Hyundai Sets Prices for Blue Link Telematics

Hundai  has set annual subscription prices for its Blue Link telematics service, which starts showing up in its cars this summer.

Blue Link is a technology embedded in the car. It offers safety services such as automatic crash notification and navigation, remote unlocking and concierge services.

Hyundai is dividing the Blue Link service into three packages--Assurance,​ Essentials and Guidance. Blue Link debuts with the 2012 Sonata this month, followed by the Veloster coupe this fall. Hyundai predicts that the majority of its lineup will be Blue Link-equipped by 2013.

After a few months of free introductory service, owners must purchase a subscription for the service. Hyundai's launch pricing schedule is:

-- The Blue Link Assurance package is $79 for one year, $139 for two years and $198 for three years.

--The Essentials package, which includes the Assurance services, is $179 for one year, $315 for two years and $448 for three years.

-- The Guidance package, which includes the Assurance and Essentials services, is $279 for one year, $491 for two years and $699 for three years.

Assurance package services include automatic crash notification, an SOS help button that transmits the vehicle's location, a button for roadside assistance, and a monthly vehicle-system report.

The Essentials package adds convenience features such as quick tips, which points out primary features of the car; a location-sharing feature for social networks, and a voice text-messaging feature that sends hands-free texts. It also includes self-diagnostic features such as recall advisories and maintenance alerts, as well as safeguard features such as a valet alert, which text-messages an owner if a valet driver takes the car past a prescribed area. There also is a curfew alert and a speeding alert to notify you via text if a driver disregards preset limits.

The Guidance package adds turn-by-turn navigation, point-of-interest recognition systems, daily route information and traffic, gas station locations and gasoline prices. There also is an Eco-Coach feature that tracks your driving performance habits and recommends improvements.

Spicier Dodge Avenger R/T returns for 2012

If you're looking for an Avenger  with a little more bite, Dodge may have just the car for you. The company will unveil its new Avenger R/T at the 2011 New York Auto Show this week, and though the drivetrain has been left largely untouched, the mid-sized fighter now packs a tighter suspension.
Dodge will be at the upcoming motor show in New York, publicly display and Avenger R / T, model 2012. Under the hood of 3.6-liter V6 gasoline engine with Pentastar 283hp, it’s combined with six-speed automatic gearbox, part of the package, among other things includes setting sports suspension, alloy wheels 18 inches, black lights, rear spoiler, R / T tags, heated front seats and a red R / T logo on the headrests, leather steering wheel, dashboard polished, and new pedals. equipment is also located, and the Boston Acoustic sound system, front and side airbags, electronic stability control, traction control, ABS. 2012 Dodge Avenger R / T will be in the showrooms of American dealers found in the third quarter of this year.


Dodge engineers managed to increase the vehicle's roll stiffness by 18 percent thanks to upping the front spring rates by 17 percent and damper rates by 15 percent. Out back, the rear springs see an increase in stiffness of 12 percent while the back damper rates jump by 20 percent. The Avenger R/T also benefits from a larger rear stabilizer bar – 21 mm (up from 19 mm).

Dodge says it's shooting for a more spirited, performance sedan driving experience, though there's no indication that the vehicle's brakes have been upgraded in kind.

Power still comes from the same torque-steer happy 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine with 283 horsepower mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, so hopefully the firmer suspension has quelled the powertrain's wayward tendencies somewhat. Either way, Dodge says that the combo is good for 19 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.

Outside, the Avenger R/T is differentiated from its lower-trim siblings with aesthetic tweaks like a body-color grille and R/T graphics on the front fenders. Large, 19-inch alloy wheels are also standard and the interior gets a special gauge cluster with the tachometer taking center stage, along with a special perforated leather steering wheel and "SRT-inspired" pedals. Rounding off the changes are special fabric seats with embroidered logos. Hit the Jump for the full press release.