Hyundai Motor America .doc

Hyundai Motor America10550 Talbert Avenue, Fountain Valley, CA 92708TEL: 714-965-3000 FAX: 714-378-1008MEDIA WEBSITE: HyundaiNews.com CORPORATE WEBSITE: HyundaiUSA.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Miles Johnson [email protected]

ALL-NEW TUCSON DELIVERS BETTER FUEL ECONOMY AND MORE POWER

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 3, 2009 – In 2010, a revolutionary new Tucson joins the rapidly evolving

Hyundai product line. The sleek crossover from Hyundai, with its athletic European design,

strikes a stark contrast from its predecessor and improves in every functional area, from its

roomier cabin with extra cargo space to its leap in fuel economy and technology. Tucson features

the company’s “Fluidic Sculpture” design language and is the first vehicle in Hyundai’s 24/7

version 2.0 product initiative (seven all-new models by the end of 2011).

The all-new Tucson is the first Hyundai CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle) to be designed

and engineered in Europe at Hyundai’s Frankfurt-based design and technical centers. It features

precedent-setting engineering including advanced weight saving technology and the eco-efficient

Theta II 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine delivering up to 31 mpg on the highway. True to Hyundai

form, the Tucson applies life-saving safety technologies as standard equipment while offering,

for the first time, Downhill Brake Control (DBC) and Hillstart Assist Control (HAC). Likewise,

to keep its passengers informed and comfortable Tucson integrates Hyundai’s first panoramic

sunroof, touch-screen navigation and a Bluetooth® hands-free phone system.

EUROPEAN DESIGN

Key attributes of Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture design philosophy are the athleticism and

sophistication that Tucson demonstrates through its flowing lines, full surfaces and muscular

presence. This athletic design language is highlighted by bold, dynamic graphic elements such as

the new Hyundai family hexagonal front grille, aggressive lower air intake, sculptured hood

creases, swept back headlights, sleek greenhouse and wraparound taillights. Chrome grille

accents and door handles lend sophistication to the top-of-the-line Tucson Limited.

Conceived in a global collaboration among Hyundai’s U.S., Korean and European

advanced product groups, with design execution led by the Frankfurt studio, the new Tucson was

developed as an urban cruiser. It is tough and compact for life in the city, yet sleek and agile for

out-of-town travel.

The Tucson combines dynamic, sculpted, performance-oriented styling with thoughtful

everyday utility to create a vehicle that will change the way consumers, especially younger car

buyers, think about compact crossovers.

With an overall length of 173.2 inches, a width of 71.7 inches and a height of 66.3 inches

(with roof rails), Tucson has a great stance and road presence. The design team fused a light,

elegant and sporty upper body with belt lines flowing off both the front and rear wheel arches, to

a tough, planted lower body so that it is assertive in the way it sits on the road.

The profile of Tucson features a sports car-like theme with a double-zigzag treatment for

the wheel arches that wrap around the available Euroflange 18-inch alloy wheels. The concave

sills have a wedge-shaped profile that extends rearward and wraps around into the rear bumper, a

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first of its kind design in a vehicle of this type. The profile is further enhanced by modern silver

roof rails.

With high-mounted taillights, multi-surfaced glass and a sculpted bumper, the rear of

Tucson also incorporates dynamic design elements.

2010 TUCSON 61 POUNDS LIGHTER THAN THE OUTGOING MODEL DESPITE

BEING THREE INCHES LONGER

The 2010 Tucson is 3.3 inches longer and one inch wider than its predecessor, yet

61 pounds lighter

2010 Tucson has a longer wheelbase and overall width than CR-V, Escape and

Forester to deliver more packing efficiency

Body stiffness is 38 percent greater than Rogue

World-class weight efficiency was one of the program targets for the Tucson engineering

team. In fact, the 2010 Tucson leads all of its competitors in weight efficiency. Hyundai

engineers also targeted leadership in power-to-weight ratio. Having these targets paid huge

dividends in both performance and fuel economy.

