<![CDATA[Jalopnik: Korea]]> http://cache.jalopnik.com/assets/base/img/thumbs140x140/jalopnik.com.png <![CDATA[Jalopnik: Korea]]> http://jalopnik.com/tag/korea http://jalopnik.com/tag/korea <![CDATA[Japanese automakers have awful May, put Chrysler back in "Big Three"]]> If you're trying to live life rather than monitor U.S. auto sales data, we applaud your priorities. But it is worth pausing to note just how badly Japan's earthquake damaged Japanese automakers in the United States in May. More »
]]> http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5807465&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Daewoo Is Dead, Long Live Chevrolet]]> Rejoice, South Koreans! GM's done you a solid by dropping the embarrassing Daewoo brand and replacing it with good ol' American Chevrolet. Celebratory burnouts along the DMZ, anyone? [GM] More »
]]> http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5739051&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[2010 Korean Grand Prix: The Aftermath]]> Everything you need to know about the Korean Grand Prix that doesn't involve prostitutes is in this image right here. The details are at Pitpass. [via CarGuyDad] More »
]]> http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5672687&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[South Korean Police Rocking A Porsche, Ferrari And Lamborghini]]> If you're the average Korean patrolman you make do with a Kia Picanto. Knock a few heads, impress your captain and you could be patrolling Seoul in a Gallardo, 911 or F360. Is that an HHR in the background? More »
]]> http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5480984&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Woman Passes License Exam On 950th Attempt]]> A Korean woman has passed the written driving test on her 950th attempt. Having tried nearly daily since 2005, she finally managed to meet the minimum score of 60% and now plans to attempt the practical test. [AP] More »
]]> http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5398696&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Ssangyong Files For Bankruptcy]]> Korean automaker Ssangyong files for bankruptcy. [China Daily] More »
]]> http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5127200&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Korea's Ssangyong Runs Out Of Cash, Chinese Won’t Bail Them Out]]> Korean automaker Ssangyong is straight broke; it’s not even able to pay its 8,000 employees for the month of December. Parent company Shanghai Automotive’s response? Get bent. More »
]]> http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5116639&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Wire Wheels, Cortina Heritage: The 1984 Hyundai Stellar]]> The Hyundai Stellar was quite the mishmash of parts-bin bargains, with the same chassis as the Ford Cortina Mk 5, a Mitsubishi engine, and styling by Giorgetto Giugiaro. That doesn't matter, however; what does matter is that ads for Korean cars have the most awesome combo of macho voiceover and cheezy echo effects in the history of automotive marketing. For another good one, check out the Daewoo Maepsy ad when you're done here. More »
]]> http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5080333&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Kia Forte Teaser Pics Quietly Slip Out]]> Kia's very quietly revealed what appear to be photos of their upcoming Spectra-replacement, the Kia Forte. The new shots continue to show the Korean automaker's moving at a definitively un-Kia-like high speed towards a new, bolder design direction. We've seen it indicated already by the Kia Soul, Kia Koup and now the new Forte. Taking styling cues from the Koup concept, the 2009 Kia Forte looks to be a potentially excellent replacement for the little econobox. More »
]]> http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=396938&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[BMW-Driving Burglar Finally Nabbed]]> A Korean man who managed to get away with $10 million in cash and valuables partially thanks to his BMW has seen the end of the line. The fellow, only being identified as Kim, was recently arrested after committing 49 different burglaries in the Seoul area of Gangnam. He would rob luxury residences and then leave the crime scene in a BMW, avoiding the suspicion of police and security. He simply told the nosy he was an executive working for a trading company during the day and drove off scott-free. We wonder if the same concept applies for the opposite end of the social strata. Rob a pawn shop in a shady district and get away in a beater? [Korea Times] More »
]]> http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=393429&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Hyundai Shakes Loose Details On Extended-Wheelbase Genesis]]> As many of you guessed, I'm out here on the Southern tip of the Korean peninsula at the behest of the Mechanics who are quite Popular, getting the scoop on the new Hyundai [REDACTED]. While the driving impressions on the new [REDACTED] from the folks at Hyundai (Yes, Hyundai) are embargoed for a bit, there was other news out here from the little automaker that could in the Republic of Korea that is in no way embargoed. A couple of us auto journalistas had the chance to spend some in-car drive time with Dr. Hyun-Soon Lee, President of R&D at the Kimchi Commander of an automaker. First news is that the Genesis and the Genesis Coupe won't be the only BH-platform vehicles produced on the Ulsan assembly lines. In addition to the two RWD-vehicles we've already seen, the boys n' girls at Hyundai are developing an extended-length version of the Genesis sedan — with the product platform designation of "VI" (which does not stand for "Very Immense") for the Korean domestic and Chinese markets. More »
