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2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA GT NAMED “BEST VALUE” IN POPULAR MECHANICS’ 2013 AUTOMOTIVE EXCELLENCE AWARDS

The 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT has been named “Best Value” in this year’s Popular Mechanics’ Auto Excellence Awards. The Elantra GT was recognized for its use of class-leading technologies, use of interior space, and competitive pricing. Popular Mechanics magazine covers how today’s technologies affect the things men are most interested in, including: their homes, consumer electronics, cars, science, computers, sports and current events and explains the way the world works today and into the 21st century.

“Of all the quality compacts currently available, most impressive is the new Elantra GT,” said Popular Mechanics editors. “The GT’s practical, wagon-like hatchback was built primarily for Europe, so it’s shorter than any other Elantra, but packs a substantial 51-cubic-foot cargo hold when the seats are folded down. That’s more than some larger wagons. Yet this hatch also shares some parts with Hyundai’s sporty Veloster coupe, so when the road turns into a twisty ribbon of fun, the GT is a willing partner.”

The Popular Mechanics’ Auto Excellence Awards recognize cars in 10 distinct categories: Car of the Year, Fun to Drive, Performance, Hauling, Luxury, Design, Versatility, Technical Innovation, Value and Fuel Efficiency.

“Elantra GT is a fun-to-drive, functional, five-door compact hatchback,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president, Product and Corporate Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “Elantra GT is one of the latest examples showcasing how Hyundai is redefining the compact car and setting new standards in automotive design, efficiency and functionality.”

Elantra GT’s utilization of space makes the interior feel roomy and comfortable. Under the skin, the Elantra GT shares some chassis tuning and suspension from the Hyundai Veloster, making it a nimble counterpart whether drivers are on city streets or mountain roads. Coupled with class-leading technologies such as Driver Selectable Steering Mode, and impressive standard features like Bluetooth connectivity, the Elantra GT sits at the top of the compact car segment, and with a starting price of $18,395, it delivers this driving experience at thousands less than the competition.

 

Courtesy of Hyundai

Camron Wants You To See How Happy She Is With Her New Car

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"First Pleasant Buying Experience I've Had"

"Thank you, Darren, for a wonderful car buying experience. And thanks for hanging in there through all my various visits and questions. I appreciate working with a patient, upbeat and professional salesperson who knew his product very well. I loved the fact there was no pressure, actually that's why I returned to O'Hare Hyundai to purchase my beautiful Tucson. Everything was explained as to how all the "bells and whistles" worked. I would definitely recommend your dealership and especially Darren. First pleasant buying experience I've had. I'm loving my Tucson."

Help Your Odometer Reach 300,000 Miles

Five Maintenance Tips For Getting To 300,000 Miles

1. Keep your battery charged. This is especially important if you don’t drive your car that often. If you plan to let a vehicle sit for more than a couple weeks, you should invest in a “trickle charger,” or battery tender, which plugs into a regular household outlet and keeps your battery fully charged, automatically. I have a battery tender for my lawn tractor battery for winter months, and it guarantees a strong start in the spring.

2. Keep at least half a tank of gas in the car. Plenty of reasons not to let your car run on fumes, but one I had never considered before reading this article is that an empty gas tank is more prone to rust.  The rust can leach into your fuel and clog filters and fuel lines downstream. Rust could also eventually eat through your gas tank leaving a hole.  At today’s gas prices, who can afford for that to happen!

3. Don’t forget the tires. When you fill up your gas tank, or every couple weeks, whichever happens more frequently, be sure to check your tire pressure. If you drive an older vehicle like me you’ll need to pick up a tire gauge. Look at the label inside the door, or in your owner’s manual, to find the correct tire pressure for your specific model. Low tire pressure causes things like uneven wear on your tires and decreased gas mileage.

4. Change the oil. There is some debate in the frugal car owner world on whether or not you should change your oil as often as prescribed by car manufacturers (and those express oil-changing facilities). I’m no expert, but I think you should stay pretty close to the suggested schedule, only deviating a month or two, or a couple hundred miles. Peters agrees with me. Besides, a $30 oil change is much cheaper than a new engine, and if you are ultra frugal, you can even change your own oil!