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Vehicle Curb Weight (lbs.) Horsepower Power-to-weight ratio

Hyundai Tucson 3,203 176 18.20

Honda CR-V 3,386 180 18.82

Toyota RAV4 3,360 179 18.77

Subaru Forester 3,250 170 19.12

Nissan Rogue 3,267 170 19.22

Ford Escape 3,390 171 19.83

The Tucson’s widespread use of high-strength steel provides increased strength at a lower

body weight. High-strength steel allows the four-wheel independent suspension to work

optimally. At 3,203 pounds for an automatic transmission model, the Tucson is lighter than its

competitors, while offering more interior room than Rogue and Escape, with body-bending

rigidity 38 percent higher than the Rogue. The Tucson owes its 31 mpg estimated EPA highway

rating to its weight efficient unibody architecture.

FUN-TO-DRIVE   

The 2010 Tucson’s athletic shape is now complemented with more agile handling,

responsive steering and improved body roll control. These enhancements make the new Tucson

more fun-to-drive. Tucson uses MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension systems

for more precise wheel control and a smoother ride. All four wheels are controlled by coil

springs and fade-resistant gas-charged dampers. Stabilizer bar diameters have also increased.

The front suspension now has a new 25 mm hollow stabilizer bar to save weight versus the

predecessors 21 mm solid stabilizer bar. The rear suspension has a new 18 mm solid stabilizer

bar versus the predecessors 14 mm stabilizer bar. Larger stabilizer bars keep the vehicle very flat

during cornering and help provide quick turn-in response. 

Rack-and-pinion Motor-Driven Power Steering (MDPS) also contributes to the Tucson’s

nimble and refined handling dynamics while saving fuel and reducing interior noise. The MDPS

system uses the vehicle’s electrical system for power (unlike the older hydraulic system),

allowing for increased fuel economy and calibrated steering efforts through all vehicle speed

ranges. 

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Due to the suspension geometry and wider track width that enables greater turn angles,

Tucson’s turning circle is 34.7 feet – an advantage Tucson drivers will appreciate in their daily

driving and parking. In fact, Tucson’s turning diameter bests Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.

Vehicle Turning diameter

2010 Hyundai Tucson 34.7

2009 Toyota RAV4 34.8

2009 Hyundai Tucson 35.4

2009 Jeep Patriot 36.6

2009 Ford Escape 36.7

2009 Nissan Rogue 37.4

2009 Honda CR-V 37.8

TUCSON DELIVERS BETTER FUEL ECONOMY THAN CR-V

The Tucson was engineered to be more fuel efficient than its predecessor and chief

competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The 2010 Tucson accomplishes this while

being 3.3 inches longer and one inch wider than its predecessor and having a longer wheelbase

than Honda CR-V, Ford Escape and Subaru Forester

Tucson features the Theta II 2.4-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine. The Theta II

engine delivers about the same amount of power and acceleration as its predecessor’s V6 engine

with 20 percent better fuel economy than the old four-cylinder engine. In fact, the Tucson is

more fuel-efficient than Honda CRV, Nissan Rogue, Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape four-

cylinder engines boasting an impressive estimated 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway fuel economy

rating with the available six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC® and front wheel

drive. Tucson features low rolling resistance silica tires to contribute to the 31 mpg highway.

With AWD (All-Wheel Drive), Tucson delivers an estimated 21 mpg city/28 mpg highway

exceeding the primary competitors AWD versions including Subaru Forester.

The Theta II is rated at 176 horsepower (26 percent more than its predecessor) and 168

lb.-ft. of torque. This high-tech, all-aluminum, 16-valve engine features Continuously Variable

Valve Timing (CVVT) on both camshafts and a Variable Induction System (VIS) for better

engine breathing. In the green states, the 2010 Tucson is certified as a Partial Zero Emission

Vehicle (PZEV) which means it is as clean as a hybrid.

