2012 Hyundai Santa Fe

2012 sANTA FE: HYUNDAI’S PROVEN FAMILY CROSSOVER

The Santa Fe crossover is an ideal choice for families with its refined design, proven dependability, versatility and extensive list of standard features. The Santa Fe delivers outstanding fuel efficiency from its four-cylinder or V6 engines and six-speed automatic transmission.  

New Equipment Highlights FOR 2012 ·                     Front grille ·                     Exterior color options – Venetian Red, Cabo Bronze ·                     Standard Downhill Brake Control (DBC) ·                     Standard low rolling resistance tires for GLS trim 17-inch wheels ·                     New premium leather shift knob SANTA FE HIGHLIGHTS ·                     2.4-liter DOHC Theta II inline four-cylinder engine ·                     3.5-liter DOHC Lambda II V6 engine ·                     Six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC ·                     Available touch-screen navigation with rearview camera and XM NavTraffic ·                     Rollover sensors for side curtain airbags ·                     Integrated Bluetooth hands-free system and steering wheel audio controls

CHOICE OF TWO POWERFUL AND FUEL-EFFICIENT POWERTRAINS

The Santa Fe comes standard with Hyundai’s second-generation Theta four-cylinder engine. The Santa Fe four-cylinder delivers an impressive (estimated) 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway fuel economy rating with front wheel drive and six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC^®. The Theta II is rated at 175 horsepower and 169 lb.-ft. of torque. This high-tech, all-aluminum, 16-valve engine features Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) on both camshafts and a Variable Intake System (VIS) for better engine breathing.

Theta II 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder engine

The Lambda II 3.5-liter V6 engine pumps out 276 horsepower and 248 lb.-ft. of torque.

This refined powerplant features aluminum construction, dual overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. To maximize the power spread, the engine utilizes CVVT on intake and exhaust camshafts and a three-step VIS that helps cylinders breathe efficiently at low and high RPM. The better breathing results in outstanding off-the-line acceleration and passing performance, and remarkable fuel efficiency. Mileage figures (estimated) for V6-powered Santa Fes are 20 mpg city/26 mpg highway/23 combined (FWD/AT), which bests the Ford Edge, Chevrolet Equinox and Toyota RAV4 V6 models.

Engine	Fuel Economy (mpg)
	City	Highway	Combined
Lambda II 3.5L V6 (FWD/AT)	20 (est.)	26 (est.)	23 (est.)

All Santa Fes offer Hyundai’s six-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic transmission, which features an overdrive lock-up torque converter for improved highway fuel economy. Meanwhile, Santa Fe’s available electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system automatically routes power to the wheels with the best traction. A driver-selectable AWD lock provides a fixed 50/50 torque split between front and rear wheels, which can improve performance in slippery or off-road conditions.

For even more driver control, the 2012 Santa Fe features Hyundai’s Downhill Brake Control (DBC). Downhill Brake Control uses a Hydro-Electronic Control unit to receive information from the wheel speed, steering angle and acceleration sensors to maintain control and speed on steep declines without having to use the brake.

To help Santa Fe drivers get the most out of their vehicles, Hyundai has a fuel economy indicator. The “Eco Indicator” displays a green light on the instrument panel to indicate when driving habits are contributing to good fuel economy. Santa Fes equipped with 17-inch wheels now also feature standard low rolling resistance silica tires to achieve even more miles per gallon.

INDUSTRY-LEADING SAFETY TECHNOLOGY

The Santa Fe features six standard airbags, including side air curtain airbags. The combination of side and curtain airbags, which help protect the head and body during side impacts, can reduce fatalities by more than 52 percent, according to the IIHS. The Santa Fe has rollover sensors for the side curtain airbags. When the sensors detect a potential rollover, the control module triggers the head-curtain side airbags and safety belt pre-tensioners to help protect passengers against serious injury.

All Santa Fe trim levels come standard with Electronic Stability Control (ESC), one of the industry’s most effective life-saving technologies. NHTSA studies show SUVs equipped with ESC experience 63 percent fewer fatalities in single-vehicle crashes.

Front and rear disc brakes are standard and are coupled with a four-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) that includes Brake Assist, a technology providing maximum braking force when a panic stop is detected. The system also uses Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), which automatically equalizes the braking force to the front and rear axles, based on the vehicle loading conditions.

All seating positions feature three-point seatbelts and adjustable head restraints. Front-seat active head restraints help prevent whiplash by automatically reducing the space between a front occupant’s head and the head restraint during a rear collision. The auto-fold style rear-seat head restraints on outboard seats also improve overall visibility, while providing easier rear-seat fold-down capabilities.

