New Hyundai Verna hatchback

2010 Hyundai Verna Transform/Accent - Click above for an image gallery

On Wednesday, we brought you the first pictures of Hyundai's new Transform, a Korean market derivative of the Verna hatchback that is a close relative of our stateside Accent, the automaker's lowest-cost offering. For 2010, the KDM Verna Transform model incorporates a unique front fascia and a controversial looking grille among other changes. The big question we had on our mind after seeing it was: Is this model bound for the U.S. – or was it simply another foreign Accent?

Well, we put exactly that question to Hyundai P.R. manager Dan Bedore, and he indicates that the Verna Transform is not representative of what we will see in the U.S. – on the contrary, our Accent successor "...will have a distinct, exciting new look of its own when it is introduced. The Verna Transform pictured here is a sport package for the KDM model Verna only."

Bedore went on to confirm that the next U.S. Accent is part of the company's 24/7 plan (which will see seven new model introductions over a 24 month period that began with the rollout of the Genesis Coupe). While we're not privy to the salacious specifics of Hyundai's product calendar, we expect to see the new Tucson crossover join the family next, followed either by the aforementioned Accent replacement or the Veloster-based 2+2 sporty coupe.

New York Auto Show :Hyundai Nuvis concept

The first hint of what we can expect from the next generation Tucson and Santa Fe crossovers was revealed today at the New York Auto Show as the Hyundai Nuvis concept. The sweeping creases echo and expand upon Hyunadi's design direction that could be seen on the Genesis coupe and sedan and the Korean market Equus that stood on display nearby. Like so many other concepts at the show this year, this one featured doors that will almost certainly not be duplicated in production, extra-long gull-wings in this case. The interior is designed for exactly four occupants instead of going for the maximum possible seating with three rows. Nuvis designers have dispensed with all the usual switch gear in favor of a river of information flowing throughout the concept's interior, all of which is accessible through touch-sensitive surfaces. All of the interior fabrics are also made from 100% recycled materials. Under the skin, the Nuvis is spec'd out with the same Hyundai-developed BlueHybrid drivetrain that was shown at the LA Auto Show last November. The hybrid system uses lithium polymer batteries, which give designers more flexibility in packaging compared to more typical lithium ion batteries. The production version of this hybrid system debuts next year in the next-generation Sonata, while the design elements of this concept will likely appear on the new Tucson later this year.

The all-new RWD Hyundai was originally slated to be featured in Fast & Furious 4, but for unknown official reasons,it was later pulled from the script

The fourth Fast & Furious has shot out of the gates with a $72.5 million opening weekend payday. Movie-goers are checking out the new flick for the fast-paced action, the Vin Diesel and the cars, but one vehicle you won't see on the silver screen is the Hyundai Genesis Coupe. The all-new RWD Hyundai was originally slated to be featured in Fast & Furious 4, but for unknown official reasons, it was later pulled from the script. Last minute changes happen all the time in Hollywood, but Hyundai spokesman Miles Johnson thinks the competition may have helped keep the Genesis Coupe off the big screen, saying "another manufacturer blocked us." Johnson says the Genesis Coupe was even supposed to be included in the action-packed opening sequence.The news didn't set well with the Korean automaker, considering Hyundai prepped a red 2.0T SE Genesis Coupe especially for the movie. Johnson didn't hypothesize which automaker may have done the blocking, and since several makes and models made the final roster of FNF4, your guess is as good as ours. With the amazing success F&F4 is experiencing, though, we're guessing we'll have another chance to see a Genesis Coupe in the fifth installment.