As was speculated last year, the Genesis will undergo a freshening for the ’12 model year and will offer a new eight-speed transmission. Last time the spy network at Brenda Priddy & Co. set their crosshairs on the ’12 Genesis, engineers kept the shifter covered up. Today, the camouflage is off the shifter and exterior of the car.

Exterior updates will include a new lower front fascia as well as new trim pieces on the front and rear ends, according to Priddy. While this test car has plain-looking exhaust pipes, Priddy's team expects the final version to have a slightly tweaked lower fascia and some bright exhaust tips.

The big news is the all-new 5.0L V8 motor under the hood. Hyundai's powerful engine option won't be supercharged but naturally aspirated, as confirmed by Hyundai, and pump out 429 hp. The Korean automaker is anticipating a 2% increase in fuel economy as well as better acceleration and overall handling from the new V8.



Photo Credit: Brenda Priddy & Company

A rule issued in 2008 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate certain auto body refinishing operations took full effect on January 10, 2011. The rule targets metal compounds emitted as hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) during paint coating or stripping operations. The compounds include chromium, lead, manganese, nickel and cadmium.

The EPA rule establishes “best practices” (spray booth, spray gun cleaning, etc.) for minimizing HAP emissions during surface coating operations. All shops are effectively required to have a filtered spray booth or prep station and use high-volume, low-pressure (HVLP) or equivalent spray equipment. Owners and operators are required to provide training for their painters on how to properly spray surface coatings and clean equipment. 

Companies subject to the rule must send the EPA a one-time notification form stating that they are in compliance with the rule by March 11, 2011. Click here for the compliance form. (Companies were required to contact the EPA by January 11, 2010, informing the agency that they were subject to the standard. Click here for the initial notification form.

The regulation does not apply to paint stripping and surface coating performed by individuals as part of a hobby, or for maintenance of their personal vehicles so long as those activities do not exceed two motor vehicles (or the equivalent in pieces) per year.  Additionally, the rule does not apply to painting done with an airbrush or hand-held non-refillable aerosol cans. 

Click here for a summary of the rule. For additional information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

A rule issued in 2008 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate certain auto body refinishing operations took full effect on January 10, 2011. The rule targets metal compounds emitted as hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) during paint coating or stripping operations. The compounds include chromium, lead, manganese, nickel and cadmium.

The EPA rule establishes “best practices” (spray booth, spray gun cleaning, etc.) for minimizing HAP emissions during surface coating operations. All shops are effectively required to have a filtered spray booth or prep station and use high-volume, low-pressure (HVLP) or equivalent spray equipment. Owners and operators are required to provide training for their painters on how to properly spray surface coatings and clean equipment. 

Companies subject to the rule must send the EPA a one-time notification form stating that they are in compliance with the rule by March 11, 2011. Click here for the compliance form. (Companies were required to contact the EPA by January 11, 2010, informing the agency that they were subject to the standard. Click here for the initial notification form.

The regulation does not apply to paint stripping and surface coating performed by individuals as part of a hobby, or for maintenance of their personal vehicles so long as those activities do not exceed two motor vehicles (or the equivalent in pieces) per year.  Additionally, the rule does not apply to painting done with an airbrush or hand-held non-refillable aerosol cans. 

Click here for a summary of the rule. For additional information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

The Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services updated its “Handbook for Employers” (M-274) on how to complete I-9 forms when verifying the authorized work status of new hires. All U.S. employers are required to process I-9 forms. The updated instruction manual contains new information about electronic storage and retention of I-9 forms. It also has processing instructions for workers with complicated immigration status, such as H-1B or H-2A visas, or extended stays for employees with temporary employment authorization.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have increased the number of I-9 worksite inspections under the Obama Administration. In fiscal year 2010, ICE conducted 2,196 audits, collected $6.9 million in penalties and pursued 187 business owners for criminal complaints. The increased attention on I-9 compliance follows years of sporadic enforcement. While the goal is to prevent unauthorized workers from being hired, the government has been issuing fines for improperly completed forms, for example, failing to update the form for a name change. Employers must reverify the status of current workers as authorization documents expire, such as visas. However, forms do not need to be reverified for U.S. citizens and noncitizen nationals. For details, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.  

The Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services updated its “Handbook for Employers” (M-274) on how to complete I-9 forms when verifying the authorized work status of new hires. All U.S. employers are required to process I-9 forms. The updated instruction manual contains new information about electronic storage and retention of I-9 forms. It also has processing instructions for workers with complicated immigration status, such as H-1B or H-2A visas, or extended stays for employees with temporary employment authorization.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have increased the number of I-9 worksite inspections under the Obama Administration. In fiscal year 2010, ICE conducted 2,196 audits, collected $6.9 million in penalties and pursued 187 business owners for criminal complaints. The increased attention on I-9 compliance follows years of sporadic enforcement. While the goal is to prevent unauthorized workers from being hired, the government has been issuing fines for improperly completed forms, for example, failing to update the form for a name change. Employers must reverify the status of current workers as authorization documents expire, such as visas. However, forms do not need to be reverified for U.S. citizens and noncitizen nationals. For details, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.  

