It’s no secret that the good folks at Endras BMW are decidedly obsessed with BMW and performance but it turns out they are also good old fashioned car nuts in general as a member of the Endras team spotted this prototype in Toronto.

The shape of the headlights, the similar interior to the sedan and its overall size point to it being the likely replacement for the current (and very tired looking) Elantra Touring. As evidenced by the interior shots, the new Elantra Touring will get a manual transmission option and it even looks to be a six-speed.

I wouldn’t expect the engine options to stray too far from the sedan counterpart which has a 1.8 litre inline four that makes 148 horses.

This spy shot comes on the heels of the other flavour of Elantra, the coupe, being spied totally undisguised just a few days ago.

More details are sure to follow soon on the new hatch from Hyundai.

[Endras BMW]

Even though the Elantra just won car of the year at this year’s North American Auto Show, Hyundai is hoping to keep the line fresh by introducing a coupe version of their C-segment sedan. It has been spied recently on the back of a flat bed.

We knew this was coming and in terms of design there’s really no surprises here other than that dent in the rear quarter panel. Careful now!

So, coupes are generally known for being of a more sporty nature than their sedan counterparts and the Elantra coupe is…. different from this assumption. So far as I can tell, there will be nothing to set it apart from the sedan in terms of performance. Hell there’s nothing that sets it apart in design either except for less doors. It will get the same 1.8 litre inline four that makes 148 horses. Um, not exactly inspiring performance numbers.

Well, surely they will have reworked the suspension. Nope, not at all. Basically this is a just a less practical Elantra. Why would anyone want that?

You’d think Hyundai would have learned from GM’s Cobalt and Pursuit coupe variants that just chopping off two doors doesn’t make it a performance car. And at least GM had the decency to offer real performance upgrades to those cars in different trim levels. It’s not as if Hyundai isn’t capable of performance either as demonstrated in the current Genesis coupe and upcoming 2013 Genesis coupe.

Overall this Elantra coupe smells of poseur performance. And it will likely sell well because of it. Shame.

[Inside Line]

Hyundai is significantly boosting the power on the impressive Genesis coupe for 2013.

The 2.0 litre turbo will now make 275 horsepower and 275 pound feet of torque, up 65 horses from the current unit’s 210 horses. The V6 will now produce 350 horsepower and 295 pound feet of torque. The V6 uses the same direct injection technology found in the 2012 Genesis sedan, but Hyundai actually made it more powerful than the sedan’s 333 horses and 291 pound feet of torque. Each engine can be mated to an optional 8-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual. This update makes the Genesis coupe the most powerful in the segment in which it competes. If Hyundai manages to keep the price down, that is tremendous value. As the Gensis coupe is already a capable vehicle, this will surely make it better.

Along with the power upgrade, the Genesis coupe will get a facelift for 2013. Wearing a more corporate look, the Genesis coupe’s front facia ads a newly redesigned grille and headlights.

The 2013 Genesis coupe will debut at the Detroit Autoshow in January 2012.

[Carscoop]

We’re half way through 2011 so it’s a good time to check in and see which models are most appealing to Canadians so far. Honda’s Civic is holding strong as the number one selling car in Canada, while Ford’s F-150 takes best selling truck and best selling vehicle overall.

Here’s the complete list:

1) Ford F-150 – 46,825 units

2) Ram Pickup – 30,459 units

3) Dodge Caravan – 29,986 units

4) Honda Civic – 26,371 units

5) Hyundai Elantra – 24,283 units

6) Ford Escape – 23,183 units

7) GMC Sierra – 22,225 units

8 ) Chevrolet Silverado – 19,233 units

9) Toyota Corolla -18,853 units

10) Chevrolet Cruze – 18,769 units

No big shockers here. I’m a little surprised that the Ford Focus didn’t make the list considering it’s now a credible contender. But Canadians obviously love their pick-up trucks and compact vehicles. Stay tooned to see where each vehicle places at the end of the year and if there will be any new additions to the list.

[Auto 123]

Hyundai has just released pics and information on the cheapest member of its lineup.