5. Be kind to your clutch, and your brakes. If you drive a car with a manual transmission you know at some point you will likely have to replace the clutch. But you can extend the life of your clutch, and your brakes, by not riding either one for long periods of time, and by using your accelerator (or not using your accelerator) to coast a bit as traffic ebbs and flows.

Automobiles are becoming more and more expensive these days. In fact, next to buying a home, it is probably the largest single purchase most people will make in a lifetime. Use the steps above to increase the chances your vehicle will last well beyond your car loan, guaranteeing you many years of debt-free driving.

 

Courtesy of Frugal Dad

Hyundai Retains Number 2 Ranking In CarMD's Vehicle Health Index

 Hyundai ranks as the number two brand in terms of vehicle health, according to the second annual CarMD^® Vehicle Health Index^™ Manufacturer & Vehicle Rankings. Additionally, Hyundai has the lowest average repair cost among the Top 10 manufacturers and has five models in the Top 100 vehicles list (2011 Santa Fe, 2010 Genesis, 2010 Sonata, 2009 Sonata and 2009 Santa Fe).

“Hyundai has clearly gone above and beyond to design reliable vehicles to last longer with a lower cost of ownership for the people who drive them,” said Art Jacobsen, vice president, CarMD. “While there are many reliable vehicles to choose from, being included on the CarMD^® Vehicle Health Index^™ Rankings and Lists puts Hyundai among the top 5 percent of all vehicles on the road today.”

“Hyundai’s rise to the top tier of manufacturers can really be traced back to their engineering,” said CarMD.com editors. “Their vehicles are designed with service and maintenance taken into consideration. This leads to lower average repair costs and greatly helps their scoring.”

Hyundai’s Vehicle Health Index score improved from 0.85 to 0.67 this year, the exact score that earned Toyota the No.1-ranked manufacturer spot in 2011. The Index is based on the combined fewest average repair incidents and lowest average repair costs for model year 2002 to 2012.

Based on more than 163,000 specific repairs performed from Sept. 1, 2011 to Sept. 1, 2012, the Index encompasses approximately 136 million vehicles. The CarMD Index ranks the top 10 manufacturers, top 100 vehicles, top three vehicles by category and most prevalent repairs by make.

“Hyundai’s ranking on CarMD’s Vehicle Health Index reinforces the strength of our brand and the reliability of our vehicles,” Frank Ferrara, executive vice president, Customer Satisfaction, Hyundai Motor America. “Our dedication to customer service and quality vehicles is backed by Hyundai Assurance – Hyundai’s commitment to the enduring value of every vehicle we build.”

 

Courtesy of Hyundai

"I look forward to being in the Hyundai Family" says the author of this five-star review!

"Bob was so friendly, not pushy like some sale people I've dealt with before. He understood when I left to go home and think and was shocked when I came back so quickly. The level of service he provided was beyond my expectations. He called me several days later to make sure I was enjoying my new car, which I am.

Gina was so helpful when I dealt her online and thru emails. She kept in communication with me, but respected my boundaries. She was not pushy and did not overload my email box with stuff. She communicated with me respectfully as I made inquiries.

The staff at O'Hare Hyundai was great. I love my new car and I look forward to being in the Hyundai Family."

- Fred

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe | Show Your Loyalty | "The Great Wall"

How do you prove your loyalty? Body paint? Pet pooches? Giant international landmarks?

We have some exceptional used specials in our lot. Come see how easy it is to make the switch.

http://oharehyundai.com/custom/used-car-specials/Des-Plaines-IL-Hyundai-Dealer

Hyundai Moving Ahead with Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Powered Tucson

Hyundai intends to put its fuel-cell Tucson into what its executives call, oxymoronically, “small-scale mass-production.” By 2015 Hyundai says total production will have reached 1000 units, mostly for Europe. The company’s European boss says it could be “up to 10,000 units a year after 2015, mostly for California and Europe, provided the market and infrastructure are up to it.”

The crossover, which will be a lease-only vehicle for selected fleets up to 2015, will be built down the regular Tucson assembly line in Ulsan, Korea. After that it will be made available for private buyers to purchase, at a projected €40,000 ($52,000), although cars are more expensive in general in Europe than the U.S. so Californian buyers would potentially see a lower price.

