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