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Powertrain Comparison

2010

Tucson

2010

CR-V

2010

Rogue

2010

RAV4

2010

Escape

2010

Forester

Displacement 2.4L 2.4L 2.5L 2.5L 2.5L 2.5L

Horsepower 176@6000 180@6800 170@6000 179@6000 171@6000 170@6000

Torque (lb.-ft.) 168@4000 161@4400 175@4400 172@4000 171@4500 170@4400

A/T 6-speed 5-speed CVT 4-speed 6-speed 4-speed

EPA Fuel economy

FWD A/T

23/31 21/28 22/27 22/28 21/28 20/26

(4WD)

Emissions PZEV/ULEV ULEV PZEV/LEV ULEV LEV PZEV/LEV

For the 2011 model year, Hyundai will introduce a high-mileage Blue model. The Blue

model will be powered by a Theta II 2.0-liter engine that delivers better power and fuel economy

than the 2009 Tucson Beta four-cylinder engine. The 2.0-liter Theta-II has shed over 22 pounds

from its previous iteration. For better fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, the 2.0-liter Theta-II

also gets Dual CVVT (intake and exhaust camshaft phaser) while Theta-I was equipped with

only CVVT on the intake camshaft. Major improvements also begin with the application of a

two-stage Variable Intake System (VIS) which enables switching between long and short intake

manifold resulting in an across-the-board performance increase. To reduce internal friction,

engineers have applied a Diamond-Like-Coating (DLC) to the top surface of the valve tappets

resulting in improved fuel efficiency. Engineers also expended considerable time and effort

optimizing the oil pressure to achieve an ideal balance between durability and fuel economy. 

Tucson will join the Blue lineup of vehicles that includes Accent and Elantra. Tucson

Blue will deliver outstanding fuel economy without adding hundreds of dollars to the price. In

fact, the “Blue” model will be priced lower than other Tucson models, assuring it will be both

efficient and economical. Hyundai is focused on achieving an excellent mpg-per-dollar ratio with

the Tucson Blue model. Fuel-efficient modifications will likely include low-rolling-resistance

tires, enhanced aerodynamics, revised engine calibrations and reduced final drive ratios to

deliver even higher mileage and lower emissions. The new Tucson high mileage edition will be

identified with unique “Blue” badging.

FUEL ECONOMY INNOVATIONS

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To help Tucson drivers get the most out of their vehicles, Hyundai added a standard trip

computer and economy indicator. The trip computer provides distance to empty, average fuel

consumption, average vehicle speed, elapsed time and instant fuel economy. The “Eco Indicator”

on automatic transmission models nestled between the speedometer and tachometer displays a

green LED light in accordance with fuel-efficient driving behavior. Fuel savings in the range of

15 to 17 percent are attainable with the automatic Eco Indicator. Manual transmission models

have a shift indicator to inform drivers of the optimal time to upshift and downshift. Fuel savings

in the range 7 to 9 percent are attainable with the manual Eco Gear Shift Indicator.

Further gains in fuel efficiency have been realized by the Motor-Driven Power Steering

system which delivers excellent responsiveness and accurate handling.

SIX-SPEED AUTOMATIC AND MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS

Hyundai’s commitment to making the Tucson extremely fuel efficient continues with a

six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC® manual control or a standard six-speed

manual transaxle.

Hyundai's all-new six-speed automatic transaxle helps the company meet its goals of

improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. Shifts are silky-smooth with an option of

manual control through the SHIFTRONIC feature. Designed for transverse engine applications

in passenger cars and SUVs, the new compact transmission puts Hyundai into an elite class of

auto manufacturers who have designed their own proprietary six-speed automatic transmissions.

The strength of the design is its unique layout which makes it smaller, more compact and lighter

than any other six-speed on the market today.

For the customer, the new six-speed delivers a performance edge. In this application

(FWD/A/T), it helps bring a 24 percent gain in highway fuel economy (31 mpg versus 25 mpg in

the ‘09).

There is no dipstick in the gearbox because it is filled with automatic transmission fluid that is

good for the life of the vehicle under normal usage conditions, thereby reducing maintenance

costs.

Developed over a four-year period, this new six-speed automatic is 26.4 pounds lighter

than Hyundai’s five-speed. It also is 1.6 inches shorter and considerably simpler having 62 fewer

parts, which is a key to increased durability, lighter weight and lower cost.

