Bisimoto Building 1,040 HP RWD Santa Fast

Hyundai Motor America and Bisimoto have again partnered for the SEMA show, this time developing a 1,040 horsepower, rear-drive “Santa-Fast” SUV.

Bisimoto is well-renowned for awe-inspiring street, show and race vehicles. With no fear of the unknown, Bisimoto is always on the cutting edge of automotive technology, and the Bisimoto “Santa Fast” Santa Fe is no exception, pumping out the power from a flex-fuel turbocharged, Hyundai-based 3.8L Lambda V6 powerplant making reliable power, positioned longitudinally and driving the rear wheels.

“Bisimoto takes pleasure in making any vehicle fun to drive, even a larger SUV,” said ‘Bisi Ezerioha, owner of Bisimoto. “Our Santa-Fast SUV is a proof-of-concept vehicle with driving capabilities that our customers can count on every day they turn the key.” The Bisimoto team worked exhaustingly on the custom rear-drive and six-speed manual transmission conversions to achieve an OEM-like appearance and function. Full boost for the powertrain is 39 psi, and a boost-per-gear protocol is used to allow for optimal traction.

Other key modifications to the “Santa-Fast” include:

ENGINE

• Bisimoto-built Hyundai 3.8L engine, in climate-controlled engine-building clean room
• Bisimoto custom twin-turbo kit and intercooler
• AEM Electronics
• Infinity 708 ECU
• Boost-control solenoid
• Fuel pressure regulator and flex-fuel sender
• Arias 9.0:1 custom forged pistons, Bisimoto specification
• Bisimoto-Web level 2.4 camshafts
• PurOl “Elite Series” Synthetic Motor Oil, 5w30
• PurOl Manual Transmission Fluid
• GuldstandPro mil-spec wiring harness
• Driftmotion Aluminum tubing
• ARP Head studs, wheel studs, and bolts
• Bisimoto custom exhaust system with dual-pulse chambers
• Five-O racing 2200cc Injectors
• Supertech valvetrain
• Kinsler fuel filters
• Golden Eagle sleeves
• NGK Iridium spark plugs
• Odyssey PC 950 battery
• Brian Crower steel rods
• Racepak IQ3 street dash
• Twin Turbonetics TNX 30/56 Turbos
• Dual RG45 wastegates
• Godzilla blow-off valve
• Spearco intercooler core
• Vibrant Vanjen clamps and stainless steel hardware
• WPC engine treatment and coatings
• Goodridge Motorsport braided lines and plumbing
• Performance tube bending mandrel hardware
• Griffen dual-core radiator
• TurboHot exhaust coatings

DRIVETRAIN

• Custom Rothfab rear sub-frame conversion
• Hyundai Equus rear differential
• 6-speed manual conversion, with Genesis R-Spec gearbox
• Custom console-mounted shifter
• Spec stage-5 clutch and aluminum flywheel
• Custom Bisimoto axles and half shaft
• KW coil-over suspension

CHASSIS

• Fifteen52, 19-inch Tarmac R40 Wheels
• Toyo tires: R888 265/35R19
• Buddy Club 4-piston brakes, with Bisimoto brackets

EXTERIOR

• Denmatic design scheme
• Gatorwraps auto wrap
• Hyundai Genuine Accessories mudguards
• Custom modified grill

INTERIOR

• Momo Daytona EVO seats
• Bisimoto reservoir socks
• 4-point chromo roll cage
• Crow restraint harnesses

High-Performance Hyundai N Concept Revealed at Paris Motor Show

Hyundai Motor today unleashed its latest high-performance N concept with the world premiere of RN30 at the 2016 Paris Motor Show. The motorsport-inspired racing concept is developed to deliver passion and pleasure on the track for everybody.

Based on the New Generation Hyundai i30, the RN30 was born as a racing machine, developed in close collaboration with Hyundai Motorsport (HMSG), Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center (HMETC) and Hyundai Motor’s Performance Development & High Performance Vehicle Division. The striking concept is distinguished by its purposeful aerodynamic design and specialized high-performance technologies that deliver thrilling high-speed driving.

Albert Biermann, Head of Vehicle Test & High Performance Development for Hyundai Motor said; “RN30 embodies the concept of a strong, high-performance car that brings dynamic, sporty driving. Soon to evolve into our first N model, the RN30 is inspired by our passion to provide a high-performance car that everybody can enjoy effortlessly. We have drawn on our technological expertise – honed through our motorsport successes – to deliver emotional delight through an engaging blend of performance and control, the goal Hyundai’s N strives to achieve in future performance models.”

