Detroit Show: Refreshed 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe gets New 2.4-liter Four-Cylinder and 3.5-liter V6 Engines

Oddly enough, even though the refreshed N.A.-spec 2010 Santa Fe is already available at Hyundai dealers, the Korean automaker waited for the Detroit auto show to release official information on its mid-size crossover. The big news for the 2010MY Santa Fe are the new four-cylinder and V6 engines that are paired to six-speed transmissions improving both fuel economy and vehicle performance.

Replacing the outgoing 2.7-liter V6 with 185HP and 183 lb-ft of torque is Hyundai's second generation 2.4-liter DOHC Theta II inline four-cylinder engine that makes 175 horsepower and 169 lb.-ft. of torque.

Despite the fact that it's less powerful, Hyundai says that the four-cylinder engine delivers quicker zero-to-60 miles-per-hour acceleration (no numbers were released) and better fuel economy than its predecessor.

The Korean maker announces a 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway fuel economy rating with front wheel drive and the new six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC ('09 2.7 V6 FWD five-speed manual: 17mpg / 24mpg)

The 2009 Santa Fe's Lambda 3.3-liter V6 engine has also been replaced by a new Lambda II 3.5-liter V6 engine that churns out 34 more horsepower and 22 more pound-feet of torque for an overall output of 276HP and 248 lb.-ft.

The mileage figures for the 3.5 V6-powered Santa Fe are 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway (FWD/AT).

Along with the new powertrains, the 2010 Santa Fe also received a mild exterior makeover with new bumper fascias, foglights, bodyside moldings, wheels and grille.

Also new for 2010 is the fuel economy indicator on automatic transmission models, rollover sensors for the side curtain airbags and a new touch screen navigation system.

2012 Hyundai Veloster: First Spy Shots of Hyundai's CR-X-esque Small FWD Coupe

A South Korean forum member has posted these spy shots of what clearly looks like the production version of Hyundai's hotly anticipated Veloster that will in some way replace the Tiburon, aptly known as the Coupe in Europe and other markets.

There are only two shots of the car, but from what we can tell, it appears that Hyundai Motor America's CEO John Krafcik wasn't exaggerating when he told Inside Line this past summer that the production model will look 70-80 per cent like the 2007 Veloster Concept.

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Hyundai Gives Azera /Grandeur Sedan a Mid-Life Facelift

Here's our first look at the 2010 Hyundai Grandeur facelift that was revealed in its home market in South Korea today. The revised Grandeur sedan, which is sold as the Azera in North America and other international markets, has received some minor cosmetic tweaks to keep it looking contemporary in a line-up of newer Hyundai products.

Most of the styling upgrades concern the mid-size sedan's front end which gains new headlamps, a redesigned bumper and larger grille.

At the back, changes are limited to the modestly revised LED tail lights, the reshaped bumper and the new chrome tail pipes.

Aside from some new options and standard features, the only difference inside concerns the introduction of a new package with Alcantara seats.

It remains unclear if or when Hyundai will redesign the North American Azera.

KDM 2010 Hyundai Grandeur Facelift

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U.S.-Spec 2010 Hyundai Azera

All-New 2010 Hyundai Tucson Priced from $19,790

The completely redesigned 2010 Tucson SUV will begin arriving at Hyundai's dealerships in the coming days with prices starting from $18,995 for the entry-level GLS with a six-speed manual-transmission and topping out at $24,345 for the Limited model. Bear in mind though that the above prices do not include a freight charge of $795.

For now, the new Tucson will be offered only with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder petrol rated at 176 horsepower and 168 lb.-ft. of torque, that can be linked to 6-speed manual or a automatic transmissions. However, Hyundai plans to add a 2.0-liter engine to the range in the 2011 model year.

There are two trim levels available for the 2010 Tucson, the base GLS which can be upgraded with the Popular and Navigation packages, and the more upscale Limited that can be enhanced with the Premium package.

You can find more detailed information on the standard equipment and the optional packages in the spec sheet below.

