As a car guy and even more so as a reviewer, there is nothing I enjoy quite so much as driving a car that surprises me. At this year’s IMPA Test Days at Pocono Raceway, we decided to take a break from the heat and the track dogs and enjoy some air conditioned comfort courtesy of Hyundai’s new flagship Genesis. The 8 cylinder car was already out on the track, so we hopped in the 3.8 liter V6 version. What a wonderful car!

The big boys had better worry, as Hyundai has their sights set on moving up and Genesis is certainly a really big step in the right direction.

Video after the break
Continue reading →

While Indian automaker Tata has made huge waves world wide with their $2,500 Nano, the story really doesn’t have too much teeth here in North America where we will never see the car. Hyundai on the other hand is making some serious moves to move cars on this continent. When was the last time anyone sold a new car for less than 10 grand in Canada?

Not long ago, Hyundai launched an anniversary edition in Quebec only that was selling for just $9,995! Of course the response was so incredible that the offer has been expanded to the rest of the country. With all the stories of consumers heading south of the border to buy cheaper priced new cars, Hyundai has taken the bull by the horns and solved that issue. At $9,995, the Accent is now cheaper in Canada than it is in the USA. Ok, so it is only 5 bucks, but it’s still cheaper!
Continue reading →

Want to hear about real pressure to produce a winner? I spoke to John Krafcik, Executive VP at Hyundai yesterday about the new Genesis sedan. Krafcik told me that it cost a whopping $500,000,000 to bring the car from a white sheet to full production including engine development. With the stakes that high, the pressure is obviously on. 
Continue reading →

Some interesting possibilities are in store for Ford and their upcoming European Kuga compact SUV.

This is a first look at the Kuga fresh off the production line.
Continue reading →

Many internet outlets are reporting today on the demise of the Ford Ranger. Not totally confirmed, but if true, a shame for those who wanted the alternative of a reliable compact pick-up.

As the story is currently being told, Ford has on its list of 2009 closings the Twin Cities Plant in Minnesota that makes the Ranger as well as the Cleveland plant that cast the engine blocks. It appears that whether or not the guillotine drops will be formally announced by Ford head honcho Alan Mulally at the Detroit Auto Show.
Continue reading →

Following the teaser sketches Hyundai released of the Concept Genesis rear wheel drive coupe of couple of weeks ago, the Korean automaker has revealed the car at the LA Auto Show.

Not only does the car look super hot, but the numbers suggest that this could be the sports car that sends Hyundai on it’s rise through the performance car world. A rear wheel drive 2+2 boasting 300 horsepower will not only keep owners of aging Tiburon’s in the Hyundai fold, but will likely draw all sorts of new buyers into the showrooms.

More photos and Hyundai press release after the break
Continue reading →

With all the lackluster offers Canadian manufacturers have been using to entice consumers to shop in Canada, it was only a matter of time before an underdog appeared with a real offer. Hyundai Canada announced today that it was offering an incentive package that ranges from $3,000 up to $5,500 on selected vehicles.

To put this in perspective, there is $3,000 on Tiburon. In Canada the Shark starts swimming for $18,995 while beginning at $16,695. With this incentive and the partial GST reduction Hyundai has on the go, it’s cheaper to buy a Tib in Canada than in the States.

Well done Hyundai!
Continue reading →

The American International Auto Dealers Association has reported on findings by AutoPacific that studied which cars are more masculine or feminine by nature.

If you end up on the opposite end of the gender scale from your God given attributes, it might be time you traded in your current drive before neighbors start talking.

King of macho appears to be the testosterone laden Chevy Silverado heavy duty pick-up. Statistics show that 93% of truck buyers are men. The clincher for the Silverado lies in the stat the 9 out of 10 heavy duty pick-ups on the road are owned by manly men. And those dudes love the Silverado.

Continue reading →

Hyundai has just released a couple of sketches of the rumored rear wheel drive coupe that might be in the works. It’s called the Genesis and gives us an idea where Hyundai is going with their future styling. Could this be the next gen shark?
Continue reading →

Hyundai Tiburon pilot Antoine L’Estage and co-driver Nathalie Richard won the 2007 Rocky Mountain Rally with an uneventful drive. For all the details and some stunning images as always be sure to visit Flat Over Crest.

Now who is that masked man? Is Paul Tracy thinking of making a move to the dirt?