: To the car’s audio system upon entry.
Simultaneous connection: A Bluetooth compatible phone and Bluetooth compatible music player can be connected at the same time (phone calls can be set to take priority).
Pairing with up to six devices: Must be Bluetooth compatible.
Offers firmware (software) update feature: Via the USB input.

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In an era of soaring gasoline prices, Hyundai Motor Co. is helping frugal–minded drivers meet the challenge of affordable transportation with its newly developed Kappa engine.

“The world is thinking small like never before: Smaller fuel consumption, smaller CO2 footprint, smaller overall emissions. Today small is beautiful and Hyundai is ready to answer the call to small with our new Kappa inline four cylinder engine,” said President and Chief Technology Officer Lee Hyun–Soon.

The first car to have the Kappa engine installed will be the i10, which is 100 percent produced at Hyundai Motor Co.´s Indian subsidiary in Chennai. Hyundai Motor India (HMI) launched the i10 in October 2007 and has sold 184,465 units as of the end of June, one of HMI´s best sellers.

Hyundai´s i10 minicar with a 1.25 liter Kappa engine will deliver a fuel economy rating of 5.0L/100km (47 mpg) in the European combined test cycle––for best in class performance. And Kappa runs cleaner than the competition: In the European combined test cycle, an i10 equipped with the Kappa engine produces just 119g/km of CO2–far less than the Fiat Panda, Fiat Punto, Opel Corsa, Renault Twingo and Nissan Micra.

Kappa also impresses with its high specific torque rating of 9.6kg.m per liter––best in class––for excellent drivability in stop–and–go city traffic. Kappa will also be installed in Hyundai´s i20 due to be revealed at this autumn´s Paris Auto Show.

Developed over a period of 48 months, the Kappa project harnessed all of Hyundai´s engineering know–how in the quest to squeeze more energy out of each droplet of fuel while achieving EURO–4 emissions compliancy.

Kappa puts out 77.8ps@6000rpm––very competitive within the European A–segment––but peak torque is rated best–in–class at 12.0kg.m per 4000rpm––ensuring outstanding acceleration and driving enjoyment.

Kappa adopts a number of weight and friction reducing innovations to achieve its impressive fuel economy.

First, the engine block is made from high pressure die–cast aluminum which results in considerable weight savings: Weighing a mere 82.4kg (1.2 with manual gearbox)?Kappa is the lightest in its class among leading European and Japanese–made engines (using the same measuring criteria across the competitive set).

Kappa´s main block features a ladder frame construction for superior structural stiffness while its cylinders are fitted with cast–iron liners for improved abrasion durability. Additional weight was shaved off by integrating the engine support bracket with the timing chain cover.

But probably the most significant engineering innovation is Kappa´s offset crankshaft, an engineering concept first adopted in the Gamma engine introduced last year.

Unlike a conventional engine where the centreline of the cylinder bore is in perfect vertical alignment with the rotating axis of the crankshaft, the Kappa´s centreline is offset by a small distance. By creating this offset distance, engineers have succeeded in minimizing the side force created by the pistons. The net effect is an improvement in fuel consumption and a reduction in noise, vibration and harshness.

Engineers also devised an innovative piston concept to reduce piston mass. The shape of the piston skirt was optimized to reduce its size while the compression height of the piston was also reduced, resulting in precious weight savings.

The optimized piston skirt is also treated with Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS2), a special anti–friction coating.

A highly sophisticated process of Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) is used to apply an ultra–thin layer of chromium nitride (CrN) to the piston´s oil ring. CrN ensures high wear resistance and a low friction coefficient. CrN–coated piston rings using PVD is an innovative technology borrowed from the Tau V8 engine that Hyundai introduced earlier this year. Friction between the oil ring and cylinder wall has been further minimized by reducing the oil ring tension. The smaller mass and special surface treatment of the piston skirt and oil rings yielded additional savings in fuel consumption.