TUCSON GLS

Key GLS standard equipment:

• 2.4L Theta II DOHC I4
  
• 6-speed manual or automatic transmission
  
• Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS)
  
• 4-wheel independent suspension
  
• 17-inch steel wheels with wheel covers and 225/60R17 tires & TPMS
  
• ESC with TCS
  
• Hillstart Assist Control (HAC) & Downhill Brake Control (DBC)
  
• ABS, EBD, and Brake Assist w/ 4-wheel disc brakes
  
• 6 airbags with rollover sensor
  
• Active front & adjustable head restraints for all seating positions
  
• EZ lane change assist turn signals
  
• Air conditioning with air filter
  
• AM/FM/Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system with 6 speakers, iPod®/USB auxiliary input jacks, iPod® cable and roof antenna
  
• Power windows, door locks and mirrors
  
• Remote keyless entry with alarm
  
• Trip computer & Eco Indicator
  
• Tilt steering wheel
  
• Armrest storage box & front seatback pockets
  
• Metal paint and black high gloss accents
  
• Front and cargo area power outlet
  
• Bottle holders in all four doors
  
• Rear armrest with cupholders
  
• 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback
  
• Side sill molding and bodycolor rear spoiler
  
• Underfloor cargo storage with reversible cover
  
• Rear wiper & washer
  

Popular equipment package (GLS std. equip. plus) $1,700:

• Telescopic steering wheel
  
• 17-inch alloy wheels
  
• Auto up/down driver power window
  
• Leatherette bolster/cloth insert seats
  
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel & shift knob
  
• Bluetooth® hands-free phone system
  
• Illuminated vanity mirrors & glovebox
  
• Steering wheel audio controls
  
• Cruise control
  
• Soft touch interior paint
  
• Bodycolor door handles
  
• Bodycolor heated mirrors
  
• Side garnish
  
• Privacy glass
  
• Roof side rails
  
• Engine cover
  

Navigation (includes Popular equipment package) $3,700:

• Navigation system with 6.5-inch screen
  
• Rearview camera
  
• Premium audio with external amplifier and subwoofer
  
• Automatic headlights
  

TUCSON LIMITED

• GLS Popular Equipment Pkg. equipment plus:
  
• 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/55R18 tires
  
• Leather seating surfaces
  
• Heated front seats (high/low settings)
  
• Power driver seat with lumbar support
  
• Dual front automatic temperature control with CleanAir Ionizer
  
• Solar glass
  
• Deluxe door scuff
  
• Cargo cover
  
• Chrome grille & door handles
  
• Automatic headlights
  
• Fog lights
  
• Front wiper de-icer
  
• Side repeater exterior mirrors
  
• Limited badging (rear)
  

Premium Package $2,850:

• Panoramic sunroof
  
• Navigation system with 6.5-inch screen
  
• Rearview camera
  
• Premium audio with external amplifier and subwoofer
  
• Delete roof side rails
  

2010 Hyundai Tucson Makes U.S. Debut in LA, gets Two New Four-Cylinder Engines, Ditches V6

Along with the 2011 Sonata mid-size sedan, Hyundai also introduced the North American-spec 2010 Tucson SUV (ix35 in Europe) at this week's Los Angeles International Auto Show. Like the latest Sonata, the new Tucson boasts a funky exterior design that's far more exciting than its dull predecessor and a significantly upgraded interior with a much more modern and premium look.

With an overall length of 173.2 inches, a width of 71.7 inches and a height of 66.3 inches (with roof rails), the 2010 Tucson is 3.3 inches longer and one inch wider than its predecessor. However, according to Hyundai, it's 61 pounds lighter than the outgoing model.

The new Tucson uses MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension systems while for the first time, Hillstart Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Brake Control (DBC) systems will be standard.

When the 2010 Tucson arrives at Hyundai's U.S. dealerships later this month, it will be offered with a Theta II 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine connected to either a either a six-speed manual or an optional six-speed automatic. This unit replaces the current model's 2.7-liter V6.

Unlike the new Sonata's 198HP Theta II 2.4L engine, the Tucson's Theta II does not feature direct injection. Hyundai rates the Tucson's unit at 176 horsepower and 168 lb.-ft. of torque, meaning it's slightly more powerful but less torque than the current model's 2.7-liter V6 that makes 173HP and 178 lb-ft.

However, the new four-cylinder unit is significantly more fuel efficient as Hyundai claims that with the available six-speed automatic transmission and front wheel drive, the new Tucson returns an estimated 23 mpg city / 31 mpg highway compared to the current Tucson FWD Auto's 18mpg / 24mpg respectively.

In fact, Hyundai says that the new Tucson is more fuel-efficient than the four-cylinder versions of the Honda CRV, Nissan Rogue, Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape.

With AWD (All-Wheel Drive), the new Tucson delivers an estimated 21 mpg city/28 mpg highway.

In addition to the 2.4-liter engine, Hyundai will introduce an even more fuel efficient Blue model for the 2011 model year. It will be powered by a Theta II 2.0-liter engine that's said to deliver better power and fuel economy than the 2009 Tucson Beta four-cylinder engine.

Sales of the 2010 Tucson will begin before the end of December with pricing expected to start under $20,000.