Geneva 2008 Preview: Hyundai HED-5 Concept

Hyundai has announced its lineup for the Geneva Show. The most important vehicle is the HED-5 concept, an MPV with good fuel economy, which seats for six (from Recaro).

The automaker will also unveil the restyled version of the Euro-market Matrix MPV and debut a new equipment package designed to cut vehicle emissions by up to 29% and encourage increased fuel economy. Not much details about the system but it seems like the Efficient Dynamics used by BMW.

Officially Unveiled: 2009 Pontiac Vibe

After the dropping of the Corolla and Matrix, it's time for new Vibe, their Pontiac badged sibling. The Pontiac Vibe has been producing since 2003.

We got our first official shot about a monthe ago. So there isn't any surprise. The five-door hatchback layout is preserved. The new Vibe comes in Base, AWD and GT trim levels. The base starts with a 132 hp 1.8L four with a 158 hp. The 2.4L is optional. The AWD and GT models use the bigger engine exclusively. A five-speed manual is standard equipment with either engine, and an automatic transmission is available as an option.

Gallery: 2009 Pontiac Vibe

What's Hot?

This week was a rush for auto freaks. There were lots of debuts and important auto shows. Toyota has unveiled its bestseller Corolla and its sibling Matrix. Also Nissan revealed the technical details of its highly anticipated GT-R.

• SEMA 2007: 2009 Toyota Corolla Debuts
• SEMA 2007: 2009 Toyota Matrix Unveiled
• Nissan GT-R Technical Details
• Hyundai i10 Unveiled In India
• Chrysler Announces New Manufacturing Cuts: PT Convertible, Magnum, Crossfire and Pacifica
  

SEMA 2007: 2009 Toyota Matrix Unveiled

Along with the new 2009 Corolla, Toyota unveiled its closest sibling, the 2009 Corolla Matrix at the 2007 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Toyota's sport inspired vehicle comes with either a 1.8L four-cylinder producing 132 HP or a 2.4L four generating 158 HP, both of which are shared with the Corolla sedan. Trim levels for the Matrix are the Standard, S and XRS. Both engines are available with any trim level, and are matched with either a five-speed manual or four-speed auto with the 1.8L engine and five-speed auto with the 2.4L engine.

Gallery: 2009 Toyota Matrix

Officially Unveiled: 2009 Pontiac Vibe GT

GM has revealed the first official picture of the 2009 Pontiac Vibe. With the new Vibe GT trim level makes its return. There aren't any more info. GM has published a ultra-brief press release, which doesn't include any tech specs.

The 2009 Vibe will be officially unveiled at the LA Auto Show, and the GT will be joined by an AWD model as well. The car will be on sale early 2008. The Vibe's mechanical sibling, the Toyota Matrix, will debut at SEMA later this month.

PRESS RELEASE

2009 Pontiac VibeAll-new, but still retaining the original's blend of style performance and versatility, the 2009 Pontiac Vibe also signals the return of the popular all-wheel drive and performance-oriented GT models. The 2009 Vibe will make its public debut at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show and will be available at Pontiac dealerships in early 2008.

First Look: 2009 Toyota Matrix

SEMA 2008 coincides with Halloween this year and Toyota will use the show as a backdrop for the intros of the all-new Corolla and Matrix. Last week the automaker revealed the first teaser image of the all-new Matrix, all dressed up in its Halloween costume.

We'll all see what's under the sheet next month.