]]> http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=387932&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[First Hyundai Genesis Customers Bewildered By Low Price Tag]]> It looks like this pair of 2009 Hyundai Genesis Sedans got a bit tipsy on the way to their upcoming luxury-party crash. What you see here is a pair of early production or pre-production Genesi that were probably on their way to something important in Korea. Somehow along the way the truck carrying the black and silver pair lost its way, sending the cars tumbling on top of each other. Oops. More »
]]> http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=371803&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Hyundai Genesis Sedan Revealed One Month Prior To Detroit Auto Show Unveil]]> At a super-secret special test drive preview for the Korean media, Hyundai Motor Co. unveiled the sports sedan Genesis a full month prior to what was supposed to be the "official" unveil at the Detroit Auto Show and a full month after they showed off the coupe concept version at the LA Auto Show. The car features a rear wheel drive architecture and the new Tau V8 engine which will deliver 375 horsepower to the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. Hyundai's V6 Lambda engines will also be offered in 3.3- and 3.8-liter editions. More »
]]> http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=330107&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[New York Times Claims Imports Importing More Than Ever Before]]> Interesting article over in the New York Times yesterday. It seems the number of cars being built outside of the United States (and North America) and being sold here is actually increasing rather rapidly. This despite protestations on non-US automakers that they're building more and more vehicles here. While it may be technically true there's more being built here, automakers are increasing the numbers of imported vehicles at an even more rapid pace. In fact, the Times claims More »
]]> http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=305271&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Hyundai Boss Says Genesis V8 to Produce 380 Horsepower]]> Apparently Hyundai's not sparing the rod when it comes to its new upmarket sedan. According to the forum admin of HyundaiExchange, Hyundai research and development boss Hyun-Soon Lee told a group of Korean executives the company's new 4.6-liter V8 would be massaged to 380 horsepower in the company's new flagship, codenamed BH, set to arrive later this year. This past April, Hyundai showed the sedan in concept form as the Concept Genesis at the New York auto show, where officials boasted of silky DOHC 32-valve V8s, rear-wheel drive and competitors sweating in their yakisoba. Watch this space. [Hyundai Exchange via Motive] More »
]]> http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=294078&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[ A strike by Kia contract workers has halted...]]> A strike by Kia contract workers has halted production at the automaker's main plant near Seoul, South Korea. The plant accounts for 42% of of Kia's total output. No word on when the Hwaseong plant will resume operations. [Drive.com.au] More »
]]> http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=293344&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Profiles in Badge Engineering Courage: Daewoo Launches G2X]]> The Saturn Sky roadster is apparently GM's two-seater for the global market (sorry, Solstice). A version has already found its way into the Opel lineup as the Opel GT. Now, GM's Korean connection Daewoo's getting its own Sky. Make that the G2X. First shown at the Seoul motor show earlier this year, the G2X will get the same 2.0-liter direct-injection turbo four (producing 265 hp) as the US Saturn Sky Red Line. The price? Millions and millions of Won. More »
]]> http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=293030&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Kia Soul in the US Southwest]]> Early in 2006, we saw the Kia Soul concept at the Detroit auto show. Back then, we thought the blocky, two-door was a clever prospect for a future, brand-defining small SUV. Now, spies have seen what looks to be a closer-to-market version of the Soul. Word is it'll be available only in front-wheel drive, powered by a 2.0-liter four over a five-speed autobox. That means the company is going for maximum econobox potential, not flash factor like its Skoda Yeti concept counterpart. Look for it in your grocer's freezer by late 2008. [World Car Fans] More »
