BlueEyes

Why exactly does BMW need to worry about this?

NotAPreppie

Those pictures are probably of the next Tibby.

It's definitely a longitudinal turbo I4. Unless they are silly like VW/Audi and are going to put a longitudinal engine on a FWD platform (B5 Passat/A4).

dillsrotary

doesn't VW/Audi due that so there isn't major position change for the awd models?

Razz1

Hundai isn't as cheap as you think.

They've raised prices over the years.

For 2k more your better off getting the real thing.

Ike

What are you talking about? The Sonata for example, is about 5k less than a comparably equiped Camry, most likely even more after negotiations. Hyundai is making some reliable cars for a very good price. You can bet other automakers know Hyjndai is the real thing, even if some ignorant consumers such as yourself haven't realized it yet.

NotAPreppie

That and so that they can more easily fit the TorSen(tm) center diff. As far as chassis changes, there are many with the B5 Passat and B5-and-later A4 between FWD and AWD; floor pan is different, gas tanks are different, rear suspension changes from a torsion beam (FWD) to multi-link (I think) IRS (AWD) and for a few model years, you couldn't get split-folding rear seats in a 4-motion Passat (dunno about the A4).

VW gave that up with the PQ46 (often referred to as the "B6") Passat and just went with a transverse setup (actually based off of the MKV Jetta/Golf platform). The AWD system is an easier-to-fit electro-hydraulic clutch (the "Haldex" system).

Audi is still hanging onto the longitudinal setup and they still use a TorSen-brand center diff in their AWD systems.

The big problem with that is this is that it positions the engine forward of the front wheels; not good for polar moment of inertia.

NotAPreppie

A 200HP RWD 25K would be an interesting prospect.

playdoh43

200hp for 25k dosnt cut it anymore these days. by then im sure the standard would be more along 300hp for 25k non luxury sporty cars, as mustang GT is already in that range

on another note im not certain about this, but i think on a world wide scale, hyundai is bigger than Honda and Nissan/renualt. they are a great car company that makes great cars now, only knock i have against them is their engines seems to be a lot less advanced compared to other companies. I hope this changes in the next few years

NotAPreppie

That's true and it's unfortunate that the 'Stang has a solid rear axle, barely mid-level handling capabilities and is porker at well over 3500 lbs fully dressed (driver, options, accessories, etc). Don't get me wrong, I do like the 'Stang for what it is, I just don't see it as being targeted at the same audience as a RWD Asian import coupe.

I agree with you about the engine technology. 171HP from a 2.7L V6? The first gen Santa Fe was available in the later years the "Lambda" 3.5L V6 which put out a whopping 200HP (at the same time that Nissan was pushing 300HP from the same displacement). They do seem to be getting better as the second gen Santy has an available 3.3L V6 worth 242HP.

ASH8

That's an In-line DI 4Cylinder...not a V8..
Tiburon replacement if you ask me.

brillo

what ever it is, it looks to be a RWD setup. I can't believe they would go for a long. mounted FWD setup. The car looks to be kinda big for a Tiburon, but what ever it is, I'd love another cheap RWD option on the market.

mwc

I would say it depends. For most modern cars, the answer would be yes. But 200 peak hp in a MX-5 is probably very doable for 25k, and would be a very entertaining car. Now, if Mazda would just make a 200 hp MX-5 hardtop coupe.....

Cheers

MazdaMonkey

The car already is very entertaining. A MX-5 coupe will never happen here in the US in any serious way. Especially now that the PRHT is so cheap and effective (in terms of weight and hardtop speed).

BaronVonBigmeat

fixed

mwc

True... True... A Renesis powered MX-5 hardtop coupe would be even better. (With the appropriate name change of course!)

Cheers

TALAN7

This is why the Rx8 will disappear unless Mazda adds some power to it.

saturn

The RX-8 will only disappear if it goes 88 mph.

Rotary Rasp

iTrader: (2)

Nah, our flux capacitor isn't big enough.... duh

saturn

That's what she said.

Mspeedpro

iTrader: (1)

I got a 4cyl hyundai sonata as a loaner car and LOVED it.

CarAndDriver

Back to the Future

dillsrotary

if i did a search on the statement "the rx8 will disappear" i think my computer would explode.

wisconsinben

This looks like a GREAT step for Hyundai. We've actually got one of these here where I work right now. We're doing some static airbag deployment testing on it. I'll have to go get a closer look on my way out.

thebiggdaddy

looks sweet.

shakRpahX8

Being another big step for Hyundai..
I don't think this one will be cheap