Ford Focus ST Paris Show Car with 250HP 2.0L Turbo Unveiled, Available Worldwide from 2012

Revealed today ahead of its planned debut at the Paris Motor Show, is the all-new Ford Focus ST. Shown here in pre-production form, the hottest member of the new Focus family (that is, until Ford decides to present a successor to the RS), will go on sale in "all global markets" from early 2012, following the introduction of the mainstream Focus models in Spring of 2011. We assume that by "all global markets", Ford means the performance version of the new Focus will also be sold in the States, with or without (SVT?) the ST badge.

Based on the five-door version of the new Focus, the ST is visually differentiated from its regular brethren through a dare-we-say (and not in a positive way), tuner-like bodykit.

The styling package includes a new front bumper with a 'gaping mouth' grille and additional air ducts, side skirts, a larger roof spoiler and a rear apron with air vents and central exhaust pipes. The show car is finished in a new color Ford calls 'Tangerine Scream' while the ST also gets a set of beefy 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 235/35 ZR 19 rubber.

Inside, the Focus ST gets a pair of body-hugging bucket seats with contrasting orange seams and pads, a sportier-looking steering wheel with a thicker rim, carbon fiber trim on the center console, revised instrument gauges and, like the current model, three extra dials on top of the dash.

Under the bonnet, out goes the current model's Volvo-sourced and a delight to listen to, 225HP 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine, and in comes Ford's own 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder EcoBoost unit, which is rated at 250-horsepower.

Ford did not reveal any other details on the car's specifications, but the interior picture shows a six-speed manual gearbox, which drives the ST's front wheels. The final production model will most likely be offered with the company's six-speed Powershift dual-clutch transmission also.

In Paris, the ST will be joined by the next-generation Focus family in hatchback, sedan and station wagon flavors, the facelifted Mondeo, which was previewed at the recent Moscow International Automobile Salon, and the new C-MAX and Grand C-MAX people carriers.

Kia to get a New All-Electric CUV by the end of 2011

The Hyundai Group is set to launch an all-electric version of an upcoming Kia CUV (not the study shown in the picture above) as early as December 2011. This follows closely on the reveal of the Hyundai i10-based BlueOn EV, the brand's first electric vehicle. The as-of-yet unseen Kia EV will have an effective range of 80 miles (130 km), with its gasoline-powered brethren set to go on sale three months earlier.

"We plan to produce 2,000 electric vehicles based on Kia's upcoming cross utility vehicles (CUVs), and 500 BlueOns by 2012." said Hong John-hee, Director of Hyundai Motor's Electric Vehicle Development Group.

Just don't expect to see Hyundai EVs on U.S. roads any time soon - all 2,500 vehicles are going to government organizations in South Korea.

Commercial sales are set to follow on in 2013, though Hyundai is still yet to decide what models will be sold and where.

"There is a high possibility that the CUV model will be sold to the general customers starting in 2013." a spokesperson said.

This news comes shortly after the South Korean government announced a plan to replace twenty percent of the country's passenger cars with electric vehicles by 2020.

By Tristan Hankins

Source: Reuters

Photo: Kia's 2009 No3 Concept which lead to the Venga

Kia to get a New All-Electric CUV by the end of 2011

The Hyundai Group is set to launch an all-electric version of an upcoming Kia CUV (not the study shown in the picture above) as early as December 2011. This follows closely on the reveal of the Hyundai i10-based BlueOn EV, the brand's first electric vehicle. The as-of-yet unseen Kia EV will have an effective range of 80 miles (130 km), with its gasoline-powered brethren set to go on sale three months earlier.

"We plan to produce 2,000 electric vehicles based on Kia's upcoming cross utility vehicles (CUVs), and 500 BlueOns by 2012." said Hong John-hee, Director of Hyundai Motor's Electric Vehicle Development Group.

Just don't expect to see Hyundai EVs on U.S. roads any time soon - all 2,500 vehicles are going to government organizations in South Korea.

Commercial sales are set to follow on in 2013, though Hyundai is still yet to decide what models will be sold and where.

"There is a high possibility that the CUV model will be sold to the general customers starting in 2013." a spokesperson said.

This news comes shortly after the South Korean government announced a plan to replace twenty percent of the country's passenger cars with electric vehicles by 2020.

