Hyundai to Mimic MINI Clubman's 3-Door System for Veloster?

It definitely seems so. Autocar recently reported that the upcoming three-door Hyundai Veloster hatchback (official name yet to be announced) would carry three physical hinged doors, similar to the MINI Clubman's mechanism.

If you examine the latest spy shots of the radical three-door hatchback closely, you will notice that the front doors are different lengths - the driver's side being longer, for easier entry and exit, and the passenger side having a shorter door and a rearward-opening 'suicide' door.

But unlike the Clubman, the Veloster is expected to have the third door on the kerbside for both left-hand- and right-hand-drive markets. Mini was heavily criticised for leaving the Clubman's rear passenger door on the wrong side when it re-engineered the car for right-hand-drive. Hyundai is expected to incur heavy retooling costs for its laudable attempt to appease both significant markets.

[Source: AutoExpress (Images)]

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Hyundai Green Lights Veloster Production For 2011

In an exclusive interview with Hyundai Motor America CEO John Krafcik, Inside Line (Edmunds) has garnered a cornucopia of information on Hyundai's upcoming front-wheel-drive Tiburon replacement. According to Krafcik, the compact sport coupe will look 70-80 percent like the Veloster Concept that made an appearance at the 2007 Los Angeles International Auto Show. The CEO also hinted that the new coupe will have a revolutionary bodystyle.

"It might be doors or a unique roof or something with the hatch. But it won't be like anything out there before in the small car segment," stated Krafcik.

The upcoming sports coupe is also said to be smaller than the Kia Forte Koup. Comparing its size to the Accent, Krafcik stated, "Think of it like a four-passenger Honda CRX. It'll be a little car you can take out and wring its neck and still get good mileage. Fun and economical, with a great power-to-weight ratio." He also revealed that the coupe will be powered by a 1.6L four-cylinder with direct injection producing 140 horsepower. In addition, Krafcik touted fuel economy figures of "over 40 MPG." The coupe will also feature a standard in-dash screen.

The forthcoming compact sport coupe is currently without a name at the moment. Krafcik stated that candidates in the running include "Veloster" and "Tiburon". He also announced that it will arrive in Hyundai dealers by the end of 2011.

[Source: Inside Line:Edmunds]

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Rendering: 2011 Hyundai YF Sonata

Thanks to a tip from Graham, we have one of the most accurate renderings of the next-generation Hyundai Sonata, code-named "YF". The upcoming Sonata, set for a release in 2010 as a MY2011, will transform greatly from the current model. It will feature a sleek 4-door coupe-esque style with bold design cues such as an immensely large front grille and a steeply raked front windshield. More details will be released soon.

Thanks for the tip again, Graham!

Editor's Note: To Graham - We'll bet you the front grille will be close in size to the sheer one of the rendering, if not dead on. Judging by the spyshots and the comparable grille found on the Tucson (LM) prototype, at least.

[Source: Graham Bottomley via YFLove.net]

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Speculation: 2010 Kia VG

An amateur rendering of the 2010 Kia 'VG' sedan has popped up on the net this morning. Looking at the recent spy photos of the premium sedan, the rendering looks nearly spot on to the actual prototype. This speculation gives us a preview of Kia's bold offensive into the premium arena occupied by the Volkswagen Passat and Lexus ES350. Designed by Peter Schreyer, the designing genius that has penned the original Audi TT and started the Bauhaus-look incorporated in current Audis, the VG will break new grounds for Kia's reputation in design.

The VG is set to debut in August of 2009. It will be available in many markets including North America and South Korea. The VG will be powered by a 280+ horsepower 3.8L Lambda V6.

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Speculation: 2009 Kia Optima

In an earlier post, we revealed the first images of an undisguised prototype of the refreshed 2009 Kia Optima. The front fascia was the most striking change of all, as the soft curves of the current model have been booted for sleeker and sharper lines that Schreyer has become fond of. We have seen a similar change undergoing in the Spectra department.

From the undisguised images we posted, a Kia enthusiast put his flawless skills in photoshopping into work to render how the car will shape up. The result was, I daresay, astounding. I am 99% positive the rendering is spot on to the actual car, and the new fascia improves the look of the car substantially. Props to the person who whipped up this one.

[Source: Club Lotze]

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