CONFIRMED:
ACCENT: A series of engineering tweaks improves fuel economy by three to eight percent, depending on model. Cruise control is now available as an option, and the Accent SE gets an optional sunroof.
AZERA: Hyundai's under-rated luxury sedan gets upgraded materials in the cabin, revised wheels and grille, revised suspension and steering systems, and seven new colors. The stereo gets a larger display screen and an iPod/USB input jack.
ELANTRA: All stereos will have some sort of input jack, either a 3.5mm headphone jack or an iPod/USB port. XM satellite radio joins the options list. Both models (GLS and SE) get revised suspension and steering systems; the SE gets firmer springs and more responsive steering to improve driver appeal.
ELANTRA TOURING: (photo) The 2009 Elantra Touring is a 5-door mini-wagon. Though it shares the Elantra name, it's actually based on Hyundai's European-market i30. The Elantra Touring will get the same 2.0 liter engine as the Elantra sedan and standard electronic stability control.
GENESIS: (photo) Hyundai's top-of-the-line Genesis sedan makes its debut for the 2009 model year. Though the Genesis is targeting cars like the Chrysler 300, Toyota Avalon and Pontiac G8, Hyundai says their design and engineering targets were the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5-series. The rear-wheel-drive Genesis offers a choice of a 3.8 liter V6 or a 4.6 liter V8.
GENESIS COUPE: (photo) The Genesis Coupe is not a direct replacement for the Tiburon -- it's an all-new rear-wheel-drive car that shares its underpinnings with the Genesis sedan. Engine choices will be a 200+ hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine or a 200+ hp 3.8 liter V6. The Genesis Coupe will go on sale in spring 2009 as a 2010 model.
SANTA FE: An iPod/USB input jack is now standard, and option packages have been shuffled around a bit. SE and Limited models get standard roof-rack cross rails and a trailer towing package.
SONATA: (photo) The 2009 Sonata gets a round of updates, including updated styling, revised interior, improved engines that turn out more power with better fuel economy, and a suspension tuned to deliver a firmer ride and sportier handling.
TIBURON: Discontinued.
TUCSON: All models save the two-wheel-drive V6 boast fuel economy improvements of 4 to 6 percent. Exterior changes include a new grille and new alloy wheels. XM satellite radio and an auxiliary input jack are now standard on all models. New options include a Kenwood audio/navigation system and a B&M shifter for manual-transmission models.
VERACRUZ: The mid-line SE model has been eliminated; a new Preferred Package bestows most of the SE's equipment on the entry-level Veracruz GLS. The Veracruz Limited adds a monochrome version with black paint, black leather interior, and chrome wheels. An iPod/USB input jack is now standard.
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