This new Accent is going to start a little over 12 grand in the United States. There’s no Canadian pricing out yet, but with Nissan coming it with some seriously aggressive pricing of its new Versa, Hyundai might be well advised to try to keep that cheap-value crown.

The new Accent gets a 1.6 litre 4 cylinder engine capable of making 138 horsepower through either a 6-speed manual or automatic. Fuel efficiency is the Accent’s strong selling point and it doesn’t disappoint with a 7.8 l/100 kms city rating and 5.8 highway.

The Accent also packs in added value with standard safety features including six airbags and standard VSM, ESC, TCS, ABS, BA and EBD. It also has ABC’s 123′s and D-O double G’s. Just joking. But seriously, in the press release it just has a bunch of acronyms. If you’re not into cars, you probably don’t even know what all those letters mean. I don’t even know what they all mean. But they will apparently keep you safe, so I guess that’s all that matters.

Expect the 2012 Accent on lots very soon.

[Hyundai]

Honda must be happy about this.

After experiencing a sales slump and some tough criticism on new products it must be comforting to know that their most recognizable model, the Civic, is still quite popular with Canadians. It was the best selling car in Canada last month.

It must also be even more comforting to know that, despite being a five year old design, it is beating the newly redesigned Hyundai elantra (which was the best selling car in Canada for the month of January and February) and Mazda3. In fact another stablemate in the compact segment is starting to regain in sales – the Toyota Corolla. It was the second best selling car while Chevrolet’s new Cruze took third place with the Elantra and Mazda3 taking 4th and 5th spots respectively.

Despite all those being compact cars, don’t think for a second that Canadians are off huge pick-ups. The Ford F-150 is still the best selling vehicle in Canada overall. The GMC Sierra is 6th overall and the Chevy Silverado is 9th overall.

[Auto North]

Despite the fact that it’s now a six year old design, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is still outselling its rivals in Canada – at least according to February 2011 sales.

Audi is probably none too pleased that its recent jab at the S-Class is apparently not working to boost the newly redesigned A8′s sales.

Meanwhile, BMW doesn’t have a whole lot to be upset about as the 7-series was the second best selling full-sized luxury car last month in Canada and was the best selling unit in its class in the United States last month.

Hyundai’s venture into this very competitive market also turned out to be decent, but decent is relative. They only sold eight Equus sedans, but that’s double of what they sold the month before.

Here are the number of units sold in Canada in February 2011:

Mercedes-Benz S-Class (includes CL sales): 38

BMW 7-series: 21

Audi A8: 13

Jaguar XJ: 11

Lexus LS: 10

Hyundai Equus: 8

[Auto News Data Center]

…a previous generation Hyundai Elantra.

Which is kind of like PC saying that Windows 7 is better than Mac OS 7.6. Of course it’s better!

I don’t know why GM wasted their time and money on this ad or why no one bothered to point out to them that they are comparing apples to oranges. Not only are they comparing their new product to an old product but they’re comparing the Cruze 1LT to the base Elantra.

I’m sure GM will argue that the comparison is still valid since there are probably remaining 2010 Elantras still for sale, but I’m fairly certain that there are also 2010 Chevy Cobalts still for sale. Comparing the Cobalt to the 2010 Elantra and the Cruze to the 2011 Elantra would be more fair.

So why didn’t GM do that? Because they know they would lose in both comparisons. Ha!

While I’m sure the Cruze is a fine step up from the Cobalt, I must say the 2011 Elantra looks way more impressive.

On another note, this is the first time GM has actually targeted Hyundai in their history. Usually they go after Honda and Toyota. That says something about the product now coming out from Hyundai. You have every reason to be scared, GM. The Koreans are coming!

[Youtube]

Look out Honda CR-Z, the Hyundai Veloster is hot on your tail!

The Veloster was officially unveiled in Detroit today, and I must admit, it looks damned good! The design keeps Hyundai’s attractive design nature of late going with a an aggressive front  facia, a swoopy side profile and a wide sporty stance from the rear completed with two tailpipes in the centre.