Hyundai N was launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2015, bringing to life the company’s philosophy for providing engaging and thrilling driving pleasure for its customers.

High-performance powertrain boosts driving pleasure

RN30’s power is supplied by a high-performance 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, under development by Hyundai for N production models, upgraded with an enlarged turbo to increase thrust at full throttle. To manage the additional power, the engine blocks have been applied by forging parts, instead of casting parts, to increase their durability and resistance. As a result, the RN30 is primed for performance, boasting 380 PS (279.5 kW) and a maximum torque of 46 kgf.m (451 Nm).

Managing the impressive levels of torque is a wet-type dual-clutch transmission (DCT), delivering quicker responses during gear shifting and direct coupling to provide dynamic acceleration. To manage the car’s power while enabling precision driving at high speed, the RN30 is equipped with an all-wheel drive (AWD) system.

Specialized technologies maximize thrill of performance

The RN30 features specialized high-performance technologies designed to increase excitement for drivers and enable them to tame the most challenging of race tracks. Rev-matching encourages spirited driving by quickly and accurately revising the engine’s speed whenever the driver shifts gear while in sport mode. Adding to the sense of thrill for the driver, the Electronic Variable Exhaust system provides a surge of aural pleasure by emitting a strong exhaust sound consistent with the visceral sensations produced by the rapid acceleration.

Other technologies are specifically aimed at enhancing safety and control. The sophisticated electronic limited-slip differential system (eLSD) makes sure each wheel is receives sufficient torque, measuring the driving force of the tires. This helps prevent skidding and ensures fast, precise cornering when navigating high-speed curves – allowing drivers to control this powerful racing machine easily, accurately and confidently.

Engineering focus on lightweight and low center of gravity

When developing the RN30, Hyundai’s designers and engineers established a new approach to reducing weight and lowering the center of gravity. Instead of using carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) common to most high-performance cars, Hyundai broke the mold with an all-new high-performance plastic materials, developed in collaboration with leading global chemical company BASF.

This weight-saving innovation is light, highly durable and environmentally-friendly and is used throughout the new concept to help boost handling and acceleration. Inside, redundant parts were removed, while heavier parts sit in the lowest possible position. The center of gravity is lowered further by pushing back and lowering the seats, with all these elements combining to achieve a light weight, ideal for performance driving.

Exterior design formed by high-performance DNA

The silhouette of the RN30 is unmistakably inherited from the clean and cohesive lines of the New Generation Hyundai i30, but with a lower, wider stance to enable greater stability during high speed driving and cornering. To achieve the more purposeful proportions the width of the RN30 has been increased by 30mm compared to the i30 to 1,950mm. Height has been significantly lowered by 84mm to 1,355mm.

Further exterior design details hint at the RN30’s capabilities and accommodate high-performance technologies and aerodynamic enhancements. A ‘floating’ fender over each wheel enhances the visual impact of RN30 and work with the side splitters to improve aerodynamic performance, producing the sensation that the car is being sucked-down onto the track.

The front design features Hyundai’s new signature cascading grill and high-tech headlamps, which creates a strong, aggressive image when combined with the distinctive daytime running lights. The airflow from the front to the rear passes through the mesh cascading radiator grill and the air intake, not only improving downforce but also optimizing cooling for performance driving. On the upper part of the engine hood, a large air outlet hints at the dramatic engine power of the RN30.

The large rear spoiler, which generates downforce during high-speed driving, distinguishes the car, giving it aesthetically balanced proportions. Also, a fin placed along the central line of the roof and penetrating the rear spoiler, creates a unique rear look. For optimal and balanced downforce, the car features a large rear diffuser set above centrally-mounted white ceramic twin exhaust pipes, while the 19-inch light-weight alloy wheels complete the car’s dynamic appearance.

Interior design – optimized for performance driving

During the interior design process, RN30 designers and racing experts from Hyundai Motorsport (HMSG) worked together closely to ensure drivers can focus attention exclusively on the car and the road. A bucket seat, which perfectly fits the driver’s body and an integrated roll cage, which increases the vehicle body strength, support and protect the driver in all situations.

To capture the driver’s reactions and dynamic moments while on the road or track, image-stabilizing gimbal cameras are attached inside each A pillar, with an outside camera attached to the center fin on the roof. Drivers can create professional-looking racing footage or present their experiences as if on television, to share their exciting stories with friends.