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When it comes to transmissions, more gears are definitely better.  The addition of a sixth

gear enables closer spacing between gear ratios providing a better balance of performance and

fuel economy while the wide overall gear ratio helps deliver strong acceleration.

The gearbox has three planetary gearsets and a unique flat torque converter which

shortens the unit's overall length by 0.47 inches. Four pinion differentials improve durability and

further minimize size.

Another example of engineering ingenuity is found in the design of the hydraulic

pressure control unit. Because there are always slight manufacturing deviations from one

solenoid valve to the next which cause fluctuation in the hydraulic pressure and affect shift

precision and quality, the transaxle features cleverly integrated adjustment screws in the valves

which enable each of the eight valves to be calibrated at the factory. This feature ensures stable

hydraulic pressure at any shift point which facilitates a high degree of precision and control

needed to deliver fast, smooth and precise shifts throughout the rpm range.

CAPABLE FOR OUT-OF-TOWN TRAVEL

To make the Tucson even more versatile, Hyundai engineers added an advanced

electronic AWD system designed by JTEKT. The AWD system will automatically activate under

any driving condition when needed, distributing the power equally and optimizing driving

performance. Under normal driving, the system only distributes power to the front wheels

thereby reducing fuel consumption. The system includes a driver-selectable AWD lock allowing

for a 50/50 torque split between the front and rear wheels for off-road and very slippery

conditions.

For even more driver control, the 2010 Tucson features Hyundai’s first Hillstart Assist

Control (HAC) and Downhill Brake Control (DBC). HAC is designed to minimize rolling

backwards on steep ascents. By selecting the DBC switch, the Hydro-Electronic Control unit

manages the wheel speed sensors, steering angle sensor and acceleration sensor to maintain

control and speed on steep declines without having to use the brake. Neither of these controls are

available on CR-V, Escape or Rogue and are typically found on luxury SUVs with much higher

price tags.

THOUGHTFUL INTERIOR DESIGN

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Inside, the five-seat Tucson offers a commanding view of the road and evokes an

adventurous ambience that is also laid-back and relaxing. The needs of the driver are fully

accommodated, with the interior blending aspects of the outdoors and an urban lifestyle. For

example, Hyundai’s first panoramic sunroof brings the outside “inside” for all passengers.

An X-shaped visual theme is repeated across numerous areas of the cabin while metal

paint accents provide flashes of visual brilliance.

Shapely seats feature center panels trimmed in breathable fabric with attractive and

functional cushion side bolsters, plus additional lateral support for occupants’ shoulders. On the

insert of the cloth seats, there is a hexagonal pattern stitched into the fabric matching the new

front grille design.

The long wheelbase and generous width of the Tucson, combined with Hyundai’s

expertise in interior packaging, have produced an interior that delivers class-leading rear legroom

and improved headroom. These improvements were accomplished while lowering the overall

height of the vehicle. The Tucson now has more passenger volume than Rogue and Escape at

101.9 cubic feet. Tucson’s cargo capacity is 13 percent greater than its predecessor. In fact,

Tucson has more interior volume than Acura RDX, and more cargo volume than Infiniti FX. The

spacious cabin on Tucson Limited is further enhanced for all passengers by Hyundai’s first

available panoramic sunroof with UV blocking. The front panel of the sunroof can either tilt

open or open completely by sliding up and over the rear panel. An anti-pinch system guards

against injuries. Finally, with the extra wheelbase length, Hyundai engineers were able to expand

front seat tracks allowing taller drivers a comfortable seating position.

The high-tech cockpit comes standard with Hyundai’s signature blue lighting, power

windows, power door locks, fold-away mirrors and remote keyless entry with alarm and panic

button. Bluetooth hands-free phone system with voice recognition and steering wheel audio and

cruise controls are also available. Another premium feature in the Tucson Limited is a CleanAir

Ionizer that automatically cleans the air when the heater or air conditioner is running.