Kappa is the first Hyundai engine to be fitted with an accessory drive belt which does not require a mechanical auto–tensioning adjustment device, reducing the hardware and further lowering weight and cost. Because it is designed to maintain an ideal tension setting, the belt runs quieter and with proper preventative maintenance and care, the belt will last 100,000 miles.

Kappa uses a new, longer reach spark plug which enabled engineers to enlarge the size of the water jacket to promote more efficient engine cooling around the critically important spark plug and exhaust port area. Cooler operation also prevents engine knocking.

The long reach spark plug (M12 thread) also enabled engineers to enlarge the valve diameter for increased airflow and combustion efficiency.

Kappa´s valvetrain features a number of innovations: roller swing arm lowers friction in the valvetrain thereby helping improve fuel efficiency. Hydraulic lash adjusters ensure clearances between the valve stem and roller swing arm are always perfect: zero, eliminating valve tapping noise.

A new valve spring features an innovative beehive shape and smaller retainer. Its reduced weight and spring load help lower friction and improve fuel economy.

Kappa´s valvetrain is driven by a silent–type steel timing chain that replaces roller–type timing chain: The optimized design greatly reduces impact forces and noise when the gear tooth and chain engage. Moreover, the chain requires absolutely no maintenance.

A lightweight, heat–resistant engineering plastic was specified for the intake manifold. This reduces cost and weight and yields an overall performance improvement.

The fuel delivery pipe assembly is a returnless type (to eliminate evaporative fuel emissions) and is made of SUS (steel use stainless) with an innovative inner structure for the reduction of pulsation noise.

Kappa is controlled by two 16–bit 32Mhz microprocessors for digitally precise control of the ignition timing, idle speed, knocking and emissions.

Kappa is the eleventh in its series of gasoline engines to be independently developed with Hyundai technology. The development story began in 1991 with the introduction of Hyundai´s first proprietary engine, the four–cylinder Alpha (see list below). Kappa will be manufactured in two variants 1.25 litres (EU) and 1.2 litres (Indian market only) at HMI´s No. 2 engine plant, where annual output is forecast to reach 250,000 units per year. With the newly–constructed No. 2 Kappa engine plant, HMI will have a total engine manufacturing capacity of 570,000 units per year, including the existing 320,000 units–per–year No. 1 Epsilon and Alpha engine plant. The Kappa engine plant begins production today (July 15).

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Hyundai Motor America has announced prices for its new flagship, the all-new Genesis sports sedan, starting at $33,000 for a well-equipped 290-horsepower V6 and $38,000 for the 375-horsepower V8 model.

When we first showed the production Genesis earlier this year, we committed to deliver the interior package of flagship European luxury sedans, world-class driving dynamics, and pricing comparable to entry-level premium brand vehicles,” said John Krafcik, vice president, product development and strategic planning, Hyundai Motor America “Today, we’re delivering on a key part of that commitment, with a very well-equipped Genesis sedan priced below the most basic Infiniti G35 or BMW 3-Series.”

While Genesis will compete for customers with cars like Lexus ES, Chrysler 300 and Cadillac CTS, Genesis’ performance capabilities and luxury features are comparable to sedans costing tens of thousands of dollars more. With base prices of $33,000 for a well-equipped 3.8-liter V6, and $38,000 for a 4.6-liter V8, Genesis makes a premium driving experience accessible to a wide range of customers. Genesis goes on sale at Hyundai dealerships in July, delivering the kind of value equation American car buyers have come to expect from Hyundai.