The modified Hyundai Tucson has a 100kW fuel-cell stack, is capable of 100 mph, and gets to from 0 to 62 mph in 12.5 seconds, the company claims. We tested our long-term all-wheel-drive 2010 Hyundai Tucson, with a 176-hp 2.4-liter I-4 and a six-speed automatic transmission, accelerating from 0-60 mph in 9.0 seconds. The range on a full tank of hydrogen is 367 miles on the European test drive cycle. The tank capacity is 12 pounds of hydrogen, at 700 bar. Refueling takes “a few minutes” according to Hyundai. The 700bar pressure and the refueling nozzle are the global standard for filling stations.

That stack gets its oxygen from ambient rather than compressed air, which Hyundai says will lead to lower parasitic power loss. Also, the passengers will hear less noise because there is no compressor. The stack feeds a lithium-ion buffer battery, the same as the one in the Sonata Hybrid.

Motor Trend has driven a prototype of the vehicle, and it feels like an EV in terms of silence and smoothness. Passenger space is uncompromised versus the gasoline model, and the trunk floor is only a few inches higher.

Hyundai, together with Honda, Daimler, Nissan, and Toyota, is working with European local and city governments to get hydrogen-filling infrastructure in place.

Courtesy of MotorTrend

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Keeping Up Appearances

What's the simplest thing people can do to help maintain their car's value over time? Richard Griot of car care and tool supplier Griot's Garage says, "Keep all of your vehicle's surfaces — the glass, trim, paint and wheels — clean." And we agree.

Your car has many enemies — some visible, some not. Emissions from industrial plants are released into the environment, where they are transformed into nitric or sulfuric acid. When deposited onto your car, in either a wet or a dry state, these contaminants can eat paint and, in extreme cases, metal. When ignored, acid from dead bugs, bird droppings, tree sap and even fallen leaves can do the same. Even something as benign as dust can cause tiny scratches in your car's finish, which can make the vehicle look dull and lifeless.

And the longer offensive contaminants are left on your vehicle, the greater the extent of the damage they can cause to both the car and its perceived value.

So what, you say? A few war wounds are endearing, right? Wrong!

Perception Versus Reality
The reality is that people often value material items based on the way they look. According to the folks at Kelley Blue Book, aesthetics is one of the top considerations when a person buys a car. And since more people are testing the used-car market these days, it is important to keep your car looking its best so it's worth more when you are ready to sell it. A vehicle that has a pitted or stained finish or splotches of rust is a turnoff, and thus is worth less than a car that looks pristine, regardless of how you maintained the vehicle mechanically — sad, but true.

If you currently don't clean your car regularly (at least twice a month), it's not too late to change your ways. Of course, the quickest and easiest way to a sparkling clean car inside and out is to take your four-wheeled friend to a detail shop for the royal treatment. At $75 to $300 or more per visit, using a professional detailer twice a month can get rather pricey. Luckily, there are plenty of do-it-yourself products on the market that you can use to clean your car at home, saving time and money.

To help, we've compiled some advice from car-care professionals on how to properly clean and care for your automobile. Follow these guidelines and your ride will look like you have a detailer on weekly retainer.

ON THE OUTSIDE
Before breaking out the sponges and getting down to business, you'll want to park the vehicle in a shaded spot, preferably in a gravel area where the water can seep, rather than on asphalt that can cause rapid runoff. Direct sunlight can cause some surfaces to dry faster than you may want them to, leaving residue and, thus, unwanted streaks on the finish.

The Basic Wash
Now you're ready to get busy. You'll need a steady supply of water (make sure your hose has a trigger-type nozzle, to conserve water), a soft and dirt-free cloth (or a wash mitt, terry cloth towel or soft-bristle brush) and — last but not least — a proper car-wash soap.

Don't make the mistake of using dishwashing soap or a household cleaner on your car; they contain harsh detergents that can strip wax and damage paint. As Craig Burnett, chemist for Mothers Polishes-Waxes-Cleaners, puts it: "Car-wash products are designed to remove automotive dirt from cars, not grime from clothes or grease from dishes. Don't confuse your kitchen with your garage."

