Monthly Archives: November 2007

Consumerst Digest Names Best Buys

Consumers Digest Names Best Buys

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Late last week, Consumers Digest released its Best Buy ratings for 2008 model-year vehicles.

Thirty-six vehicles and 13 additional models earned recognition across 10 categories, according to officials.

Receiving honors were:

-Small cars: Dodge Caliber, Honda Civic, Honda Fit, Jeep Compass, Nissan Versa, Scion xB

-Family cars: Ford Fusion, Ford Taurus, Honda Accord, Lincoln MKZ, Mercury Milan, Mercury Sable, Saturn Aura, Toyota Camry/Camry Solara

-Luxury cars: Acura TL, Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G35, Lexus LS 460

-Sports cars: BMW 3-Series, Chevrolet Corvette, Ford Mustang, MINI Cooper, Pontiac Solstice, Saturn Sky

-Trucks: Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-150, GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra

-Vans: Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, Honda Odyssey, Hyundai Entourage, Kia Sedona

-Compact SUVs: Honda CR-V, Jeep Wrangler, Toyota RAV4

-Midsize SUVs: Buick Enclave, GMC Arcadia, Mazda CX-7, Saturn Outlook, Saturn VUE

-Full-size/luxury SUVs: Acura MDX, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Mercedes-Benz M-Class

-Hybrids: Ford Escape Hybrid, Mazda Tribute Hybrid, Mercury Mariner Hybrid, Toyota Prius

Ratings are derived from test driving, safety ratings, ownership costs, warranty, price, comfort, ergonomics, style and amenities, according to the publication.

Some of the performance values tested are starting and acceleration, braking, gear shifting, steering, handling, ride quality and fuel economy.

“‘Value,’ as we see it, is based on purchase price and ownership costs relative to quality performance and subjective factors like comfort and design,” commented Randy Weber, publisher.

“Few purchases are more important, or require more research, than buying a new vehicle,” Weber added. “Our analyses underscore our commitment to ensure consumers are as satisfied with their auto purchase years after making it as they were the day they drove off the lot.”

Different this year was the split between midsize and compact SUVs and the addition of the hybrid category, officials noted. The division among SUVs was due to an increase in crossover SUVs, explained Rich Dzierwa, the magazine’s editor.

“Consumers gravitated toward the combination of car-like ride and SUV utility that crossovers bring to the table,” Dzierwa pointed out. “Not surprisingly, manufactures reacted quickly to grow this component of their vehicle lineup.”

Market demands also accounted for the addition of the hybrid category. As Dzierwa notes, a low number of entries kept hybrids out of the report, but now there are 13 hybrids on the market.

“We would still remind consumers that a hybrid carries a price of some $2,000 more than a conventional version of the same vehicle and that it could take six or seven years or more to recoup the sticker prices on gas savings,” Dzierwa added.

November 05, 2007

Hyundai Well-Positioned to Make Its Mark at This Year’s SEMA Show

Hyundai Well-Positioned to Make Its Mark at This Year’s SEMA Show

Full Product Lineup Receives the Customized Touch

LAS VEGAS, Nev., 10/30/2007 Six distinct Hyundai vehicles made their world debut today at the 2007 Specialty Equipment Market Association’s (SEMA) show in Las Vegas, including the first-ever Elantra Touring “Beach Cruiser” Concept. In its seventh year at SEMA, Hyundai showed off vehicles spanning its entire product portfolio, proving that customization is not just for sport compacts anymore. Hyundai custom SEMA vehicles will be on display at booth #24385 at the Las Vegas Convention Center from Oct. 30 – Nov. 2, 2007.

Hyundai in-house customized vehicles include the INCUS “Innovative Customization” Elantra and Mobis “Parts Expo Vehicle” Tiburon. Project vehicles built by aftermarket tuning companies include:
– “High-Tech Urban Escape” Veracruz by Troy Lee Designs – the first-ever modified Veracruz crossover
– “VIP Luxury Tuner” Azera sedan from Street Concepts
– “Urban Assault” Accent sub-compact by Ernie Manansala
Elantra Touring “Beach Cruiser” Concept by K-Daddyz Kustomz

Hyundai loves the SEMA show, and we’re excited about launching six terrific Hyundais modified by some of the best tuner shops in the world, and by our sister companies INCUS and Mobis,” said John Krafcik, vice president, product development and strategic planning, Hyundai Motor America. “This year, SEMA is the U.S. launch pad for our all-new 2009 Elantra Touring, with a K-Daddyz Kustomz creation that builds on the fun and functional nature of this new compact five-door.”