2009 Genesis Manufacturers Suggested Retail Pricing:
Genesis 3.8 3.8L V6 Standard Equipment Aisin Six-Speed A/T $33,000
Genesis 4.6 4.6L V8 Standard Equipment ZF Six-Speed A/T $38,000

$750 freight charge included

Genesis is built on Hyundai’s all-new, performance-driven rear-wheel-drive architecture, with an advanced five-link suspension at all four corners. It offers two powertrains, the 290-horsepower Lambda 3.8-liter V6 engine mated to an Aisin six-speed automatic transmission, and Hyundai’s all-new Tau 4.6-liter V8 engine mated to a ZF six-speed automatic transmission. Both deliver outstanding fuel economy. The Tau produces 375 horsepower using premium fuel and 368 horsepower using regular unleaded, leading all competitors in specific output (horsepower per liter), while also outperforming all V8 performance sedans with a projected fuel economy estimate of 17 city/25 highway. Genesis 3.8 achieves EPA fuel economy estimates of 18 city/27 highway, which outperforms the V6 engines in many smaller, mid-size cars (e.g., Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion) on the highway. With technology rivaling more expensive luxury sedans, Genesis showcases features such as XM NavTraffic, Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFLS), Lexicon® audio systems and electronic active head restraints.

Genesis 3.8 – Standard Equipment

All Genesis 3.8 models come very well-equipped, including a 3.8-liter DOHC V6 engine, Aisin six-speed automatic transmission with ShiftronicTM, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with traction control, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and 17-inch alloy wheels with P225/55R17 tires. Additional standard equipment includes advanced front airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side airbags, roof-mounted side curtain airbags, electronic front head restraints, fog lamps, automatic headlights, dual power heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators, leather seating surfaces with heated front seats, power seats, cruise control, Hyundai’s signature white and blue interior lighting with electroluminescent cluster, proximity entry with electric push button start, leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel with audio controls, dual front fully automatic HVAC, electrochromic auto-dimming interior rearview mirror with Homelink and compass, AM/FM/CD/MP3/XM (3-month subscription) with iPod/USB and auxiliary input jacks, Bluetooth and floor mats.

Genesis 4.6 – Standard Equipment

The Genesis 4.6 builds on the standard equipment found on the Genesis 3.8, adding a 4.6-liter DOHC V8, ZF six-speed automatic transmission, unique 18-inch hyper-silver alloy wheels with P235/50R18-inch tires, chrome lower bodyside moldings, ultra-premium leather seating surfaces, leather-wrapped dash and door trim inserts, power glass sunroof with tilt and slide, power tilt and telescopic steering column, integrated memory system, Lexicon 15-speaker surround sound audio system, six-disc CD changer, illuminated scuff plates, wood-trimmed leather steering wheel, electrochromic auto-dimming interior rearview mirror with Homelink and compass, power rear sunshade and rain-sensing wipers with auto defogger windshield.

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif. is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced by more than 790 Hyundai dealerships nationwide.

Hyundai Unveils Genesis Premium Sports Sedan For U.S

Hyundai Motor Co., which is planning to boost sales in China by as much as 65 percent this year, officially opened its second automotive assembly plant in China on April 8.

The new plant, which cost $790 million and took 24 months to build, will produce Yuedong, a variant of the all-new Elantra which has been modified to suit the tastes and needs of the Chinese car buyer.

The new plant, capable of initially building 200,000 units annually, is owned and operated by Beijing Hyundai Motor Co. (BHMC), a 50-50 joint venture between Hyundai Motor Co. and Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Co. With the completion of this new plant, BHMC’s production capacity now reaches 500,000 units annually. And as more new models are added to BHMC’s lineup of products, the production capacity of the second plant will be increased to 300,000 by 2010, bringing BHMC’s total capacity to 600,000 and reaching a market share of about 8 percent.

Attending the official opening ceremony for the new plant were Hyundai Chairman and CEO Mong-Koo Chung, Mayor of Beijing Guo Jin Long as well as almost 600 other company executives, high-ranking government officials, parts suppliers and media members.

“By expanding its production capacity to 600,000 units a year, Beijing Hyundai now surely stands as the greatest automaker in China. Starting with the Yuedong Elantra, we will continuously introduce a new stream of vehicles tailored exclusively for China –cars which reflect the needs and preferences of our Chinese customers,” said Chairman Chung.