The Veloster also features a unique third door on the driver’s side for added versatility and easy ingress. It worked for the Mini Clubman, so Hyundai is betting it will work for them too.

Power comes from a 1.6 litre 4 cylinder which produces 138 horsepower and 122 pound feet of torque mated through either a six speed manual or a six speed dual clutch automatic. No 0-100 times available yet, but the Veloster’s 5.8L/ 100 kms highway rating easily beats the Honda CR-Z. And Hyundai was able to do it without hybrid technology. Although we must remember that, traditionally, hybrids get better mileage in the city than on the highway.

No interior shots are available yet, but Hyundai says the Veloster will come with astandard multi-function seven-inch touch-screen display with Pandora internet radio, Gracenote music display, video playback, video game console connectivity. So, I guess you can play video games.

Check out more pics of the Veloster after the jump.

[Hyundai]

This year’s engine of the year award winners are full of repeat winners and a few surprises.

The first big surprise is the Nissan LEAF winning this award. Mostly because it doesn’t even have an engine, it’s has an electric motor only. What was Ward’s reasoning? Apparently since the LEAF feels like a regular car (i.e four doors, five seats, an accelerator and brake) it deserves this award. That’s like saying since Stephen Harper has arms, legs and a face he should win a beauty contest.

Another big surprise is the engine/electric motor set up in the Chevy Volt. With the electric motor primarily propelling the car, it’s a wonder why it’s on the list. Ward’s sites reasons similar to the LEAF for its choice.

But despite those odd choices, the one that shocked me the most was Chrysler’s 3.6 litre Pentastar V6 making the list. This has been a traditionally awful engine. Just terrible. However since Fiat has taken the reigns, it appears they have put some work into this engine making it much better. It can be found in the 2011 Dodge Avenger and Chrysler 200.

Volvo also picked up an award for the 3.0 litre inline six that it uses in the redesigned S60. Ward’s says this engine almost rivals BMW’s 3.0 I-6 as it is buttery smooth, has great mid-range pick up and has virtually no turbo lag. Quite the statement, I’ll have to try it out to see if it stacks up.

Speaking of BMW, they unsurpsingly won once again for their N55 3.0 litre twin scrolled turbo engine for the 5th year in a row. I can wholeheartedly agree with this decision after experiencing the 135i (read my test drive in the post below).

BMW also won a second award for the 1.6 litre turbocharged inline 4 that it uses in the Mini Cooper S. With more power, more efficiency and little turbo lag, it helps make the Cooper S quite the little performance machine.

Volkswagen picked up two awards as well. One for the supercharged V6 found in the Audi S4 and one for new Clean Diesel 2.0 litre TDI found in the Golf, Jetta and Audi A3. The former delivers all encompassing performance while the latter does exceptionally well at combining efficiency with performance.

Rounding up the list is the Ford and Hyundai. After reintroducing the 5.0 litre V8 found in the Mustang they were actually able to make a car that could keep up with the BMW M3. Enough said.

Hyundai on the other hand won for its 5.0 V8 as well found in the base Genesis sedan and the upcoming Equus flagship sedan. It won for keeping power plentiful while being even more efficient than the previous engine.

Congrats to all the winners!

[Ward's]

What a clown!

Hyundai’s slogan may be “smart is in” but this is pretty effing stupid.

In an effort to drum up publicity for the upcoming next generation Elantra, Hyundai’s PR department thought it would be clever to stage a spy shot revealing just the front fender of the compact sedan. They then posted it to their twitter account.

Umm, all that says to me is that no one cares about the next generation Elantra to bother taking genuine spy shots. Why does no one care? Because Hyundai has already released an effing picture of the new Elantra completely undisguised in the spring! Click here to see it.

We already know what it’s gonna look like, Hyundai. You already showed the entire world at the Beijing Auto Show.  In the meantime, I suggest giving your PR department a significant pay cut for wasting everyone’s time.

FAIL.

[Hyundai via Twitter]

Hyundai really wants to be taken seriously in the performance world and its Genesis Coupe makes an excellent arguement for both value and performance. It is a great looking, great handling car. The 2.0T has some zing to it and the 3.8 GT will put a grin on your face.

