Hyundai HCD-14 Genesis Concept takes a sleek look at the future

After seeing the promising lines of Hyundai's latest concept car last week in a shadowy teased rendering, we now have a better idea about what this sleek concept is all about. The 2013 Hyundai HCD-14 Genesis Concept received its official debut today at the Detroit Auto Show, and it's expected to be a pretty good indication of the styling direction for the next-generation Genesis sedan, although not quite the real deal.

Comparing this concept to spy shots of a Genesis prototype captured early last month, we can see that many elements of the HCD-14 will be incorporated into the newest Hyundai luxury sedan. As is the case with any concept car, the oversized carbon fiber wheels and suicide rear doors will certainly not be making it to the production model, but it will be interesting to see if the next-generation sedan has some of this car's styling cues like the hard-edged body creases along the side of the car, the coupe-like roofline running all the way to the rear of the car leaving no true decklid, or even the fine details like the "Genesis" etched into the headlights.

In addition to the styling of the car, there are plenty of new features being introduced on the concept that may be intended for the final product. This includes cabin technology features like a head-up display, hand-gesture recognition, and even a system that is able to track a driver's eyes to select options in various vehicle functions such as audio or climate controls. There also luxury appointments like the real milled wood accents and the iPad storage station. Hyundai is also promising improved driving dynamics with a more rigid chassis, new driver-selectable settings for various driving conditions and, of course, carrying over the 5.0-liter direct-injected V8 paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

- Courtesy of Autoblog

2013 HYUNDAI VELOSTER NUMBER ONE ON THE 10 COOLEST NEW CARS UNDER $18,000 LIST BY KBB.COM

COSTA MESA, Calif. – The Hyundai Veloster took the top spot on the 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000 of 2013 list from Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com. Editors of the trusted new- and used-car information resource applauded the three door coupe for its highly unique exterior design and stylish, tech-laden interior.

"The driver's side has one door and the other side has two, but unusual asymmetry isn't the most outrageous aspect of Veloster's design," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst, Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com. "Inside that unique outside is enough style and tech to earn the Veloster the top spot on this year's list of 10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000."

Two criteria – fun-to-drive and fun-to-own – are used by KBB.com editors to determine each vehicle's "cool factor." Each vehicle on the list is available for purchase at $18,000 or less, using Kelley Blue Book's exclusive Fair Purchase Price as the yardstick, the price consumers typically pay for a car, based on actual new-vehicle transactions and updated weekly for changing market conditions.

"With the Veloster, Hyundai proves that sleek design and reasonable pricing can go hand in hand," said Scott Margason, director, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. "With its unique third door and advanced technology features, Veloster was definitely created with the cool factor in mind."

In addition to having a unique three door design, the 2013 Hyundai Veloster also debuted an all-new turbo model, with a new 1.6-liter, 201 horsepower, direct-injected twin-scroll turbocharged engine, aggressive bodykit and unique 18-inch alloy wheels. Veloster is also equipped with Assurance Connected Care powered by the Hyundai's Blue Link telematics platform. Assurance Connected Care is a suite of safety and car care features providing Hyundai owners with free proactive services including automatic collision notification, SOS emergency assistance, enhanced roadside assistance, monthly vehicle diagnostics reports and maintenance alerts.

Keep leather from drying out and cracking

 

 

Leather cars seats are durable and don’t require a lot of maintenance. After a few years, however, the seats can become soiled. Use a leather cleaner to remove dirt and stains.Then apply a leather protectant formulated for pigmented or top-coated grain leather (the leather used for most leather car upholstery). Protectants will resist stains and make the upholstery easier to clean in the future. Choose a protectant that includes conditioners to keep your leather supple.

- Courtesy of Reader’s Digest