“With the newly opened technical center, we will strengthen our brand power and secure improved price competitiveness¡¦and although many changes can be expected on the Chinese automotive landscape, I am convinced that Beijing Hyundai will steadily develop into the best company in the Chinese automotive industry through the close cooperation between Hyundai Motor Co. and Beijing Automotive Industry Holdings,” he added.

The new plant, which will be able to simultaneously produce four different models from one line, encompasses Hyundai Motor’s most modern technologies and expertise. The plant will initially produce only the Yuedong and new models will be introduced one by one by 2010. Hyundai¡¯s existing No. 1 plant in China currently produces five models: EF Sonata, NF Sonata, Elantra, Tucson, and Accent.

The land area of the new plant, which is located nearby the first plant, is 1.15 million sq. meters, while the building is 240,000 sq. meters. Construction began in April 2006. The technical center is built on 165,000 sq. meters of land, including facilities such as a design center, engine testing center and proving ground. The technical center will focus on developing strategic models for the Chinese market and ways to improve price competitiveness and quality.

The iconic Hyundai Coupe has always been a real head turner. Now it is joined in the showroom this month by a limited edition model, called the TSIII. This promises to really strain the neck muscles of passers-by with extra styling enhancements and exclusive color options.

Four paint color options of Stone Black, Rose Red, Crystal White or Carbon Grey are available. Crystal White and Rose Red have never been offered on the Coupe before and are exclusively available on the TSIII in very limited numbers.

To complement and contrast with these colors, the 17” alloy wheels have a special anthracite finish.

At the rear the quad exhaust pipes deliver a sportier engine note, while a larger boot spoiler with integral brake light gives the TSIII a more purposeful look.

Inside the cabin, TSIII features quilted leather sports seats offering more support and comfort to enhance the driving experience. Matching quilted door trims complete the look. Elsewhere in the interior, chrome sill guards with a TSIII logo, metal trimmed pedals and footrest add to the sporty feel of the cabin. Air conditioning with climate control, heated front seats and cruise control all come as standard on the TSIII, along with iPod compatible stereo and metal-look finishes on the steering wheel, center console and air vents.

It’s not just the looks that have been enhanced. To increase road holding the TSIII comes with Eibach sport springs which also give the Coupe a lower, more aggressive stance.

To keep the car affordable and insurable the engine and transmission remain unchanged in the limited edition, offering a mix of affordability and outright performance. The TSIII is powered by a 2.0 liter 4-cylinder 16-valve DOHC petrol engine, developing 141 bhp. It can crack the 0-62 mph sprint in just 9.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 129 mph.

The Coupe TSIII represents outstanding value for money with a price of just £1,575 over the current Coupe SIII 2.0.

The TSIII is in showrooms now for a short period and numbers are strictly limited. The Coupe, as with all Hyundai cars, comes with the famous Hyundai unlimited mileage, Five Year Warranty package.

As gas prices and competition in the mid-size sedan segment surge, Hyundai is introducing its refreshed Sonata at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show today. The 2009 Sonata features an all-new interior, enhanced suspensions and revised powertrains boasting both improved fuel economy and horsepower. The 2009 Sonata will be available at Hyundai dealers later this month.
The Sonata combines refined design, proven dependability, spirited performance and an extensive list of standard features to increase its appeal to a broader range of customers. For 2009, Sonata raises the bar for value and standard safety technology in the mid-size segment. Hyundai’s sales leader boasts new features ranging from standard USB/iPod auxiliary inputs to available navigation and sport-tuned suspension. Combined with Sonata’s continued leadership in safety – it remains the only mid-size sedan under $20,000 with standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) – the 2009 American-made Sonata is the smartest choice in the competitive mid-size sedan segment.

