USA: Kia Announces October Sales, Reports Gains

On the heels of its best quarter ever in company history, Kia Motors America today announced October sales of 22,490 units, a 45.3-percent increase over the same month last year. Year to date sales totaled 261,060, a 7.2-percent increase over the same period last year. October sales were led by the all-new Forte compact and Rio subcompact, selling 4,984 and 4,005 units respectively. The Borrego SUV posted its best month ever with 3,919 units.

Kia Motors is in the midst of a dramatic transformation of its line-up, contributing to the brand’s continued gains in U.S. market share. The upcoming launch of the all-new 2011 Sorento CUV, the official vehicle of the NBA and the first vehicle to be built at the company’s first U.S.-based manufacturing facilities in West Point, Georgia, is set to further enhance the line-up.

[Source: Kia Motors America]

USA: Hyundai Sales Surge 49 Percent for October

Hyundai Motor America today announced October sales of 31,005 units, a 49 percent increase compared to October 2008. Calendar year-to-date, sales were up 4 percent. This marks the tenth consecutive month of year-over-year gains in retail market share. Hyundai posted the largest market share growth in the auto industry, up 1.2 percentage points (from 3.1 percent to 4.3 percent) for the first ten months of this year.

“We’ve done a good job of selling down our 2009 model year inventory over the last few months, with about two-thirds of Hyundai car sales in October being fresh, 2010 model year vehicles,” said Dave Zuchowski, vice president of sales. "We have our all-new Tucson launching at the end of this year and the 2011 Sonata coming early next year, so we are excited about the terrific new products we’ll be filling our dealerships with.”

The Genesis continued its strong growth trend with sales of 1,850 units, a 65 percent increase. The subcompact Accent and compact Elantra had significant increases of 106 percent and 225 percent respectively versus 2008, while the Santa Fe delivered a solid sales gain of 70 percent. Sonata sales slipped 2 percent to 7,790 units while Tiburon sales plummeted to zero.

[Source: Hyundai Motor America]

Continue reading for the complete sales chart.

BMW e30 M3 For Sale with S50 Conversion

What makes the E30 M3 unique?
The E30 M3 is the BMW Motorsport-developed version of the E30 3 Series. Its S14 four-cylinder powerplant is a further development of the M10 unit and was chosen because of its compact dimensions. The chassis is based on the basic E30 3 Series design but has been thoroughly reworked by BMW Motorsport in every significant area. The reshaped body shares few panels with

Spied: 2011 Kia Optima/K5 (TF)

Hot on the heels of the forthcoming domestic launch of Kia's K7/Cadenza, we bring you the latest spy shots of Kia's upcoming replacement for the mid-size Optima sedan, to be called K5 in the Korean market. The current-generation Optima, badged as Lotze in Korea, made its debut in November 2005 and was significantly revised for 2009 with major styling updates.

Scheduled to make its Korean debut in April 2010, the upcoming Optima/K5 (code-named "TF") will be a complete redesign. As indicated by spy shots, Schreyer's latest work will also be substantially larger compared to the current model.

Stylistically, the K5 is a stunning departure from the mundane style of the generation it will replace. The front end will feature Kia's sleek corporate fascia(for reference, see the new Sorento and Forte) incarnated by Peter Schreyer. As evident in a close-up shot, the K5 will also be available with LED headlights in the Korean market. The side profile is highlighted by a sweeping chrome window sill that extends to the trunk lid. The rear-end will ostensibly resemble the K7/Cadenza.

As of now, we have no confirmed details on what engines will be available for the new K5. The 2.4L Theta II 4-cylinder will certainly be one offering, as well as the 2.4L GDI (gasoline direct injection) 4-cylinder with an output of 201 horsepower. In addition, we expect an array of diesel and LPI engines to be offered in various markets. The North American model will likely be available with a 3.5L Lambda II V6 as well.

Stay tuned for more information and spy shots in future posts.

Continue reading to view more spy shots of the K5.

Hyundai Genesis Coupe Debuts in Forza Motorsport 3 for Xbox 360

Racing game enthusiasts will be able to test their driving skills in the Genesis Coupe in "Forza Motorsport 3," launched in the U.S. on Oct. 27, exclusively on Xbox 360. Developed by Turn 10 Studios, "Forza Motorsport 3 unites the racing game genre where players will live out their dreams behind the wheel of more than 400 of the most-beloved cars, including a roster of Hyundai favorites."

"Genesis Coupe's participation in 'Forza Motorsport 3' will raise Hyundai's awareness with driving enthusiasts and the very important youth segment," said Joel Ewanick, vice president of Marketing at Hyundai Motor America. "The mission for Genesis Coupe was to create a pure performance car and for it to appear in such a realistic racing simulator is awesome."