Santa Fe also features a standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), which alerts drivers if one or more tires are under inflated. An illuminated indicator light on the dash lets drivers know if a tire needs inflation so corrective action can be taken.  

MODERN, AERODYNAMIC DESIGN THAT’S DISTINCTIVELY HYUNDAI

The Santa Fe has a taut stance and a bold new grille. Its wide track provides great handling and interior room and sleek styling makes the Santa Fe aerodynamic. Standard roof rack side rails help define its clean side profile, while adding SUV functionality. Cross bars are standard on SE and Limited models. New colors for 2012 include Venetian Red and Cabo Bronze.

STYLISH, QUIET AND EFFICIENT INTERIOR PACKAGE

The Santa Fe is one of the most package-efficient crossovers on the market. Hyundai accomplished this through a platform that avoids the compromises inherent in typical mid-size car platform sharing. For example, although the Santa Fe is 3.7 inches shorter than the Chevrolet Equinox, its cargo volume exceeds it, with plenty of storage for items of different sizes.

By incorporating a stiff unibody architecture and a well-engineered triple-sealed door/body interface, Hyundai engineers have significantly reduced cabin noise.

Inside is a new premium leather shift knob and blue backlighting for interior gauges, switches and buttons which highlight the vehicle’s modern, integrated interior design. Front cupholders are also ringed with blue light for nighttime drives. Soft-touch, high-quality materials, low-gloss surfaces and zero-tolerance fits are used throughout the interior, as are color-keyed seat belt buckles and cupholder inserts to add more design harmony to the cabin.

Air conditioning is standard, while available dual-zone climate controls for the driver and front-seat passenger bring a touch of luxury to the Santa Fe Limited. Second-row passengers will enjoy a high level of comfort, thanks to B-pillar-mounted adjustable vents.

AUDIO SYSTEMS

The 2012 Santa Fe features three outstanding audio systems with standard XM satellite radio and iPod/USB auxiliary inputs. The Santa Fe GLS and SE come standard with a powerful 172-watt AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers. The Sante Fe SE equipped with the optional navigation system features a seven speaker, 360-watt AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system.

Standard on the Santa Fe Limited is Infinity’s 605-watt Logic 7R surround sound AM/FM/six-disc CD-changer/MP3 audio system with 10 speakers (including subwoofer) and external amplifier. This sound machine complements Hyundai’s factory-installed navigation system featuring a high-resolution touch-screen and voice command technology.

NAVIGATION

Hyundai’s factory-installed navigation system featuring a high-resolution touch-screen and voice command technology is available on Santa Fe SE and Limited models. This touch screen navigation system also offers a rearview camera and XM NavTraffic. The rearview camera enables the driver to confidently reverse under any circumstance. Be it day or night, a clear image of all objects and surroundings behind the vehicle are instantly displayed on the navigation screen. XM NavTraffic enhances the navigation system by showing real-time traffic data when it's needed most. In addition, Bluetooth, iPod^®/USB auxiliary inputs and steering wheel audio controls are standard in all models. 

PURPOSE-BUILT PLATFORM

The Santa Fe rides on a purpose-built unibody crossover platform with a 106.3-inch wheelbase. This chassis delivers a wonderful ride, handling and balance that discerning crossover buyers are looking for. This stiff body structure provides the basis for both a more refined ride and more agile handling. Thanks to the suspension geometry and wide track width that enables greater turn angles, Santa Fe’s turning circle is 35.4 feet – an advantage Santa Fe drivers will appreciate in their daily driving and parking.

Santa Fe’s ride and handling was tuned in California and Michigan by Hyundai’s U.S. engineering team with the American consumer in mind. Santa Fe uses MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension systems. A reverse L-shaped lower control arm provides superior steering feel with improved dynamic control. The caster angles are set to improve straight-line stability and overall dynamics. The rear trailing arms are located on the rear cross-member and help to reduce road noise. All four wheels are controlled by coil springs and fade-resistant gas-charged dampers, while front and rear stabilizer bars help keep the vehicle flat during cornering. Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering also contributes to the Santa Fe’s nimble and refined handling dynamics.

MODEL LINEUP

The Hyundai Santa Fe comes in three distinct trim levels:  The well-equipped GLS, sporty SE and luxurious Limited.