Also, most car-care experts recommend starting at the top of the vehicle and working your way down, focusing on one section at a time. "The bottom of your car, particularly behind the wheel wells, traditionally has heavier accumulations of dirt particles," explains Mike Pennington, director of training for Meguiar's, a leading producer of car-care products. "Washing from the top down minimizes the risk of contaminants in the water or getting caught in the wash mitt or brush, thus minimizing the chances of creating scratches or swirls in the paint as you rub the car clean."

Here's the best game plan:
1. First rinse the entire car with water to remove loose dirt.
2. Wash and rinse the vehicle one section at a time, working from top to bottom, to prevent a section from drying too quickly and leaving deposits or residue.
3. Don't scrub aggressively. Instead, rub the car's surface gently to loosen dirt. Aggressive rubbing can grind dirt right into the finish, leaving scratches and swirls.
4. Rinse the wash mitt or sponge often to prevent accumulated dirt from scratching the paint.
5. After the final rinse, wipe the excess water from the vehicle's surface to prevent water spotting. A soft terry cloth towel or a high-quality chamois are recommended. Keep the towel or chamois clean to help prevent scratching, and wipe the vehicle lightly to soak up water without abrading the vehicle's finish.

Note: If you live in a climate where sand or salt is used on the road surface, be sure to rinse inside the wheel wells, paying special attention to the lower part of the fender, where salt and sand may have accumulated. We recommend using a high-pressure hose for this task.

Wheels and Tires
One of the most dramatic ways to improve the appearance of your vehicle is to keep its tires and wheels (or rims) clean. Address the wheels first.

Have you ever noticed that the front wheels of many cars appear dirtier than the back wheels? This is caused by the accumulation of brake dust shed by disc brakes, which are on the front wheels of virtually all cars these days. A number of car-care products on the market do a good job of removing it. You simply spray the cleaner on and rinse after 30 to 60 seconds.

Be careful, however, to use the right kind of cleaner for your type of wheels. If you don't, the results could be devastating. For instance, a spray-on product designed for premium alloys will begin to strip off a typical wheel's protective varnish if left on too long. It can also damage plastic wheel covers. So read the directions and warnings carefully before you apply any wheel cleaner.

After the rims are spick-and-span, focus your attention on the tires. Many tire dressings simply spray on and require no wiping. They are formulated to produce a clean, slightly glossy look.

Wax On, Wax Off
At least 97 percent of today's vehicles come from the factory with some type of clear-coat finish that contains stabilizers, ultraviolet light blockers and UV light absorbers that help keep a vehicle's paint looking new longer. While they do provide great protection, clear-coats are not a panacea.

"Clear-coats can give drivers a false sense of security by appearing to protect the underlying base coat," says Matthew Broderick, group vice president of marketing at Turtle Wax Inc. "They are fragile and susceptible to scratches, abrasions and swirls that make the paint look dull."

Waxing your vehicle will help remove paint oxidation and surface dirt, while adding another layer of protection against grease and grime. Wax will also improve or remove minor damage such as surface scratches or light contaminants and will provide a high-luster finish.

Most automakers recommend that you wax your vehicle twice a year to protect its clear-coat from damage and maintain the car's color and shine. However, some auto-care suppliers recommend monthly waxing. "Ideally, a vehicle should be waxed three to four times per year," Pennington says, to maximize the protection provided by the wax. "A good strategy is to start right before the winter and get into a three-month cycle."

When waxing your ride:
1. Wash and dry the vehicle before applying any product.
2. The paint surface should be cool and not in direct sunlight. The outside temperature should be above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and humidity should be low.
3. Apply the wax in small sections with either a foam pad or small terry cloth towel using overlapping strokes or circular motions.
4. Wait for a section to dry to a haze before wiping the wax off with a terry cloth towel or cloth diaper. Wipe in both directions, turning the towels often. And remember to shake them out often to remove accumulated wax that might scratch the finish.
5. When completely finished, wipe the entire vehicle again, paying particular attention to the edges of trim pieces, doorjambs and moldings where excess wax may have accumulated.