By Tristan Hankins

Source: Reuters

Photo: Kia's 2009 No3 Concept which lead to the Venga

Hyundai Releases Pricing for its 2011 Genesis Coupe Lineup, Including New 3.8 R-Spec

Hyundai has decided it's time to share its 2011 Genesis Coupe pricing with the masses. With a few mild upgrades for 2011, including more softness on the inside, the Genesis Coupe lineup gains some extra cred in the form of a new entry-level R-Spec 3.8.

The R-Spec 3.8 comes equipped with 306-horsepower V6 connected to a 6-speed manual gearbox, and its suspension has been "sport-tuned" to handle putting its 266 lb-ft to the ground through the rear wheels. For all the extra specs, check out our previous post here. If you're not keen on that, all you need to know is that it's the cheapest V6 rear-wheel drive Hyundai option out there and has lost 68 pounds of flab in getting to that point.

According to Hyundai, the base V6 model can also be optioned with dealer-installed front camber-adjustment bolts and only be available in white, black, yellow, and red.

The 3.8 R-Spec joins the middle of the lineup as the new entry-level V6 model, starting at $26,750 (about €20,800). For comparison, the base 2011 Genesis Coupe with a 6-speed and a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder will start at $22,250 (around €17,300), and the top-end 3.8 Track model with an automatic begins adding options at $32,250.

By Phil Alex

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Standard and Optional Features

2.0T
The Genesis Coupe 2.0T is priced at $22,250, excluding $800 freight, and includes the following standard features:

• 2.0L Turbo with 210 horsepower
• 6-speed manual transmission
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control
• Anti-locking Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist
• 6 airbags: Advanced dual front airbags with Occupant Classification System (OCS), front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and roof-mounted side-curtain airbags
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Active front head restraints
• 18-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires
• Manual air conditioning w/ outside temperature display
• AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system w/6 Speakers
• Metalgrain and chrome interior accents
• iPod/USB and MP3 auxiliary input jacks
• Sport-tuned suspension with front strut brace
• Black cloth seats
• Driver's lumbar support
• Trip computer
• Leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel and shift knob
• Power windows, door locks and mirrors
• Remote keyless entry system w/alarm
• Steering-wheel-mounted cruise control and audio controls
• Auto light control
• Bluetooth hands-free connectivity
• Solar glass

2.0T Option
Automatic Transmission ($1,250 MSRP)

2.0T R-Spec
Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec is priced at $24,500, excluding $800 freight and offers all the features of the 2.0T trim plus the following:

• 19-inch alloy wheels with summer tires (not for use in snow/ice)
• Brembo braking system
• Track-tuned suspension
• Limited-slip differential
• Black leather bolster / red cloth insert seats
• R-Spec badge
• Front camber adjustment bolt (dealer installation required)
• DELETES: Auto light control
• DELETES: Cruise control
• DELETES: Metalgrain and chrome interior accents

2.0T Premium
The Genesis Coupe 2.0T Premium starts at $26,750, excluding $720 freight, and offers all the features of the 2.0T trim plus the following:

• 5-speed automatic transmission
• Power driver's seat
• Infinity AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 Premium audio system w/ subwoofer and external amplifier
• Proximity Key with push-button start
• Auto-dimming mirror with HomeLink and compass
• Power tilt-and-slide glass sunroof
• Touch-screen navigation system with multi-gauge display
• Fully-automatic temperature control (FATC)

Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec
The Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec is priced at $26,750, excluding $800 freight, and offers the following standard features:

• 3.8-liter DOHC V6 with 306 horsepower
• 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission
• 19-inch alloy wheels with summer tires (not for use in snow/ice)
• Brembo braking system
• Track-tuned suspension
• Limited-slip differential
• Black leather bolster / red cloth insert seats
• R-Spec badge
• Front camber adjustment bolt (dealer installation required)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)and Brake Assist
• 6 airbags: Advanced dual front airbags with Occupant Classification System (OCS), front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and roof-mounted side-curtain airbags
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Active front head restraints
• Remote keyless entry system
• Fog lights
• Leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel and shift knob
• AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system w/6 Speakers
• iPod/USB and MP3 auxiliary input jacks
• Steering-wheel-mounted audio controls
• Bluetooth hands-free phone system
• Manual air conditioning w/ outside temperature display
• Trip computer
• Power windows, door locks and mirrors
• Solar glass
• Driver's lumbar support