SANTA FE GLS – THE MID-SIZE CROSSOVER VALUE LEADER

The Santa Fe GLS comes well-equipped with a 175-horsepower, 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine, six-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic transmission, ESC, DBC, ABS, 17-inch alloy wheels, a powerful 120-watt AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers, iPod/USB auxiliary inputs, rocker panel moldings, power side mirrors, power windows, power door locks and remote keyless entry. Inside are active front head restraints, dual front airbags, front-seat side-impact airbags plus side curtain airbags with rollover protection. Other useful features include a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), air conditioning, steering wheel cruise controls, roof rack side rails, front solar and rear privacy glass, sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors and a tilt and telescopic steering wheel. Other standard features include auto-fold second row outboard head restraints, Bluetooth, steering wheel audio controls, trip computer, heated mirrors and driver seat lumbar support.

SANTA FE SE – A SPORTIER SANTA FE WITH 3500 POUNDS OF TOWING CAPACITY

The SE features all the GLS standard equipment plus a 276-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6, six-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic transmission and 18-inch alloy wheels. The vehicle also includes a bodycolor rear spoiler, power driver seat with lumbar support, combination leather and cloth seating surfaces, roof rack cross rails, bodycolor exterior mirrors, fog lights, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, windshield wiper deicer and automatic headlights. The Trailer Prep Package, which includes a transmission cooler, upgraded radiator and trailer pre-wiring, enables the SE model to tow up to 3,500 pounds and is standard on SE and Limited V6 models.

An optional Premium Package includes power tilt-and-slide sunroof, touch-screen navigation with 6.5-inch screen, premium audio with external amplifier and subwoofer and rearview camera.

SANTA FE LIMITED – LUXURIOUS FEATURES, OUTSTANDING VALUE    

Santa Fe Limited offers a choice of either the 2.4-liter Theta II engine or the 3.5-liter Lambda II engine. Its standard features include all of the equipment found on the SE, and adds leather seating surfaces, 605-watt Infinity Logic 7 Surround Sound AM/FM/XM/six-CD changer audio system, heated front seats, dual zone automatic temperature control with outside temperature display, metal scuff plates, auto dimming interior mirror with compass and HomeLink. Chrome accent exterior door handles further distinguish the Limited. A power tilt-and-slide glass sunroof is standard. 2.4-liter models do not include the Trailer-Prep Package. 3.5-liter models include the 115-V power outlet. The Navigation Package includes a 6.5-inch touch-screen navigation system developed exclusively for Hyundai, rearview camera and 605-watt Infinity Logic 7 Surround Sound AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with 10 speakers (including subwoofer) and external amplifier.

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 800 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle warranty, Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile power train warranty, 5-years of complimentary Roadside Assistance and the Hyundai Trade-in Value Guarantee. 

Nissan Quest Trans Stuck In 3rd Gear.

If you own a 2004 to 2005 Nissan Quest you might have been experiencing a troubled transmission that sticks in 3rd gear.  The trouble usually occurs right after the engine is started.  When this condition surfaces, if the engine is shut off and restarted the trouble is gone.

The condition may be accompanied with an illuminated check engine light, but then again maybe not.  The repair might be to replace the transmission control module with an updated part.

If the symptoms seem to fit your vehicle, ask your technician to consider this as a possible fix.  

Fluctuating Idle In Saturn Ion Redline

If you own a 2004-2006 Saturn Ion Redline with a 2.0-liter engine and are experiencing a fluctuating idle or low idle the trouble might be due to a software glitch.  With this condition a technician may not find any diagnostic trouble codes in the engine control module and the check engine light may or may not illuminate on the dash.

Despite the lack of evidence in the engine management system, updating the software might be the fix.

Ask your favorite technician to consider this the next time you take the car to his shop.

Money-Saving Tip For Some GM Diesel Powered Vehicles

If you own a 2007-2009 Chevy Kodiak, GMC TopKick or 2007-2010 Chevy Express, GMC Savanna Van or Sierra pickup with a Duramax diesel engine you may see a "Clean Exhaust Filter See Owner's Manual Now" message on the instrument panel.  The message is alerting you to clean the diesel particulate filter or DPF.

At first you may think the message requires a trip to a dealership or local independent shop to have the filter replaced or cleaned, but hold your horses.  To clean the filter requires a procedure outlined in your owner's guide.  Basically, you need to take a non-stop drive at more than 30 mph for 20 to 30 minutes.  If you ignore the message and don't follow the outlined procedure the check engine light will turn on and a chime will sound.  When it does, a trip to a dealer or your favorite shop is required to determine why the check engine light illuminated which is likely due to a dirty DPF.  At this juncture the filter can't be cleaned.  It only can be replaced.  And if it is determined that you neglected to clean the filter following the procedure in your owner's guide, the task and cost of the filter may not be covered under an emissions warranty and you will pick up the tab.