CHOICE OF TWO MORE POWERFUL AND FUEL-EFFICIENT POWERTRAINS
The 2009 Sonata debuts Hyundai’s second-generation Theta four-cylinder engine. The Theta II 2.4-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine delivers more horsepower and quicker acceleration, while also improving fuel economy. In fact, the Sonata I4 is now more fuel-efficient than both Camry and Accord four-cylinder engines, delivering an impressive 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway fuel economy rating with the standard five-speed manual transmission or the newly available five-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC®. The Theta II is rated at 175 horsepower and 168 lb.-ft. of torque. This high-tech, all-aluminum, 16-valve engine now features Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) on both camshafts and a Variable Induction System (VIS) for better engine breathing. A version of this engine also meets Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) standards.

Sonata’s 3.3-liter V6 engine has also been improved for more performance and efficiency. It now pumps out 15 more horsepower and three more pound-feet of torque (249 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 229 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm). The first member of Hyundai’s “Lambda” V6 engine family, this newly refined powerplant features all-aluminum construction, dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, CVVT on both camshafts and stiffer hydraulic engine mounts for optimum power, efficiency and refinement. A variable intake system is added for 2009, which further broadens its power curve, improving off-the-line acceleration and passing performance. New mileage figures for V6-powered Sonatas are 19 mpg city/29 mpg highway, which represents unsurpassed V6 fuel economy in the mid-size sedan segment.
All V6-powered Sonatas use Hyundai’s five-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic transmission, which features an overdrive lock-up torque converter for improved highway fuel economy. Neither Accord nor Camry offer manual-mode operation as standard equipment. The automatic transmission has a new reducing valve and solenoid valve for smoother shift quality while the manual transmission has been refined for more precise shifts.

A NEW, WELL-CRAFTED INTERIOR THAT IS STILL A “CLASS ABOVE”
The pleasant surprises continue inside where Hyundai designers have thoroughly revamped the cockpit to create the ambiance of an upscale, premium sedan. The sophisticated look is achieved thanks to a completely new center console and instrument panel, which borrows design cues and rich materials from the premium Hyundai Veracruz. The Sonata continues to be classified by the Environmental Protection Agency as a Large Car, truly a “class above” Camry, Altima, Fusion and Malibu (all are categorized as mid-size cars). Even in trunk room, the Sonata shines. Sonata’s 16.3 cu. ft. of trunk space give it an eight percent advantage over the Camry, and a 16 percent advantage over Accord.
Music lovers will welcome the 2009 Sonata’s inclusion of standard auxiliary input jacks (3.5 mm mini-jack and USB input) to accommodate and charge audio devices such as iPods®. Among the other refinements are the addition of dual-zone climate controls for the driver and front-seat passenger, and two-stage front seat warmers. A new factory-installed touch screen navigation system is now available as well.
More contrast has been added to the Camel and Gray interiors, and for the first time ever, Cocoa Brown is available. The front cupholders are also upgraded for more capacity and holding power. Hyundai’s signature blue backlighting for interior gauges, switches and buttons highlights the vehicle’s modern interior design.

SUPPLE RIDE, AGILE HANDLING
An advanced four-wheel independent suspension system combines a supple ride with sharper handling and steering response for Sonata GLS and Limited models. Up front is a double-wishbone system with coil springs, revalved, twin-tube, gas-filled hydraulic shock absorbers, and a larger 26 mm stabilizer bar. The system’s lower control arms increase handling precision while reducing vibration, and bushing size has been increased to better absorb the shock from road impacts.

In back, a new sophisticated multi-link system provides excellent handling along with superb ride quality and noise isolation. The rear spring rates have been increased by five percent, shocks revalved and the sway bar thickened from 15 mm to 16 mm. All together, this suspension now provides superior control of ride motions for a more dynamic driving experience.