3.8 Grand Touring
Genesis Coupe 3.8 Grand Touring is priced at $29,750, excluding $800 freight and offers all the features of the 3.8 R-Spec trim plus the following:

• ZF 6-Speed Automatic Transmission w/ Paddle-shift
• Unique black or brown leather seating surfaces
• Sport-tuned suspension with front strut brace
• 18-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires
• Fully-Automatic Temperature Control (FATC)
• Power driver's seat
• Heated front seats
• Infinity AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 Premium audio system w/ subwoofer and external amplifier
• Touch-screen navigation system with multi-gauge display
• Proximity key with push-button start
• Backup warning system
• Auto-dimming mirror with HomeLink and compass
• Dual power heated body color mirrors with turn signal indicators
• Power tilt-and-slide glass sunroof
• Auto light control
• Cruise control
• Metal grain and chrome interior accents
• Chrome front fascia accents
• DELETES: 19-inch alloy wheels with summer tires
• DELETES: Brembo braking system
• DELETES: Limited-slip differential
• DELETES: R-Spec badge
• DELETES: Front camber adjustment bolt
• DELETES: Track-tuned suspension

3.8 Track
The Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track starts at $30,750, excluding $800 freight, and offers all the features of the 3.8 Grand Touring plus the following:

• Black leather seating surfaces
• 19-inch alloy wheels with summer tires (not for use in snow/ice)
• Brembo braking system
• Track-tuned suspension
• Limited-slip differential
• Xenon High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights
• Aluminum pedals
• Aero wiper blades
• Rear spoiler
• DELETES: Chrome front fascia accents
• DELETES: Backup warning system

3.8 Track Option
Automatic Transmission ($1,500 MSRP)

Hyundai Releases Pricing for its 2011 Genesis Coupe Lineup, Including New 3.8 R-Spec

Hyundai has decided it's time to share its 2011 Genesis Coupe pricing with the masses. With a few mild upgrades for 2011, including more softness on the inside, the Genesis Coupe lineup gains some extra cred in the form of a new entry-level R-Spec 3.8.

The R-Spec 3.8 comes equipped with 306-horsepower V6 connected to a 6-speed manual gearbox, and its suspension has been "sport-tuned" to handle putting its 266 lb-ft to the ground through the rear wheels. For all the extra specs, check out our previous post here. If you're not keen on that, all you need to know is that it's the cheapest V6 rear-wheel drive Hyundai option out there and has lost 68 pounds of flab in getting to that point.

According to Hyundai, the base V6 model can also be optioned with dealer-installed front camber-adjustment bolts and only be available in white, black, yellow, and red.

The 3.8 R-Spec joins the middle of the lineup as the new entry-level V6 model, starting at $26,750 (about €20,800). For comparison, the base 2011 Genesis Coupe with a 6-speed and a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder will start at $22,250 (around €17,300), and the top-end 3.8 Track model with an automatic begins adding options at $32,250.

By Phil Alex

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

Standard and Optional Features

2.0T
The Genesis Coupe 2.0T is priced at $22,250, excluding $800 freight, and includes the following standard features:

• 2.0L Turbo with 210 horsepower
• 6-speed manual transmission
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control
• Anti-locking Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist
• 6 airbags: Advanced dual front airbags with Occupant Classification System (OCS), front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and roof-mounted side-curtain airbags
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Active front head restraints
• 18-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires
• Manual air conditioning w/ outside temperature display
• AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system w/6 Speakers
• Metalgrain and chrome interior accents
• iPod/USB and MP3 auxiliary input jacks
• Sport-tuned suspension with front strut brace
• Black cloth seats
• Driver's lumbar support
• Trip computer
• Leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel and shift knob
• Power windows, door locks and mirrors
• Remote keyless entry system w/alarm
• Steering-wheel-mounted cruise control and audio controls
• Auto light control
• Bluetooth hands-free connectivity
• Solar glass

2.0T Option
Automatic Transmission ($1,250 MSRP)

2.0T R-Spec
Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec is priced at $24,500, excluding $800 freight and offers all the features of the 2.0T trim plus the following:

• 19-inch alloy wheels with summer tires (not for use in snow/ice)
• Brembo braking system
• Track-tuned suspension
• Limited-slip differential
• Black leather bolster / red cloth insert seats
• R-Spec badge
• Front camber adjustment bolt (dealer installation required)
• DELETES: Auto light control
• DELETES: Cruise control
• DELETES: Metalgrain and chrome interior accents