]]> http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=291797&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Another Side to the C'eed: Kia Reveals Back of Hatch]]> It may just look like the rear section of a run-of-the-mill European hatchback to you, but to Kia it's yet another facet of its new C'eed three-door, the company's most important model in the grab-a-piece-of Europe sweepstakes. Earlier this month we saw the front, of ex-Audi designer Peter Schreyer's continental design. The rear reminds us of Opels and Volkswagens and other such asymmetrically portal'd runabouts. That's exactly what Kia doesn't want, though we're not sure a few carve-outs placed strategically are enough to make the C'eed a standout in a hatch-crowded market. We'll see in Frankfurt. More »
]]> http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=286536&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Kia Reveals Three-Door Cee'd]]> It may not look like a big deal, but the Kia C'eed three-door hatch is the most significant vehicle to hit European shores since that 1911 Gräf & Stift Rois De Blougne tourer blew a rod, killing Archduke Franz Ferdinand and subsequently starting World War I. Maybe not quite that, but the C'eed three door is significant for its leading-edge design by former Audi scribbler and head of Kia's European design office, Peter Schreyer. The Slovakian-built hatch will show up at the Frankfurt show before going on sale, continentally, in December, competing with such C-segment mainstays as the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus and Vauxhall "Prince Henry." More »
]]> http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=282614&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[The Grim Life Of Korean Designated Drivers]]> We've all heard about various services that let folks who've swilled a few too many Everclear-and-Hawaiian-Punch cocktails dial a number and have a sober driver show up to drive them home in their own cars (Top Gear has documented such a service in London, for example). However, the South Korean version of this service has the nation's 100,000 rent-a-designated-driver employees toiling in a Dickensian world of belligerent customers, rides hitched home from edge-city truck stops, and general harshness. The whole thing sounds like good material for a plaintive country song, Korean style. More »
]]> http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=277307&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Jalopnik Reviews: Rondo Korean BBQ Tour, Part 3]]> Why you should buy this car: More »
]]> http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=271431&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Jalopnik Reviews: Kia Rondo Korean BBQ Tour, Part 2]]> Exterior Design: *** More »
]]> http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=271056&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Jalopnik Reviews: Kia Rondo Korean BBQ Tour, Part 1]]> One of the more inane ways to review an automobile is to lambaste the machine for something it was never designed to be. Carping about how a Lancer Evolution rides harshly, or has a budget interior is an example of this phenomenon. Tom McCahill wouldn't pull such shenanigans, and neither will we. With that bit of reflexivity out of the way, we'll now get into a Kia Rondo. We admit that we first liked the Rondo solely because of its racy if not somewhat humorous moniker. Almost instantly, and amid exclamations of space wagons, we thought anything named Rondo simply had to be good. As it turns out the spacey wagon is good. In order to reach this conclusion we tested Rondo by using it for its intended purpose of moving people around. To pay tribute to Rondo's country of manufacture, we rolled these same people to as many Los Angeles area Korean BBQ establishments we could get to inside of a week. Read on for driving and BBQ impressions. More »
]]> http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=270633&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[You Say Jeep, I Say Ssangyong Korando!]]> You like macho announcers and cheezoid Casio-derived action-movie music in your car ads? Korea's the place! This ad for the Ssangyong Korando, a license-built CJ-7 clone built in the 80s and early 90s, shows what a reliable horse-outrunning, trailer-towing machine looks like. Korando! – Murilee Martin More »
]]> http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=270625&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Hyundai Shows Dealers How To Sell RWD Vehicles]]> It used to be so easy being a Hyundai dealer — they've never had to sell a vehicle with anything but front-wheel or all-wheel drive. So we're glad to see the Korean company's helping their sales staff understand the differences between the various drivetrains as they ready the Genesis — their first V8-powered rear-wheel sports sedan for the 'merican market. We're all about providing a service to the industry and as a way of helping out here's a great article at CanadianDriver which we think could help greatly in explaining the differences. Why CanadianDriver? Mainly because we're seriously getting a kick out of just thinking about Canadians helping the sales staff of a Korean company explain the benefits of rear-wheel drive to American buyers. I mean come on, how United Nations is that shit? Eat your heart out, Bolton! – Ray Wert More »
