Hyundai Begins Receiving Orders for its First-Ever Hybrid Model

Hyundai has officially started accepting orders in South Korea for its first-ever hybrid model, the Elantra LPI HEV, ahead of the car's market launch on July 8. Billed as the world's first hybrid electric vehicle to be powered by a Liquefied Petroleum Injected (LPI) engine, the Elantra LPI HEV made its premiere at the 2009 Seoul Motor Show in April. To be sold under the Avante badge in Korea, the Elantra LPI HEV drivetrain consists of a 1.6-liter LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) engine, a 15kW and 105Nm electric motor and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

The Korean automaker claims that the Elantra LPI HEV emits just 99 g/km of CO2 and 90 percent fewer emissions than an equivalent standard gasoline-powered Elantra. The mild-hybrid car returns an average fuel consumption of 17.8km/l or according to Hyundai, the gasoline equivalent of 22.2km/l which translates to 52.2mpg US and 4.5lt/100km, representing a 47 percent improvement over a conventional 1.6L auto-equipped Elantra.

In Korea, savings for buyers are even greater as the average price of LPG in the country is 50% less than that of gasoline. The Elantra LPI HEV will be followed in August by Hyundai's sister company's, Kia Forte LPI HEV that is powered by the same drivetrain.

Faux Nissan Advert Pits Toyota Prius against Hyundai Elantra Owner

Though not a real commercial, we really enjoyed watching this faux Nissan Sentra advert from The Midnight Show at UCB (Upright Citizens Brigade theater). Written by James Adomian, the ad pits a Toyota Prius hybrid owner against his neighbor who just bought a Hyundai Elantra. The owners' quarrel over who got the best car / deal ends up with a hilarious driveway shooting. Hit the jump to watch the commercial.

Via: TheTruthAboutCars

New Hyundai i30 Sport Hatchback and Crossover Wagon Models

Looks can be greatly deceiving as Hyundai proves with its new special edition i30 Sport versions that were launched in Germany today. Despite their sporty appearance and promising name, the i30 Sport Hatchback and Crossover Wagon (sold in the U.S. as the Elantra Touring) only differ visually from their normal siblings as there aren't any mechanical changes. To be produced in a limited run of just 200 units, the hatchback is offered with a 126HP 1.6-liter petrol engine while the Crossover Wagon with a 140HP 2.0-liter turbo diesel.

Both i30 Sport models are offered exclusively in a Crystal White paint finish and come equipped with a design package that includes a faux carbon-fiber grille cover, black inserts around the fog lights (sedan only), a discreet front spoiler, side skirts, roof wing, a rear apron with an integrated diffuser and two chromed exhaust tailpipes plus a set of rather neat looking 18-inch alloy wheels finished in Anthracite.

Inside, the Sport insignia adds leather seats, leather steering wheel and shift knob, an automatic air conditioning with cooled glove box, cruise control, steering wheel audio controls, USB and iPod connection as well as electric windows.

Prices in Germany are set at €20,990 for the i30 Sport hatchback and at €24,490 for the station-wagon variant.

Hyundai Recalling 65,000 Elantras in the States

Hyundai is planning to recall 65,000 MY’08 Elantra models with 2.0 liter beta engines in the Unites Stated. According to NHTSA, the fuel pump motor in these models may not have the proper uniform internal electrical surface contact which cause it to produce less pumping pressure than required to supply the fuel injection system. Hyundai said that this could result to poor engine starting, hesitation and other performance issues. The Korean automaker said that its dealers will replace the fuel pump subassembly free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in the States during September 2008.