Other available features include leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, power driver

seat with lumbar support, automatic headlights, side repeater exterior mirrors, front wiper de-icer

and dual front automatic temperature control.

Audiophiles will love Tucson’s 160-watt AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system with six

speakers. This system includes XM Satellite Radio® and iPod®/USB auxiliary inputs as standard

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equipment. When an iPod or flash drive is connected through the USB port, which is located in

the storage tray, not only does it play music through the vehicle’s six-speaker audio system, but

it also charges the iPod and allows the driver to access tracks with the steering wheel audio

controls. This system also allows both driver and passengers to easily view song/artist/title

information and control the music from the audio head unit rather than only the iPod itself.

The 2010 Tucson can be further upgraded with an optional navigation system with

rearview camera. Shifting into reverse automatically turns on the rear-view camera that provides

a wide-angle view reducing the risk of accidents. This navigation system also provides Bluetooth

streaming audio capability. This easy-to-use unit can be controlled via a 6.5-inch LCD touch-

screen or voice-activation by headliner-mounted microphone. The voice recognition allows the

user to control the navigation system, audio system and phone commands. The system comes

matched with the 360-watt premium audio system that includes an external amplifier and

subwoofer. It plays compact discs, accesses digital music files employing Bluetooth streaming

audio or allows driver and passenger to access their personal listening devices through the

iPod/USB/auxiliary inputs. Bluetooth audio wirelessly streams music from a phone to the audio

system. And with a Bluetooth-enabled phone, a local restaurant can be called for reservations

before plotting the route. The XM Satellite Radio interface is also integrated into the navigation

unit and features channel logos and real-time NavTraffic with detour function. XM Satellite

Radio and NavTraffic service are complimentary for the first 90 days.

STORAGE GALORE

The 2010 Tucson features a total of 19 different storage places and drink holders:

Console storage tray Glove box Overhead sunglass storage Armrest storage compartment Two front seat drink holders Two rear center armrest drink holders Four bottle holders – one in each door

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Four map pockets – one in each door Two seatback pockets Cargo area storage tray

Not only does the Tucson feature all these storage options, but Hyundai engineers have

improved them over the previous model. The center console has been enlarged to 370 cubic

inches (an increase of 205 cubic inches). The height of the rear cargo screen has been raised by

almost three inches for more storage, plus a tray has been added to keep things organized. The

cargo area also features a dual-sided cargo floor with tough plastic on one side for messy items

and carpet on the other. The bottle holders even have grips to make sure the bottle doesn’t tip

over.

ADVANCED STANDARD SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES: PART OF HYUNDAI’S

ASSURANCE COMMITMENT

The 2005 Tucson was the first Hyundai model to feature standard ESC (Electronic

Stability Control) upon its launch in fall 2004. It was also the first vehicle under $20,000 with

standard ESC and six airbags. The Tucson started Hyundai’s approach to combining state-of-the-

art safety and affordability and this approach lives on in the 2010 Tucson. The Tucson is loaded

with life-saving standard safety features including ESC with traction control, six airbags and

active front head restraints. Its braking system features four-wheel disc brakes controlled by an

advanced four-channel ABS with Brake Assist, providing maximum braking force when a panic

stop is detected, and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) to optimize brake performance

with uneven weight distribution.

ESC compares the driver’s intended course with the vehicle’s actual response. If needed,

ESC then brakes individual front or rear wheels and/or reduces engine power to help correct

understeer or oversteer. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) studies show

SUVs equipped with ESC experience 67 percent fewer single-vehicle crashes, and 63 percent

fewer single-vehicle fatalities. In addition, a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

(IIHS) found that ESC reduces the risk of all fatal collisions by 52 percent and the risk of fatal

single-vehicle rollovers of SUVs by 80 percent.

The Tucson is engineered to provide its passengers with multiple defensive safety layers.

The steel unibody has integrated crumple zones and a high-tensile front sub-frame designed to

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work together to reduce the forces that typically reach the passenger compartment. Particular

attention has been paid to increasing the stiffness of the front side members which have been

enlarged and straightened. Also, the center pillars serve as the anchors of a new ring structure

which improves overall side structure stiffness while also creating more room for the door

armrest and seat. All four doors also have internal guard beams to protect passengers in a side-

impact collision.