K-Daddyz Kustomz Elantra Touring “Beach Cruiser” Concept

K-Daddyz Kustomz is participating with Hyundai for the fifth consecutive year at SEMA with a world premier. Kyle “K-Daddy” Gann took a prototype Elantra Touring five-door compact (based on the i30 five-door) and created the ultimate Southern California “Beach Cruiser.”

A two-tone “Amazing Grape” and “Tango Orange” paint scheme with Hyundai’s “Flying H” tribal graphics highlight the flowing curves of the concept, while a green Polynesian tiki idol graces the hood. True to the cruising culture, the vehicle features a front-to-rear panoramic sunroof. K-Daddyz’ team also crafted a full line of interior and exterior billet accessories along with a custom race exhaust and ground effects kit. This approach is highlighted by a custom front grille with interlocking “Flying H” logos.

Performance enhancements include a prototype cold intake system, strut tower brace and painted motor cover and accessories. The aggressive and sporty look for the “Beach Cruiser” is completed by 20-inch Konig Rolf Blix 3 wheels matched with low-profile Dunlap Sport Maxx tires. The purple and orange paint scheme is carried through to the interior and is complemented by two-tone brown leather surfaces and matching interior accents. No cruising car would be complete without state-of-the-art audio and video capabilities, and K-Daddy delivers with four rear-seat video screens, eight speakers, five amplifiers and eight Infinity subwoofers. In signature attention-to-detail fashion, K-Daddy created billet speaker grilles to match the exterior “Flying H” grilles, fabricated by Ryno Manufacturing. Gann also covered the five amplifiers in the trunk with an orange fiberglass “Flying H,” hand painted with a purple outline.

Street Concepts – VIP Luxury Tuner Azera

A long-time Hyundai tuner, Shawn Williams from Street Concepts, delivered a sophisticated, bespoke Azera sedan. His team took Hyundai’s flagship and turned it into the “VIP Luxury Tuner.” The Azera’s custom white pearl paint and black suede seats with white stitching create a sporty look to match the Eibach suspension, MagnaFlow catback exhaust, K&N intake and Brembo brakes.

Troy Lee Designs – High-Tech Urban Escape Vehicle

Troy Lee Designs, known for its custom-design racing helmets, sports equipment and apparel, applied its unique artistry to the first-ever Hyundai Veracruz custom. The all-new Veracruz, launched earlier this year, has been critically acclaimed for boldly challenging the Lexus RX350 in quality and performance.

The Veracruz “High-Tech Urban Escape Vehicle” showcases the full potential of this vehicle’s platform in the hands of an enthusiastic tuner shop. The skilled painters applied a classic Troy Lee Designs paint scheme with Momo FXL1 wheels that pair beautifully with the 265/50-20 Nitto 420 tires. Mechanically, the Veracruz was modified with Eibach springs and received a beefed-up Willwood oversized brake system.

Luxury and comfort are the cornerstones of this customization, which features custom leather seats, painted interior moldings and trim pieces and custom floor mats by Intro-Tech automotive. Troy Lee wrapped the package with an Infinity premium audio/video system and topped it with a Thule cargo box.

Ernie Manansala – Urban Assault Vehicle Accent

The Ernie Manansala “Urban Assault Vehicle” Accent three-door is the ultimate in budget-friendly, low-weight tuner vehicles. The Accent’s custom high-end performance wide body kit is visually stunning with its red-on-black paint scheme. Add in Momo racing seats and you’ve got a potent mixture of energy and speed.

Mobis – Parts Expo Tiburon

The Tiburon regularly is at the top of the list of must-see cars at the show, and this year is no exception. Its track-inspired styling and handling characteristics inspire tuners with endless possibilities. To that end, Hyundai’s accessories group, Mobis Parts, created the Hyundai Mobis Parts Expo Vehicle. In addition to the KDM full-body kit by Tomato, supercharger by Next Generation Motorsports and Eibach suspension, this Tiburon features prototype parts that will be in Hyundai dealerships’ parts departments in the near future.

INCUS – Hyundai Innovative Customization Elantra

Hyundai has been expanding its aftermarket offerings, which include both aesthetic and performance equipment, that gives owners the tools to customize their vehicles easily and affordably. Decked out with original Hyundai aftermarket accessories, the “Hyundai Innovative Customization” Elantra was crafted by sister parts company INCUS. This vehicle features concept INCUS parts, including a body kit, 17-inch forged alloy wheels, custom mesh grille, suspension and dual exhaust.

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 750 Hyundai dealerships nationwide.