The high-performance Sonata SE becomes an even more exciting and willing partner for enthusiastic drivers with its own unique sport-tuned suspension. The new sport-tuned suspension features a 15 percent stiffer front spring rate, 10 percent stiffer rear spring rate, unique strut valving at all four corners and 27 mm front and 17 mm rear stabilizer bars along with unique 17-inch alloy wheels and tires.
All Sonatas also now have quicker ratio steering for a crisp feel on turn in.

SOPHISTICATED EXTERIOR DESIGN
The design team added a more refined touch to Sonata’s exterior design, with new bumpers, lamps, wheels and grille creating a more elegant, dynamic and taut stance. The unibody design crafted of high-tensile steel features a concave hood design, distinctive rear-door cut lines, strong Z-lined body-to-bumper interfaces and four-barrel jeweled projector lens headlights. New chrome bodyside and bumper moldings match the chrome grille and chrome-accented exterior door handles on Limited models. The model range offers a choice of seven new colors.

UNSURPASSED ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SAFETY
On the safety side, 2009 Sonata’s front collision performance has been further improved by tweaking the design of the engine subframe. The Hyundai Sonata is expected to earn the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) top five-star crash test rating for front and side impacts. This accomplishment was made possible by Sonata’s strong body structure and advanced airbag technology. Sonata delivers an unsurpassed commitment to both active and passive safety technology. Every Sonata has lifesaving ESC as standard equipment. This is important because NHTSA has reported that ESC results in 35 percent fewer single-vehicle crashes and 30 percent fewer single-vehicle fatalities in passenger cars. _The Sonata also features a state-of-the-art braking technology package. The package includes four-wheel disc brakes and an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) that includes Brake Assist, which provides 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 the vehicle loading conditions. _In the event that a crash is unavoidable, the Sonata features six airbags–including dual front, front seat-mounted side-impact, and front and rear side curtain airbags–along with active front-seat head restraints. Other passive safety features include shingle-style rear-seat head restraints for improved visibility, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, front-seat seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters, and a rear-seat Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system for child seats.

THREE ENHANCED, WELL-EQUIPPED MODELS
From the well-equipped GLS, to the sport-focused SE, to the downright luxurious Limited, the 2009 Sonata lineup addresses the needs and desires of mid-size sedan customers with a highly competitive mix of features and benefits. Each model delivers a level of standard equipment that is a cut above competing models.

SONATA GLS
The 2009 Sonata GLS continues to provide value and a sizable price advantage compared with its four-cylinder competition, undercutting the lesser-equipped base 2008 Honda Accord and 2008 Toyota Camry. All Sonata models have offered standard ESC since May 2005. This is important, as NHTSA claims ESC is the most effective lifesaving technology since the seatbelt. In comparison, Toyota still offers ESC only as an option on the 2008 Camry, while Honda Accord has only recently matched Sonata with standard ESC on the new 2008 Accord, more than two years after Sonata made this commitment to active safety technology leadership. _Sonata features a new, sophisticated 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine matched to a smooth-shifting five-speed manual transmission, with a new five-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic transmission optional. _The Sonata GLS features an impressive array of standard active and passive safety features including ESC, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), six airbags, ABS and active front head restraints. Other standard features include power windows, door locks and outside heated side mirrors, keyless entry with alarm, an AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system with USB/iPod® auxiliary inputs, 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback, air conditioning, cruise control and tilt-adjustable steering column. _The Popular Equipment Package includes automatic headlights, chrome window belt moldings, woodgrain interior accents, power driver seat with adjustable lumbar support, steering wheel audio controls and a trip computer. A sunroof is also available.