The vehicles can be driven on over 100 renowned real-world tracks and exotic road courses from around the globe. Breathtaking HD graphics and advanced vehicle performance modelling make "Forza Motorsport 3" arguably the most realistic racing game in the market today. To celebrate the flourishing "Forza" community, Hyundai will be gifting a free downloadable vehicle package on Xbox LIVE on Nov. 17, 2009. The package will include the Rhys Millen Racing Red Bull Hyundai Genesis Coupe, HKS Genesis Coupe and a one-of-a-kind Genesis Coupe.

The Hyundai Genesis Coupe will also boast its own race series within the Career mode of the game. Hyundai is also developing an online photo and video upload contest for "Forza" gamers who can show off their best in-game photo and video of the Genesis Coupe in action.

[Source: Hyundai Motor America via Reuters]

Kia Releases Soul Tempest Limited Edition for U.K.

Kia Motors has launched a limited-edition Soul "Tempest" for the UK market today. Replacing the outgoing "Samba" model, the Tempest is the latest addition to the automaker's Original Collections line-up in the UK.

The Tempest comes in a Titanium Silver finish with black high-gloss bumper inserts and door mirrors, and is fitted with unique black 18-inch alloy wheels. As for the interior, the Tempest gets 'Soul-Shine' black seat trim with metallic center fascia and chrome accents on the dashboard and instrument clusters.

Other key features of the limited edition model include a reversing camera system with electrochromic rearview mirror and an upgraded audio system featuring a dash-top centre speaker, rear sub-woofer and external amplifier.

The Soul Tempest is available with 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines with prices starting from £12,845.

[Source: Kia Motors]

Continue reading for the press image.

Hennessey Builds 500 HP Carbon Fiber Genesis Coupe: SEMA 2009

PRESS RELEASE: HENNESSEY TUNER SCHOOL TRANSFORMS HYUNDAI GENESIS COUPE INTO 500-HORSEPOWER BEAST FOR SEMA

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 10/29/2009 - Demonstrating the wide range of aftermarket potential for the Genesis Coupe, Hyundai Motor America has partnered with Hennessey Performance Engineering (HPE) and the Tuner School to develop a powerful entry for this year’s Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show. The matte black, carbon fiber-wrapped Hennessey Genesis Carbon Coupe is designed with a high-end European look and performance capabilities to match. The vehicle will be in Hyundai’s display at the Las Vegas Convention Center Nov. 3–6, 2009 (booth # 24387).

Founded by HPE president John Hennessey, Tuner School is a 14-week program dedicated to teaching its students the secrets to success in the high-performance automotive aftermarket. It was established as a way to offer its students a one-of-a-kind opportunity to hone their craft, learn from professionals in the field, and springboard their career in the aftermarket industry.

“The Genesis Coupe architecture is the ideal platform for tuners looking to make everyday modifications to their vehicles and our students at the Tuner School took full advantage,” said Hennessey. “The visually stunning complete carbon fiber matte black wrap and high-end performance benchmarks create a monster SEMA car.”

[Source: Hyundai Motor America]

HPE and the Tuner School will blow away the SEMA crowd with its Genesis Coupe achieving 500 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, 465 lb-ft of torque, an estimated 0-60 time of 3.9 seconds and a quarter mile time of 12.5 seconds. These aggressive performance capabilities were accomplished through a variety of engine modifications. The Genesis Carbon Coupe features a Hennessey Custom Single Turbo System, Precision 66 mm ball bearing turbocharger, Tial blow-off valve and 44 mm wastegate, a HKS boost controller and upgraded injectors and fuel pump, among other additions.

“To work with a leading tuner such as John Hennessey and his Tuner School is a testament to the potential of our rear-wheel-drive Genesis Coupe,” said Michael Deitz, manager, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “With its 500 horsepower and 0-60 time of 3.9 seconds we expect this vehicle to be one of the stars of SEMA.”

On the outside, SEMA Show attendees will find Savini lightweight wheels with chrome lips and silver centers, Eibach springs and Brembo lightweight rotors.

HENNESSEY TUNER SCHOOL

Tuner School's unique curriculum immerses its students in a combination of classroom education and hands-on experience, all while surrounded by the day-to-day operations of HPE's 30,000+ square-foot facility. Spanning a range of horsepower-induced topics, including engine building, forced induction and dyno testing, Tuner School covers all aspects of building and modifying some of the fastest cars in the world. With dozens of high-horsepower vehicles coming and going, students are placed in a rare position to experience every nuance of working within a high-performance automotive business. For more information, please visit www.TunerSchool.com.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 790 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by The Hyundai Advantage, America’s Best Warranty. In addition, Hyundai Assurance is now offered on all new vehicles leased or purchased from a certified Hyundai dealer. The program is available to any consumer, regardless of age, health, employment record or financed amount of the vehicle. The program is complimentary for the first 12 months.