To avoid the replacement and labor cost, follow the procedure in your owner's guide.  Then bank the savings or buy your special person dinner and a movie.    


 

GOJO SKIN PRODUCTS HIGHLIGHTED ON "CAR WARRIORS" TV SHOW

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Car enthusiasts can tune in to see selected GOJO(r) skin care products featured on the current season of "Car Warriors" on SPEED.

"Car Warriors" is the ultimate car building show that pits two teams against each other to create a dream car in only 48 hours.  The intense car customizing competition, which features two head-to-head teams from around the country, airs Wednesdays, 9 p.m. EST on SPEED.  Season 2 of "Car Warriors" kicks off Friday, Feb. 24, immediately following the season-opening NASCAR Truck Series race from Daytona International Speedway.
     
GOJO provided its Cherry Gel Pumice Hand Cleaner, which contains skin conditioners and is pH balanced for skin comfort.  The cleaner's innovative gel formula with pumice spreads evenly and clings to hands and arms to deliver maximum cleaning power on heavy dirt, grease and oil.  It also provides a quick, easy and complete rinse.
     
The crew of "Car Warriors" also used GOJO Scrubbing Wipes durable, dual-textured towels that are pre-moistened with a powerful cleaning solution. The extra-large size towel provides superior cleaning capacity.  The scrubbing side removes the toughest soils, while the smooth side quickly absorbs dirt.
     
After the build is complete, the silicone- and scent-free GOJO HAND MEDIC(r) Professional Skin Conditioner was used to keep the hands and surrounding skin healthy and well-conditioned. It can be used before work, after hand washing and at night to help maintain the skin's natural protective barrier.  In addition, GOJO furnished its PURELL(r) Sanitizing Wipes.
     
"The crew of 'Car Warriors' understands that the hard work of building the ultimate custom car can get you up to your elbows in the toughest grease and grime," said Diana Costanzo, marketing director for automotive/manufacturing at GOJO.  "We strive to deliver effective products that leave skin feeling refreshed and looking great, giving hands-on workers in tough soils environments confidence in the condition of their hands both on and off the job."
     

About GOJO
      GOJO Industries, Inc., inventors of PURELL(r) Instant Hand Sanitizer, distributes PURELL in consumer and away-from-home markets throughout the world.  In addition, GOJO manufactures and distributes a full line of products under GOJO(r) and PROVON(r) brand names.  GOJO has a 64-year history of leadership in improving well-being through hand hygiene and healthy skin.  GOJO has products and programs to kill germs on hands and solve skin care-related problems in a variety of markets, including healthcare, foodservice, food processing, manufacturing, automotive, education, government and military.  GOJO is a privately held corporation headquartered in Akron, Ohio, with offices in the United Kingdom, France, Australia, Japan and Brazil.

2012 Chicago Auto Show Indicator Of Growing Economy

Wow! There is good economic news!  

CHICAGO, Feb. 22, 2012 - If the 10-day run of the 2012 Chicago Auto Show is any indication of where the nation's immediate economic future is heading, Americans can look for a uptick led by the auto sector.

"We felt a surge even before we opened the Chicago show's doors," said Dave Sloan, general manager of the annual show held at the mammoth McCormick Place on Chicago's lakefront. "Our pre-show sales were in excess of 200,000 tickets. That led us to believe that we were going to be in for a good year for both our exhibitors and our dealers once the show closed its doors."

"The region was blessed with cooperative weather, too, which helped drive the nation's largest auto show to its most successful finish since 2008," said Sloan. "The first weekend of our show generally leaves our area franchised new-car dealer showrooms a bit light, but by the second weekend, consumers are making decisions on where they're going to spend their money, and showroom traffic and purchases spike."

After the 2011 show, consumers took advantage of the buzz created by the show and subsequently hit dealerships with a fury that took dealers by surprise. Many of them reported triple-digit sales for the closing weekend of the month, with some customers taking advantage of special auto show bonuses that are truly "found money" incentives  available during and immediately following the event. 2012 seems to be following the same model.

"There were other factors making the show a success," continued Sloan. "With more than five miles of truss lighting hanging over the show floor it literally shined. Spectacular exhibits packed with new products left consumers primed for a return to the market. Interactive engagement showed off new technology and taught everyone that the recent recession didn't slow down product research and development."

Aging Fleet, Gas Prices, and Readiness of the Industry
"The age of the nation's fleet is now older than it has ever been-nearly 12 years," said Steve Foley Jr., chairman of the 2012 Chicago Auto Show. "Increasingly, people not only desire new cars, but have a need to replace what's in their garage.