2.0T Premium
The Genesis Coupe 2.0T Premium starts at $26,750, excluding $720 freight, and offers all the features of the 2.0T trim plus the following:

• 5-speed automatic transmission
• Power driver's seat
• Infinity AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 Premium audio system w/ subwoofer and external amplifier
• Proximity Key with push-button start
• Auto-dimming mirror with HomeLink and compass
• Power tilt-and-slide glass sunroof
• Touch-screen navigation system with multi-gauge display
• Fully-automatic temperature control (FATC)

Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec
The Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec is priced at $26,750, excluding $800 freight, and offers the following standard features:

• 3.8-liter DOHC V6 with 306 horsepower
• 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission
• 19-inch alloy wheels with summer tires (not for use in snow/ice)
• Brembo braking system
• Track-tuned suspension
• Limited-slip differential
• Black leather bolster / red cloth insert seats
• R-Spec badge
• Front camber adjustment bolt (dealer installation required)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)and Brake Assist
• 6 airbags: Advanced dual front airbags with Occupant Classification System (OCS), front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and roof-mounted side-curtain airbags
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Active front head restraints
• Remote keyless entry system
• Fog lights
• Leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel and shift knob
• AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system w/6 Speakers
• iPod/USB and MP3 auxiliary input jacks
• Steering-wheel-mounted audio controls
• Bluetooth hands-free phone system
• Manual air conditioning w/ outside temperature display
• Trip computer
• Power windows, door locks and mirrors
• Solar glass
• Driver's lumbar support

3.8 Grand Touring
Genesis Coupe 3.8 Grand Touring is priced at $29,750, excluding $800 freight and offers all the features of the 3.8 R-Spec trim plus the following:

• ZF 6-Speed Automatic Transmission w/ Paddle-shift
• Unique black or brown leather seating surfaces
• Sport-tuned suspension with front strut brace
• 18-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires
• Fully-Automatic Temperature Control (FATC)
• Power driver's seat
• Heated front seats
• Infinity AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 Premium audio system w/ subwoofer and external amplifier
• Touch-screen navigation system with multi-gauge display
• Proximity key with push-button start
• Backup warning system
• Auto-dimming mirror with HomeLink and compass
• Dual power heated body color mirrors with turn signal indicators
• Power tilt-and-slide glass sunroof
• Auto light control
• Cruise control
• Metal grain and chrome interior accents
• Chrome front fascia accents
• DELETES: 19-inch alloy wheels with summer tires
• DELETES: Brembo braking system
• DELETES: Limited-slip differential
• DELETES: R-Spec badge
• DELETES: Front camber adjustment bolt
• DELETES: Track-tuned suspension

3.8 Track
The Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track starts at $30,750, excluding $800 freight, and offers all the features of the 3.8 Grand Touring plus the following:

• Black leather seating surfaces
• 19-inch alloy wheels with summer tires (not for use in snow/ice)
• Brembo braking system
• Track-tuned suspension
• Limited-slip differential
• Xenon High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights
• Aluminum pedals
• Aero wiper blades
• Rear spoiler
• DELETES: Chrome front fascia accents
• DELETES: Backup warning system

3.8 Track Option
Automatic Transmission ($1,500 MSRP)

Electric Porsche 928 Sheds 400 Pounds and Three Gears to Make One Man Happy

Jeff McCabe owns a Porsche 928. However, he wanted an electric Porsche 928 in the vein of the Tesla Roadster that he can't afford. So here's what Jeff did: he removed "over 1,700 lbs" of dead weight by eliminating a bunch of useless stuff like the standard engine, transmission (actually just 1st, 4th, and 5th gears), and a bunch of electronics, pop-up headlights, and so on.

He also replaced the wheels and brakes with lighter units and made sure to ace that heavy glass. Once that 1,700 pounds was in the trash, he added 1,300 pounds in the form of 750 lithium iron-phosphate cells (he originally used lead acid batteries).

The result is a car that can go for 115+ miles before it needs a recharge (versus the ~45 from the lead acid units) and can hit 85 miles per hour (137km/h). Too bad it can't do 88. For some info straight from the owner of the car, check out the vid below. Anyone interested in providing him with a CVT?

By Phil Alex

Via: Autoblog Green

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