For additional shine between wax jobs, several manufacturers offer spray-and-wipe products to quickly enhance a vehicle's shine.

ON THE INSIDE
Now that you have finished the exterior, it's time to tackle your car's interior.

First, thoroughly vacuum all carpets and upholstery to remove loose, dry dirt. Don't forget to vacuum under the seats.

Specialists recommend using lint-free towels and clean water to clean the dash area and seats. Cotton swabs are helpful for getting dust out of tight spots, and a clean, stiff-bristled brush is indispensable for removing caked-on dirt and grime in carpets and floor mats.

As far as solvents are concerned, Pennington suggests you always use a product that is designed for the surface you want to clean, whether it is leather, vinyl, plastic, wood, simulated wood or upholstery. Each product is specifically formulated for a particular surface and will not work effectively on other surfaces. In fact, the wrong cleaner may even do damage.

Even with right cleaner, don't use too much of it. "The biggest problem with interior cleaning is that many people overuse the cleaning products or saturate the carpet when they shampoo," Pennington says. Also never use a product that leaves a shiny, slick finish on the dashboard or steering wheel. A shiny dash reflects light, which can be a major safety hazard while driving. Same goes for a slippery steering wheel.

Courtesy of MSN Autos

Funny Friday Time

How about some Funny Friday in here?

What do you get when you put a car and a pet together ?
Carpet!

Have any good ones? Share them with us!

2012 SEMA | Hyundai Livestream

What-Were-They-Thinking Wednesday

In this issue of "What were they thinking Wednesday" we inquire as to what this driver is thinking. Help us complete the caption.

Hyundai Donates $500,000 to Red Cross for Sandy Efforts

Hyundai Motor America today announced a $500,000 donation to the American Red Cross to support Hurricane Sandy relief efforts.

“The devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy has created enormous loss and challenges for millions in the storm’s wake,” said John Krafcik, President and CEO, Hyundai Motor America. “We know how important the relief efforts of the Red Cross are and hope that our donation can make a difference in helping those still recovering from the extraordinary impact of this storm.”

As the Red Cross continues its massive relief operations, Hyundai is also encouraging its employees, dealer network and vendor partners to volunteer or provide additional support.

To learn more about how you can help those affected by Hurricane Sandy, please visit www.redcross.org.

 

Courtesy of Hyundai

Some Tips on Minimizing the Risk of Your Vehicle Being Broken Into or Stolen

Keep it inside a locked garage with an armed guard and Doberman on duty! Or, drive a car that nobody would want to steal.

Seriously, there are some common sense precautions you can use to minimize the risk of your vehicle being stolen or broken into:

Never leave the keys in the ignition, and never leave the engine running while you run into a store or drop something off. You car might not be there when you come back, and you might even be issued a ticket for such stupidity!

Always lock your car, even when running short errands to the grocery store or leaving your car in your own driveway. A car thief will walk right up to an unlocked car in broad daylight, hop in and be gone in 30 seconds. Locking the doors won't prevent him from breaking into or stealing your car, but it will slow him down and may discourage him enough to pick on someone else's car.

Never leave valuables (purses, briefcases, radar detectors, money, portable electronic devices, leather coats, etc.) in plain view. They encourage thieves to break in and help themselves. Either take the valuables with you or lock them out-of-sight in the luggage compartment.

Avoid parking where you have to leave your keys with a valet or parking attendant. It's a simple matter to make a duplicate key and steal your car later. Use self-park facilities where possible.

Park in well-lighted areas, preferably where there are people and/or traffic nearby. This discourages casual thieves from breaking and entering.

If you're installing an expensive stereo system in your vehicle, think hard about getting a "pull-out" unit that can be removed for safe-keeping if you have to park the vehicle outside. Or at least buy a radio that has a theft-deterrent code that makes it inoperable if somebody rips it out of your dash.

 

Courtesy of Yahoo! Autos

Hit the Open Road

Quite an impressive set up here, though the windows might be a little cold during winter.

What would your ultimate road trip machine be?

2012 SEMA | Hyundai "Velocity" Veloster Concept

It's the Veloster you know and love, taken to a whole new level. Check out the "Velocity" concept making its debut at 2012 SEMA.