The Hyundai i-flow is one of the significant concept cars at Geneva, not just because it looks dramatic, but because under that heavily sculpted skin is a range of latest tech that could appear in Hyundai’s next generation of cars. Powering the i-flow is the company’s first diesel-electric hybrid powertrain consisting of a U2 1.7-litre oil burner with two-stage turbocharging and Hyundai’s lithium ion-polymer battery. Coupled to a six-speed, dual-clutch transmission, the drivetrain is capable of 33.3 km/l and a low CO2 output of 85g/km.

The i-flow is also a test bed for new energy harvesting ideas, ranging from a flexible solar panel roofing to a thermo-electric generator developed in partnership with leading chemical company BASF. One such idea is thermal engine encapsulation, which ensures that the engine reaches optimum operating temperature more quickly by retaining heat when the car is idle. Hyundai says that this translates into fuel savings and emissions cuts of 5% during summer and up to 9% in winter. The thermo-electric generator meanwhile recaptures energy from hot exhaust gases and converts it to electrical energy to help power auxiliary systems.

Designed at Hyundai’s European studio in Russelsheim, the i-flow sports the firm’s “fluidic sculpture” design language. With an overall length of 4,780 mm and a 2,800 mm wheelbase, the i-flow is a Honda Accord sized D-segment contender that is set to hit the market in 2011. It remains to be seen how much of the i-flow’s styling is retained for production, but things look promising with the recent Korean realisation that advanced design is as important as making competent cars.

The Korean automaker presented at Los Angeles Auto Show its latest version of Sonata, powered by a 198- horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with a class-leading 35 miles per gallon highway. Hyundai also mentioned that it would utilize a turbocharged and direct-injected four in place of a V6 offering, and a hybrid version of the Sonata that utilizes technologically advanced lithium polymer batteries. But we haven’t heard much about the turbo or hybrid models post-LA, until now.

2011 Sonata Turbo and Hybrid will make their grand entrance at the 2010 New York Auto Show. With three distinct variants of the Sonata and a price of entry under $20,000, Hyundai could stand to gain quite a bit of street cred (and market share) in the hyper-competitive midsize segment. Stay tuned for maore details after the NY Auto Show.

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Hyundai have been thinking of separating its luxury cars from the common ones and making a new brand, the way Toyota did with Lexus. Could the marketing and branding brainstorming on how to gain more success be the reasons or Hyundai Genesis and upcoming Equus? THE Genesis. The most expensive car built by Hyundai, or Equus, which is expected to be priced at around 60 grand, deposing Genesis of the leader title.  For a moment, we come to think if 60 grand is not too much for a (luxury) car. But, as Equus will battle for the podium with BMW 7 Series, and Genesis has justified its 40 grand, luxury car buyers will find this jewel a Korean delicacy. Still, a question remains: how will this separation be perceived by luxury car hunters? Lexus, your move!

Hyundai and Kia are the first Asian automakers to get systems from Microsoft,but this won’t stop the software company to deal with other automakers.As we already know,Microsoft makes the sync system for Ford.

“There is know exclusivity clause involved here” – Velle Kolde – Microsoft spokesperson.

Microsoft considers that the systems for Hyundai and Kia will be the next version after the one used on Ford and it will be upgradeable.

This 2008 model seems to be the last for the sporty Hyundai Tiburon two-door hatchback.The Tiburon production will end when the rear-wheel-drive Genesis coupe goes on sale,probably next spring.

John Krafcik, product development vice president for Hyundai Motor America said that Hyundai is looking for a small front-wheel-drive coupe to replace the Tiburon.Most probably the replacement would be similar to the Veloster coupe concept first shown at the Seoul auto show in April 2007.