But Hyundai is taking aim squarely at the muscle car market. The Challenger, Camaro and Mustang all offer variants of muscle that can churn out anything in the 400 horsepower range. Hyundai wants a piece of that pie.

So they are reportedly developing a 5.0 litre V8 that will pack 429 horses and 376 pound feet of torque. Yum.

That 5 litre obviously means inevetiable comparisons to the Mustang’s newly introduced 5.0 litre engine in the 2011 model. Since the Mustang can apparently now hold its own in the bends (for the first time ever in its life) it should be quite the entertaining battle.

[Car and Driver]

…Porsche!

That’s right, after all that back and fourth between Mini and Porsche, the 911 Carrera S came out on top. See Porsche? You should’ve just accepted the challenge, there was nothing to be scared of.

The race was held as scheduled at Road Atlanta, though not on the actual course. It was on the course’s paddocks and was laid out in an autocross style by Mini, which clearly helped the lil’ Cooper gain some advantage. Apparently not enough advantage though.

The end result was the 911 Carrera S being a full two seconds faster despite being almost 500 pounds heavier and much larger overall compared to the Mini. Mini was quick to point out that even though the Porsche won, it boiled down to $38,000 per additional second. Again, Mini is touting the value of the Cooper S.

But the folks at Mini aren’t sore losers at all. They said CEO McDowell will wear a “Porsche beat us” t-shirt for a week. They said it was all in good fun and they are the only car company not taking everything so seriously all the time, and I have to say, they are right. All this really brought out some friendly fun competition and everyone ended up having fun in the end. It was a brilliant strategy by Mini (even though they lost) because it got them lots of free press, maintained the Mini’s image as being fun and playful and it helped them to point out an extra 2 seconds on your lap time will cost you plenty.

Now, to make things even more interesting, take Hyundai up on their offer, Mini!

Check out the race above and check out the pre-interviews of the Mini and Porsche drivers after the jump.

Despite being shut down by Porsche, Mini still intends on having a race of some sort on June 21st (aka tomorrow). They have just revealed the track and, well, it isn’t so much a track as it is a autocross event. This is a bit disappointing.

Firstly, Mini said the race would be at Road Atlanta, but this isn’t Road Atlanta at all. Mini designed this course themselves and frankly that’s not exactly fair is it. Would you want to race someone who laid out the course themselves? There’s probably tons of little factors that gives the edge to Mini.

Secondly, Mini promised a race, not an autocross event. While the 911 is undoubtedly a fantastic handler, the fact of the matter is Mini can do just as well on an autocross course thanks to its small size.

Even though Mini promises “No tricks. No gimmicks. No jokes”, after seeing the track, I’m positive Porsche won’t show up. That begs the question, who will Mini be racing tomorrow then? Will they bring a 911 themselves?

I’m thinking they should take up Hyundai’s offer below.

[Mini USA via Facebook]

Well looky here. It looks like the saga between Mini and Porsche has caught the eye of some in the business. Specifically, Hyundai.

Even though Porsche won’t take on the challenge, Hyundai is happy to step in for the German giant with its Genesis coupe. I’ve driven the Genesis Coupe before, and I must say, it certainly is a credible challenger. The question is, was Hyundai thinking of running their 2.0T or their 3.8 litre GT.

In the challenge above, Hyundai almost defends Porsche by calling the 911 “legendary” and calling Mini’s challenge “bold”. They also point out that the Genesis coupe welcomes any challenge. They even point out that they had an “epic lap” at Road Atlanta, precisely where Mini wants the location of the race to be. Hyundai then relates to Mini by saying that they know all about punching well above their weight, but are so over it now that they have the Genesis coupe. Cocky, yet compassionate.

This puts the ball squarely in Mini’s court. The only exception to the challenge is the Hyundai can’t race until July (as opposed to Mini’s set date of June 21st) because their driver is “preparing to set the record at Pikes Peak”.

Do you think Mini will dignify Hyundai with a response?

[Hyundai via Youtube]