]]> http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=258217&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Seoul Motor Show: Renault-Samsung QMX]]> It's the Quest Motoring Experience, and it's a version of the Renault Koleos mini SUV for the Korean market. And by Korean market, we don't mean the place where we get our coffee, energy bars and the odd onion or copy of Sport Compact Car. It's got Renault's spanky 1.7-liter turbodiesel four under the hood, producing 177 hp and 5,769 lb-ft of torque (or whatever). It also has hill start assist, descent control and a clamshell tailgate for ease of loading and unloading batches of homemade kimchee. – Mike Spinelli More »
]]> http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=250484&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Seoul Motor Show: The GM Daewoo L4X]]> The amortizing of GM's Holden-built rear-drive Zeta platform continues on the Korean Peninsula. It's a rear-drive show car dubbed the L4X, intro'd at the Seoul auto show this week, amid well-dressed salarymen and the prom queens who sweat them. The pre-production model, whose design is based on several Holden models like the Caprice and Statesman, will become the latest GM-Daewoo flagship when the series model arrives in late 2008. It's powered by Holden's 3.6-liter Alloytec V6 (258 hp) hooked to a five-speed automatic transmission. – Mike Spinelli More »
]]> http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=250401&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Hyundai Going Luxe? Carmaker "Not Ruling Out" Upper-Class Brand]]> If the sign of an automaker's maturity is the launch of an upscale brand, Hyundai may be preparing for its Bar Mitzvah. According to the Road not without bend, Hyundai hasn't ruled out creating a Lexusian marque under which to sell a line of upmarket autos. That word came from a Hyundai rep at a Veracruz test drive event in San Diego today. But what would they call it? We're going with "Sir Fredrick Buckles of Threadneedle Street." That just oozes class. – Mike Spinelli More »
]]> http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=248477&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[GM-Daewoo Limits Self To Only 30 Booth Babes At 2007 Seoul Motor Show]]> Some automakers are users and abusers of the "booth babes," including them in displays in order to create a visceral reaction from the high horsepower cars and attractive women perched atop them. The automakers that employ them are all over using them because they want the auto writing media folks to do two things — equate their cars with the potential for sex with a hot woman, and then to take pictures of the hot women with cars behind them so that others will equate their cars with the potential for sex with hot women. But autonistas are becoming wise to the wily automakers ways, and many of the employers of booth babes are looking to drop the levels of usage, specifically in the overseas market. Thus, we've now heard: More »
]]> http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=246496&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Korea To Get Engrish-Version "Corvetts?"]]> We're assuming this is some kind of odd translation error or perhaps the short distance between the "s" and the "e" keys, and doesn't actually signal a change in naming convention for the Korean market. Or, maybe it's just a Freudian slip of some sort about this? Yeah, we didn't really think so either. On the other hand, Chevrolet's had some weird stuff going on marketing-wise elsewhere. [Hat tip to Martin!] – Ray Wert More »
]]> http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=238728&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Spy Photos: Hyundai Equus Coming to New York]]> Later this year, Hyundai will up its ante in the US car market, to include a car in the $30,000 range. If you've been following along, you'll know the car may be called the Equus, in reference to the company's Equus concept shown in 2002, and the executive car of the same name Hyundai sells to Korean salarymen and government whatwhats. Now, as The Car Connection reports, the final product will be unveiled at the New York auto show this April, ahead of a market intro later in the year. TCC says a V8 is imminent, while other sources have indicated the base engine would be the corporate 3.8-liter V6. Expect considerable luxe for the money — like wood trim, leather surfaces and seating, and tons of those safety bags that inflate on impact. – Mike Spinelli More »
]]> http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=231354&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Daewoo LeMans Commercial, Plus Holy Crap! Airwolf!]]> We knew this Daewoo-built vehicle wasn't only sold in the US to desecrate the name of Le Mans; it was also sold as the Opel Kadett (a name virtually impossible to malign), as well as under the Vauxhall banner. What we didn't know is that the Koreans also sold it under their own badge as the LeMans. But they did make a commercial for it featuring everyone's favorite fictional supersonic helicopter and a cute chick. Bumbeck's hoping she smells faintly of garlic. The rest of us are praying for the return of the crew of the PT-73. More »
