Beijing: Hyundai Introduces New Direct Injection I4, V6 and 8-speed Automatic

Hyundai’s new Accent was the star of the companies exhibit at this year’s Beijing Auto Show, but the debut of two new engines and a new automatic transmission will have broader implications for the rest of the company’s lineup.

In addition to the 2.4L GDI four-cylinder in the Sonata (pictured above), two new gasoline direct-injection engines were unveiled at Beijing, a 1.6L four cylinder putting out 138 horsepower, a 28 horsepower bump over Hyundai’s current 1.6L four banger. The 1.6 GDI should appear in the Accent, Elantra, certain Kia models and the upcoming Veloster compact sports car. Even more enticing was the mention in a product video that the 1.6 could potentially be turbocharged and paired up with a dual-clutch gearbox, though no timeline was given for either technology.

Hyundai’s long awaited GDI version of the Lambda V6 was also previewed, although the engine was only rated at 296 horsepower, which is a few ponies less than the current Lambda makes in Hyundai’s Genesis Coupe. One can assume that there will be different variations, and that the engine will see a bump in power when it comes Stateside. Hyundai also joins Lexus in the elite 8-speed automatic club, and it’s a sure bet that the Genesis Sedan and Coupe will get the new 8-speed auto option.

With Hyundai positioning itself as a premium brand, the company has an obligation to innovate on its own, and not just play catch-up – even if they’re hot on the heels of world leaders like Lexus.

[Source: Hyundai via AutoGuide.com]

Continue reading to view Hyundai's official video releases.

Beijing: Hyundai Unveils All-New Verna (Accent)

Of the more U.S.-relevant reveals at the 2010 Beijing Auto Show in China today is this Hyundai Verna. Why? Because it's the overseas version of what we know as the 2011 Hyundai Accent.

Sporting Hyundai's latest 'fluidic sculpture' design language, the Verna comes off overall as a shrunk-down 2011 Sonata - not that that's a bad thing. The now-familiar sweeping side character line, oversized headlights, and wavy front grille are all present on the new Accent - a vehicle that has been in need of a significant makeover for some time.

From what we can see of the interior, Hyundai seems to have applied a slightly up-market touch to the inside of its new Verna. The Korean automaker also claims to have made large improvements to NVH levels in the compact sedan.

Underhood, the 2011 Verna features the new-generation Gamma gasoline engine in either 1.4-liter or 1.6-liter DOHC inline-four configurations. The larger of the two is expected to be offered in the U.S. and 106 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque are available in the Chinese-spec version. Transmission options include a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic.

Hyundai, like many other automakers, has been enjoying strong sales in China, with over two million vehicles being sold there since the brand arrived in 2002. In 2009, Hyundai posted a 94-percent year-over-year sales boost, making for an easy decision to maintain its presence in the market.

We'll continue to keep you updated as more information on the U.S.-spec 2011 Hyundai Accent arrives.

[Source: Hyundai via Motor Trend]

Continue reading to view more images.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/egmcartech/sets/72157623791299031/show/