SONATA SE – I4 OR V6 PERFORMANCE, REMARKABLE VALUE
The sport-focused SE adds a unique sport-tuned suspension as standard equipment, matched with a smooth-shifting B&M Racing five-speed manual transmission (2.4L four-cylinder) or optional five-speed automatic (3.3L V6). Other performance-oriented SE features include 17-inch alloy wheels with unique, handling-focused 215/55R17 all-season performance tires, rear decklid spoiler, fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, special cloth seats with leather bolsters, and an eight-way power driver’s seat with adjustable lumbar support. SE tires feature stiffer sidewalls and a unique tread design for more responsive steering and capable handling. The Sonata SE V6 adds dual chrome exhaust tips._Other standard features include automatic headlights, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, chrome window belt moldings, telescoping steering wheel and a trip computer. The Premium Package includes an AM/FM/XM/6-CD Changer/MP3 audio system with USB/iPod® auxiliary inputs, six speakers, subwoofer and component amplifier, power tilt-and-slide sunroof, and an electrochromic auto-dimming rear-view mirror with HomeLink® and a compass.

SONATA LIMITED
The feature-packed Sonata Limited is a fully equipped luxury model for mid-size sedan buyers who want it all–at a great price. The interior features luxurious leather seating surfaces, a standard Infinity AM/FM/XM Satellite/6-CD Changer/MP3 audio system with six speakers, subwoofer and component amplifier, an eight-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats and power sunroof. Other upgrades include automatic temperature control, an electrochromic auto-dimming rear-view mirror with HomeLink and compass, sliding center armrest, premium scuff plates and 215/55R17 tires. The Sonata Limited is so well equipped that the only option besides the engine choice is a navigation system. Sonata Limited four-cylinder and V6 models feature a five-speed automatic transmission with the added control of SHIFTRONIC manual shifting.

WARRANTY
The all-new 2009 Hyundai Sonata is protected by the Hyundai Advantage, America’s Best Warranty. Coverage includes five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper protection, 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, five-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance and seven-year/unlimited mileage anti-perforation coverage. In addition, Sonata buyers receive 24-hour roadside assistance coverage at no extra charge for five years (no mileage limit) that includes emergency towing, lockout service and limited coverage for trip-interruption expenses.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA_Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif. is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced by more than 780 Hyundai dealerships nationwide.

HYUNDAI TO LAUNCH MAJOR TV ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN FOR 2008

-Multi-million pound initiative to pave way for exciting new ‘i’ range
-Spearheaded by highly successful ‘Fluid Metal’ campaign
-Emphasises style and quality of Hyundai models

Car manufacturer Hyundai is to unleash a multi-million pound advertising campaign to raise consumer awareness of the brand ahead of a raft of new product launches over the next 12 months.

The first wave of TV advertising will see a revival of the brand’s highly successful ‘Fluid Metal’ campaign, which emphasises the quality and style of the current range of Hyundai vehicles.

This will be followed by further campaigns based around specific new launches.

‘Fluid Metal’ contains sophisticated visuals in which cars from the range morph into liquid metal, and then back into the form of a car with a voiceover that begins ‘Quality flows through every surface of a Hyundai’.

Besides emphasising the world-class build quality of the company’s products, the campaign also reminds buyers of Hyundai’s unique five year unlimited mileage warranty across its entire range.

Jim Campbell, Hyundai’s UK Marketing Director said: “Hyundai has developed into a brand that is synonymous with outstanding quality, and we need to convey this to a wider audience. When we last ran the Fluid Metal campaign in February 2007, it delivered an increase in our brand consideration level from eight to 17 percent – an all time record for Hyundai in the UK.

“It was an easy decision to revive Fluid Metal on TV, but this time we will make more of an impact by running the longer 40 second version.”
 

The production itself is highly innovative, with a breathtaking sequence of shots filmed using a ‘Phantom HD’ high-speed camera – the first time this groundbreaking method was used in a European television commercial.

‘Fluid Metal’ was written and art directed by VCCP Creative Director Rooney Carruthers and was directed by Howard Greenhalgh through Home. Post Production was done at Clear.

Adrian Coleman, partner at VCCP said: “Hyundai has a very exciting future. The Fluid Metal communication truly reflects the quality of the brand and creates a superior platform for the brand.”