]]> http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=213837&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[As If You Hadn't Seen It: Hyundai Reveals Veracruz Crossover]]> Hyundai's released more shots of its Veracruz LUV (for those playing along at home, that's a CUV with leather seats). All pwning aside, the Veracruz looks like a contender in the luxury realm, with headlight washers, LED taillights, and park-assist system. Watchers expect Hyundai's 3.8-liter V6 to be offered along with a 3.0-liter mill in the US. We'll see for reals at the Detroit show. [Gallery] – Mike Spinelli More »
]]> http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=207776&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Pre-Release Action: Hyundai Veracruz]]> Hyundai's set to reveal its seven-passenger Veracruz crossover to the Korean market (and thus, the world), but Carscoop got there first. The site scored some leaked shots of the new Hyundai people-mover ahead of its official introduction this week. As has been reported, the Veracruz will get Hyundai's 3.8 liter V6 engine hooked to six-speed automatic transmission, and come equipped with Hyundai's answer to Stow-n-Go, the "Hideaway(TM ) third-row seat — a 50/50 split fold-into-the-floor seat — along with all-wheel drive, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and side and side-curtain airbags for all three rows of passengers. Let the inevitable Lexus RX350 comparisons begin. – Mike Spinelli More »
]]> http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=206586&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Spy Photos: More on the Kia Rio Hybrid]]> Our Kia Rio hybrid tipster says some of the shots he received in his P.O. box have surfaced on CarSpyShots, including one showing the dash gauges (pictured). You'll notice the "charge/assist" gauge, which either means the model's got a hybrid-drive system, or someone's Korean-to-English dictionary has some pages stuck together. More »
]]> http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=193950&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[From Bauhaus to Kia's House: Audi TT Designer to Head Automaker's European Studio]]> Looks like Hyundai wants its little Kia to grow up to be a little more German. No, it's not making execs listen to The Golden Lemons or watch only films adhering to the Oberhausen Manifesto. It's hired Sonny Shroyer Peter Schreyer, designer of the first-gen Audi TT to head up its worldwide design operations. He'll be creating a more distinctive family identity, while giving its designs more appeal for European buyers. Whether his new creations will be informed by the Neue Sachlichkeit movement, or if he'll reach back to Die Br cke for a more vibrant, yet dissonant aesthetic vocabulary, remains to be seen. More »
]]> http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=189991&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Lloyd's Revenge: New Hyundai Tiburon Makes China Debut]]>
Ari, to Lloyd: I drove to work in an $80,000 Mercedes, I'm driving home in a prop car from the "Fast and the Furious".
After years of vituperations from Ari Gold on HBO's "Entourage," perpetual assistant and Johnny Drama's new agent, Lloyd may just have the last laugh. Well, maybe not last, and not so much a laugh as a muted chuckle into a cocktail napkin (with the emphasis on cock). Still, the new 2007 Hyundai Tiburon, Lloyd's ride, debuted at the Guangzhou Motor Show in China. It's gotten some minor visual tweaks, notching up its out-of-the-box sexiness just a touch. Engines will remain a base DOHC, 16-valve 2.0-liter four with variable valve timing and five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic semi-automatic, or the 2.7-liter V6, available with a six-speed manual. Expect it iin the US as a 2008 update. More »
]]> http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=189598&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Breaking! Hyundai Workers Strike]]> Although the 20,000 employees in the Hyundai Motor Union were wildcating and hourly-breaking their way to higher pay for hours at a time over the past two weeks, they've finally decided enough is enough and hit the streets yesterday with no plans to come back until Monday. Management and union officials sat back down at the table yesterday afternoon and plan on sticking it out unti they break the deadlock over a 125,000 Won raise, a new re-calculation of wage scales and the introduction of a salary caste class system. Oh, and better-quality kimchi in the caf. More »
]]> http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=187308&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Another Enzo Eats It]]> We know you got soul, dear reader, but did you know that Seoul pulled a Malibu and claimed another Enzo? This one cracked up just outside the South Korean city's airport. According to a cabbie on the scene, the driver was just fine. Enzo price-figures just went up, and we're having more and more faith in the passive safety features Maranello incorporates into its vehicles, although we're starting to worry about the supercar's handling characteristics. Or alternately, the wisdom of the choices on Ferrari's shortlist for buyers. More »
]]> http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=183488&view=rss&microfeed=true