RN30 is the latest in a succession of high-performance sports concepts that point towards the future of N production models, furthering the ‘N’ model characteristics first seen in the Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo, RM15 and RM16 concepts. All N performance models draw on Hyundai’s successful motorsport experiences and demonstrate Hyundai’s desire to put thrilling driver experiences at the heart of new car developments. The i30N model will soon be available next year, making our passion for high-performance driving accessible to everyone.

All N models are developed by passionate experts in Namyang, the heart of Hyundai Motor’s global R&D network – then pushed to their limits at Nürburgring, the world’s most challenging race track. The N logo represents the chicane of a race track – where the balance of cars is proven rigorously.

Kia Paris Motor Show 2016

The new Kia Rio makes its world debut today in Paris at the 2016 Mondial de l’Automobile. Alongside the Rio, Kia will also introduce the latest upgraded versions of two of its cars, the Carens compact MPV and Soul urban crossover, as well as a new high-powered ‘SX’ version of the Soul.

World premiere for all-new Kia Rio

The Rio is the Korean manufacturer’s global best-selling model, with more than 473,000 sold around the world in 2015, accounting for 16% of Kia’s annual sales. Now entering its fourth generation, the new Rio will offer B-segment buyers a compelling package – designed and engineered to appeal to more people than ever before. The new Rio will build on the outgoing model’s key strengths – design, low running costs and a practical nature – with higher desirability, a more enjoyable drive and some of the most advanced safety features in its class.

The Rio’s progressive new exterior and interior design was led by Kia’s design centers in Germany and California, in close collaboration with the company’s domestic design base in Namyang, Korea. The exterior appearance of the new Rio is defined by straight lines and smooth surfacing, giving the car a distinctive new look and more mature character than its predecessor. Its driver-oriented cabin is also the most spacious in its class, and – with larger, 325-liter cargo capacity (VDA) – it is more practical than ever before.

The new model will be the most technologically-advanced Rio ever produced, and is equipped with new cabin technologies, safety systems, and connectivity features. The Rio will offer both Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ integration, and will be the first car in its class to offer Autonomous Emergency Braking with pedestrian recognition.

The new will be powered by a range of gasoline and diesel engines. In particular, the Rio features Kia’s latest three-cylinder 1.0-liter T-GDI (turbo gasoline direct injection) engines, offering high efficiency and low emissions. The lightweight nature of the new downsized T-GDI engines means the Rio benefits from keen front-end handling, with less mass and inertia for the car to work against under cornering.

The new Rio will be manufactured at Kia’s Sohari manufacturing facility in Korea and the company’s new Pesquería manufacturing base in Mexico, which was officially opened earlier this month. The fourth-generation Rio will go on sale globally during the first quarter of 2017.

Kia upgrades the Soul range

Kia has introduced a series of upgrades to the Soul compact SUV, to further enhance its appeal to global buyers with a modernized exterior and interior design, and new safety and infotainment technologies.

The upgraded Soul boasts remodelled front and rear bumpers with a metallic skid plate for a more robust appearance, optional bi-function HID (high-intensity discharge) headlights with LED daytime running lights, and an updated finish to Kia’s signature ‘tiger-nose’ grille. Three new metallic exterior paint finishes are available – Mysterious Blue, Russet Brown, and Wild Orange – with white contrast roof and door mirror caps available with Mysterious Blue and Russet Brown. Buyers can specify optional new 10-spoke 16- and 17-inch aluminum alloy wheel designs.

In the cabin, the upgraded Soul receives unique new cloth upholstery, available with a single or two-tone color scheme (black, black and grey, black and brown). New gloss black and metallic highlights and switchgear add to the interior’s quality ambience. More customizable than ever, the Soul is available with a new Orange design pack, with orange-and-grey upholstery, grey stitching and orange highlights throughout the cabin. Existing design packs have been enhanced, with Urban Active emphasizing the car’s compact SUV credentials, with a series of cosmetic enhancements including a gloss black finish to front and rear wheel arches, and a body kit for front and rear bumpers and side sills. The Red Zone pack provides owners with a set of red highlights to the grille, front and rear bumpers and sills, a red roof, and a small red rear spoiler

Buyers can choose from Kia’s latest 5.0-, 7.0- or 8.0-inch colour touchscreen infotainment HMI (human-machine interface). The new HMI systems provide smartphone-style touchscreen control over the audio-visual navigation system, and is available with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ for full smartphone integration. A new USB port has been added to the rear of the cabin, allowing back-seat passengers to charge mobile devices, and drivers can benefit from new rain-sensing windscreen wipers. In models equipped with 7DCT, a new Drive Mode Selector provides varying levels of steering assistance depending on driver preference. The Soul adopts Blind Spot Detection (BSD) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), for better all-round visibility and safety

The upgraded Soul is now available to order worldwide.