Even rising fuel prices may not slow demand. For consumers who have been putting off a new-car purchase, this may be the incentive to spur their decision.

"High prices at the pump usually hurt new-vehicle sales, "said Foley. "But in an odd twist, the industry may actually be poised to benefit from the situation."

Show-goers and consumers nationally are finding that the auto industry has never offered a broader selection of fuel-efficient internal combustion engines, hybrids, plug-in hybrids and all-electric vehicles.

"Old technology in the driveway and high prices at the corner gas station could send customers running to the showrooms for more fuel-efficient vehicles," said Foley.

Chicago: Where the Consumer VotesFor the seventh straight year, thousands of consumer voters proclaimed their favorites in five categories in the Chicago Auto Show's "Best of Show" balloting.

In voting conducted over the 10-day public run of the nation's biggest auto show, winners in the contest's five categories were:

• Best All-New Production Vehicle: Ford Shelby GT500 (23 percent of vote)
   
• Best Concept Vehicle: Lexus LF-LC (30 percent of vote)
   
• Best Green Vehicle: Chevrolet Volt (24 percent of vote)
   
• Best Exhibit: Jeep (29 percent of vote)
   
• Vehicle I'd most like to have in my driveway: Ford Shelby GT500

"Best of Show voting has become a benchmark measure, and winning in any category is quite meaningful for our manufacturers and exhibitors," said show chairman Foley. "In a year where attendance increased yet again and we boasted four indoor test tracks and five outdoor test drives, consumers had a better chance than ever to weigh the competitors and let their voice be heard."

"The Chicago show doesn't offer an indicator of the local auto market alone," concluded Foley. "It foretells the return of the entire economy. If you look back at just about any recession our country has experienced since WWII, it was the automotive sector that led it back. Let's hope that the trend continues.

 For more information, visit www.ChicagoAutoShow.com.

Ford SYNC Standard Equipment In 2013 Fusion & Flex

2013 Ford Fusion and Flex get SYNC^® as standard equipment on all trim levels

• Ford SYNC, the voice-activated in-car connectivity system introduced in 2007, now is installed in more than 4 million Ford Motor Company vehicles

• Powered by the Microsoft Windows Embedded Automotive platform, SYNC has created the “upgradeable car,” allowing new features and improvements to be seamlessly integrated on a pace with consumer trends and preferences

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 9, 2012 – Drivers of more than 4 million vehicles already take advantage of mobile device connectivity provided by Ford SYNC^®, which is available as either optional or standard equipment on every new Ford sold in North America. That population is set to grow even more for 2013 as the all-new Ford Fusion and Flex get SYNC as standard equipment.

 

Since its debut in 2007, SYNC has been recognized as the industry-leading system for connecting mobile phones and media players and enabling hands-free use through a simple and reliable voice-control system.

 

“Ford SYNC technology has led the industry in transforming the way we connect to our cars,” said Dave Mondragon, Ford general marketing manager. “SYNC has enabled Ford drivers to take advantage of the latest communication and entertainment technology with an easily upgradeable architecture that is friendly to use.”

 

Every all-new Fusion from the base car through to the advanced plug-in Fusion Energi, as well as the redesigned Flex, will be equipped with SYNC whether it has an entry-level audio system or top-of-the-line MyFord Touch^® interface. Compatible phones and media players can be connected to SYNC through a standard USB port or wirelessly via Bluetooth^®.

 

Nine states have now completely banned the use of hand-held phones by drivers with at least 35 states prohibiting texting behind the wheel. At the same time, Americans are more connected than ever, with the mobile industry trade group CTIA estimating more than 300 million cell phones were in use in the United States by mid-2011.

 

Hands-free, voice-activated control of music playback and phone calls enables drivers to drive safer by keeping their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. With a connected mobile phone, drivers can also use SYNC Services to get voice-activated access to a cloud-based network of information including traffic, news, sports, weather, horoscopes, stock quotes and movie listings along with business searches and turn-by-turn directions.

 

In the event of an accident, SYNC 911 Assist^™ can directly call emergency services and transmit the vehicle location to first responders.

 

Upgradeability

Fusion and Flex drivers aren’t limited to the SYNC functionality that was built in when they bought the car. As new features are added to SYNC, owners can visit SYNCMyRide.com to download free updates to a USB flash drive that can be loaded into the car.

 

Drivers today spend more time on the road than ever before, and Ford recognizes the need to stay safe and connected. The redesigned 2013 Ford Fusion and Flex will lead the way to a projected 9 million more SYNC-powered vehicles over the next three years. 

 

# # #

 

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 164,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.