The entire body shell has been made stiffer and lighter thanks to its extensive use of ultra-

high tensile strength steel, which comprises 68.9 percent of the shell compared to its

predecessor's 57.3 percent. Also, the use of Tailor Welded Blanks (TWB) has been expanded on

key structural members. TWB assemblies combine steels of different thickness and grades using

a sophisticated laser welding and stamping process to achieve an optimal stiffness-to-weight

ratio. TWBs reduce body weight while enhancing crash energy management. These safety

systems are expected to earn the 2010 Tucson NHTSA’s top five-star crash test rating for front

and side impacts.

Tucson’s standard front-seat active head restraints help prevent whiplash by

automatically reducing the space between a front occupant’s head and the head restraint during

certain rear collisions and are highly recommended by safety organizations such as the IIHS.

The Tucson’s passenger restraint systems also help minimize injury. Three-point belts are

provided at all five seating positions, and the front seatbelts have pretensioners and load limiters.

There are two outboard rear Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) child-seat

anchors.

Elongated flush-mounted headlamps not only add a strong sense of style but also feature

projector beam lenses for improved night-time driving safety. Side mirror housings have been

modified to reduce wind noise and also feature an integrated repeater lamp for improved

visibility on the Limited trim.

A total of six airbags are positioned in the Tucson’s interior. Dual advanced frontal

airbags are complemented by front seat-mounted side-impact airbags and roof-mounted side-

curtain airbags with new rollover sensors that cover both the front and rear seat rows. The

combination of side and curtain airbags, which help protect the head and body during side

impacts, can reduce fatalities by more than 45 percent, according to the IIHS.

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Tucson also features a standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) which alerts

drivers if one or more tires are under inflated.

WARRANTY

The 2010 Hyundai Tucson is protected by the Hyundai Advantage, America's Best

Warranty. Coverage includes five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper protection,

10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, and seven-year/unlimited mileage anti-

perforation coverage. In addition, Tucson buyers receive 24-hour roadside assistance coverage at

no extra charge for five years (no mileage limit) and that service includes emergency towing,

lockout service and limited coverage for trip-interruption expenses. There is no deductible on

any of these coverages.

QUIET CABIN

Extensive work was done to isolate sounds and eliminate vibrations. The all-new 2010

Tucson is discernibly quieter both at highway speeds and at idle than its predecessor. Booming

noise is reduced thanks to a sub-frame dynamic damper while the rear luggage area gets extra

soundproofing to isolate exhaust sounds. Road noise has been minimized by improving stiffness

in the front and rear struts, rear trailing arm and the spring sheet.

ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING

The Tucson is built in the Ulsan plant in South Korea. Known by the project name LM,

the Tucson took 36 months and $225 million to develop. Tucson has been one of the most

popular Hyundai models with more than one million units sold worldwide since its launch in

2004.

COLORS

The 2010 Tucson is offered in nine colors with an optimum mix between lighter and

darker colors to satisfy regional preferences. The colors are Cotton White, Diamond Silver,

Graphite Gray, Ash Black, Garnet Red, Iris Blue, Aurora Blue, Chai Bronze and Kiwi Green.

Three interior colors Black, Taupe and Saddle will be available.

AVAILABILITY

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Mass production of the Tucson started at the Ulsan factory for the United States market

in October 2009 with sales starting in December 2009.

SMALL CUV LANDSCAPE

Thanks to their all-around functionality and value, small crossover utility vehicle (CUV)

sales are projected to grow at a rate far above the industry average through 2014. These CUVs

are among the fastest growing segments on the market today due to their convenient size, car-

like refinement and good fuel economy relative to larger SUVs. Fueling this growth are seven

all-new model introductions through 2014. The Tucson with a host of unique and attractive

features positions Hyundai front and center in this booming segment.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of

Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by

Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 790 dealerships

nationwide.

# # #

Journalists are invited to visit our news media web site: www.hyundainews.com

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