Hyundai to offer plug-in hybrid in 2013

Tuesday, May 24th, 2011 @ 9:18 a.m.

Although Hyundai might now be playing catch up with Toyota in the hybrid race, the automaker hopes to even the score in 2013 by launching a plug-in Prius rival.

“We plan to launch a plug-in hybrid model which is in the same segment as the Prius in 2013,” an unnamed Hyundai official told Reuters this week in Seoul, where the automaker has recently begun selling its first midsize hybrid, the Sonata Hybrid.

A plug-in Hyundai would likely be based on the existing Sonata Hybrid and would use technology similar to that in the Chevrolet Volt and the limited-availability Toyota Prius Plug-in. Although both of those designs are drastically different beneath the surface, they both rely on strong lithium ion batteries to power the vehicle for a set range before a gas engine kicks over to either serve as a generator (Volt) or provide propulsion assistance (Prius).

Hyundai expects brisk demand for its Sonata Hybrid in its domestic market – as many as 12,000 deliveries through the rest of 2011 before leveling off around 18,000 units annually. The Sonata Hybrid has been on sale in North America since January, although the automaker was slow to roll out the model in this market until recently.

“We’re seeing terrific demand for it [the Sonata Hybrid],” John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America president and CEO, said in a statement earlier this month.

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BMW to offer exclusive matte Frozen Black M3

After selling out of its last matte-finish special edition M3 in just 15 minutes last year, BMW has stepped up to the plate with an even more limited new model, the 2011 Frozen Black Edition M3 Coupe.

Swathed in BMW Individual Frozen Black, the M3 Coupe features a deep metallic sheen, the automaker says. BMW developed a specific silk matte clear coat for the paint scheme, which gives it a unique shine-free look. Unlike the last Frozen Gray special edition, the Frozen Black Edition comes with a full factory warranty, although BMW says it will provide buyers with instructions on how to care for the unique paint shade since matte finishes require special treatment.

The car will also get 19-inch black M3 GTS wheels wrapped in high-performance summer tires, red brake calipers, and gloss black exterior accents. Inside, BMW continues the theme with black Novillo leather over every seating surface, but red stitching throughout helps break up the hue.

All 20 cars will be identically equipped, including the M-DCT transmission, the Competition Package, Premium Package 2, navigation and virtually every other M3 option available.

How to get yours
BMW says it will keep one of the Frozen Black Edition M3s for itself, so only 19 will be available to the public at a price of $79,650. By our estimation, the paint shade represents about a $1,600 premium over a similarly-optioned M3 with metallic paint.

BMW will open the ordering books on June 16 at 11:30 a.m. Eastern, when it will take orders at 1-800-245-4269. Delivery will take place shortly thereafter at a buyer’s chosen dealership.

The remaining M3 will stay part of BMW of North America’s collection, although the automaker says it might make it available for sale at a later date.

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