Kia launches new 204 ps Soul SX

Alongside the updates to the Soul Range, Kia has launched a powerful new Soul ‘SX’ variant, with a 204 ps 1.6-liter T-GDI (turbo gasoline direct injection) engine – making it the most powerful Soul ever engineered by the Korean brand.

With the new T-GDI engine, the car will accelerate from 0-to-100 kph in 7.8 seconds, on to a top speed of 200 kph. The engine transmits its power to the front wheels through Kia’s advanced new seven-speed double-clutch transmission (7DCT), only available on the SX model, providing instant gear changes and decisive acceleration at all speeds.

The Soul SX features a unique new design, with bolder front bumper and air intake grille design, twin exhaust pipes at the rear, wider side sills and its own 10-spoke 18-inch aluminum alloy wheel design. The model features the T-GDI engine badge on the tailgate, as well as a unique red Soul model logo and red highlights to the front bumper and side sills.

The SX features its own distinctive cabin color scheme, with black cloth and leather upholstery paired with orange stitching, a D-shaped steering wheel and orange highlights throughout the cabin. The Soul SX is now available to order worldwide.

Enhanced design and technology for 2017 Kia Carens

Kia has announced details of a range of upgrades to the Carens MPV, to refresh the appearance and functionality of the Carens, improve in-cabin ambience, and update the safety and connectivity features on offer to buyers.

Kia’s designers have introduced a series of changes to the upgraded Carens, including revised front and rear bumpers, new rear light signature, and an updated ‘tiger-nose’ grille. Buyers can specify a new exterior paint color, Mysterious Blue, as well as three new designs for 16-, 17- and 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels. Inside, the Carens’ seven-seat cabin adopts new seat upholstery and new metallic and gloss-black accents for a more high-quality interior environment.

The latest version of the Carens is available with Kia’s 7.0- or 8.0-inch touchscreen HMI (human-machine interface) with navigation, as well as Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ for full smartphone integration. The Carens adopts a pair of new DRiVE WISE advanced driver assistance systems: Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert; and a Speed Limit Information Function. Buyers can also specify a new JBL® Premium Sound system for greater audio quality throughout the cabin.

The upgraded Kia Carens is now available to order from Kia dealers worldwide.

Hyundai i30 N Performance Video at Nurburgring

Recent footage of the Hyundai I30 N Performance has many people raising eyebrows at what looks to be a really fun car.

Testing is taking place at the world renowned Nurburgring race track where many if not all sport cars test strut their stuff on the legendary track that is nicknamed “The Green Hell.” After viewing the footage, here are some of the things we noticed that were very different from the normal trim models.

 Suspension

Watching the video, the handling characteristics were very visible. As compared to the regular model the car is lower which obviously gives it a better lower center of gravity. However, in many sport models across all type of brands the suspension as far as the shocks and springs has only had a minor change. But when looking at the footage based on the limited amount of body roll, and weight transfer forward under heavy braking, it looks as though the suspension has gotten a serious upgrade. The reason this is mentioned is because ideally during “performance driving” in a professionally enclosed race track suspension  should be tight during turns and shocks/springs stiffer for better dampening as well as other changes in suspension. However, because manufactures focus on the general consumer, the suspension is designed to be soft for comfort and overall better ride quality in normal driving. The sacrifice is the performance handling which the higher you go; the harsher the ride quality is for many consumers. With that said, it’s very refreshing to see that Hyundai although very aware of this compromise has continued their efforts in developing a real performance line of their vehicles that we look very much forward to experiencing personally.

Engine/Exhaust

One often very important factor for many performance enthusiasts is the exhaust tone of the car. Hyundai again seems to have paid attention to the people, listening to the car accelerating out of a corner tells us that the “N” line will have a performance exhaust since normally the regular models have a very quiet exhaust. Furthermore, Hyundai also stepped up the aesthetics of the exhaust with the signature dual exhaust look that is popular in sports cars. There is much debate as to the amount of power the car will have. In such a debate, costs in motor and body structure design make it difficult for manufacturers to offer a relatively inexpensive sports car. Although horsepower is often a commonly sought factor when looking for a performance car, we aren’t sure what the final details will be but there are talks about the 2.0T might be option for this model, same engine found in the Sonata. We do hope however, that the car will have enough horsepower to for us to smile and enjoy and based on the footage, that looks to be the direction the i30 “N” series will take.