President Obama issued an Executive Order directing all federal agencies to review their regulations in an attempt to eliminate rules that hinder economic growth. In Congress, Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA), the new chairman of the House Oversight and Investigations Committee, has asked the business community, trade groups and research organizations to identify federal regulations that are restraining the nation’s economic recovery.

The President’s Executive Order reminds government agencies of their responsibility to take flexible approaches to rulemaking so as to impose the least burden necessary when achieving regulatory objectives. While many rules are required by law, the order notes that agencies usually have the ability to create alternative regulatory proposals for small versus large businesses based on differences in size and resources. There is no specific time table for agencies to review their current rules. The order is viewed as an effort to repair relations with the business community and a reminder to the agencies to strike the proper balance between protecting the public and not interfering with economic growth.

In the House, Chairman Issa observed that federal agencies circulated 43 “major” regulations in the last fiscal year, with a projected cost on business of $28 billion. The House Oversight Committee is expected to hold multiple hearings in the coming months to identify existing and proposed regulations that stifle the economy and job growth. For details, contact Dan Sadowski at dans@sema.org.

President Obama issued an Executive Order directing all federal agencies to review their regulations in an attempt to eliminate rules that hinder economic growth. In Congress, Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA), the new chairman of the House Oversight and Investigations Committee, has asked the business community, trade groups and research organizations to identify federal regulations that are restraining the nation’s economic recovery.

The President’s Executive Order reminds government agencies of their responsibility to take flexible approaches to rulemaking so as to impose the least burden necessary when achieving regulatory objectives. While many rules are required by law, the order notes that agencies usually have the ability to create alternative regulatory proposals for small versus large businesses based on differences in size and resources. There is no specific time table for agencies to review their current rules. The order is viewed as an effort to repair relations with the business community and a reminder to the agencies to strike the proper balance between protecting the public and not interfering with economic growth.

In the House, Chairman Issa observed that federal agencies circulated 43 “major” regulations in the last fiscal year, with a projected cost on business of $28 billion. The House Oversight Committee is expected to hold multiple hearings in the coming months to identify existing and proposed regulations that stifle the economy and job growth. For details, contact Dan Sadowski at dans@sema.org.

July 8, 2011, known as “Collector Car Appreciation Day,” will mark the second commemoration in what will become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.

SEMA and its Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) councils announced July 8, 2011, as “Collector Car Appreciation Day.” The date marks the second commemoration in what will become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. SEMA and its councils are now working to secure a congressional resolution to recognize the day’s significance.

“Last year, the United States Senate helped launch the first national Collector Car Appreciation Day by passing Senate Resolution 513 at our request,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “As a result, thousands of Americans gathered at car cruises, parades and other events to celebrate our nation’s automotive heritage. As we move forward, SEMA’s commitment to preserving and promoting the automotive restoration industry through its projects and programs is evident in this special day.”

S. Res. 513 was sponsored by Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus members Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) and Senator Richard Burr (R-NC). Senators Tester and Burr have been strong advocates for the automotive hobby in Washington, and the resolution reaffirmed their understanding of the cultural importance of collector cars. The caucus is an informal, non-partisan group that pays tribute to America’s ever-growing love affair with the car and motorsports. The caucus recognizes the integral role collector cars have played in fostering our nation’s appreciation for the automobile’s unique place in our history.

“On July 8, 2011, collectors and enthusiasts will host hundreds of events across the country,” said Laura Bergan, ARMO chairman. “We will proudly partner with individuals, car clubs and businesses as they organize car cruises, club gatherings and other educational events to celebrate the day.”

Rick Love, HRIA chairman-elect said, “The industry endeavors to preserve our nation’s automotive heritage while providing well-paying, high-skilled jobs nationwide. Collector Car Appreciation Day is a singular tribute to this industry and the millions of hobbyists it supports.”

SEMA will maintain a list of scheduled events to commemorate America’s time-tested love affair with the automobile. Individuals, car clubs and business owners interested in publicizing events should contact Mike Dingell, director, SEMA Action Network (SAN) at 202/783-6007 ext. 38 or miked@sema.org. If you are unable to celebrate on July 8, SEMA encourages events to be scheduled throughout the month of July.

July 8, 2011, known as “Collector Car Appreciation Day,” will mark the second commemoration in what will become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.

SEMA and its Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) councils announced July 8, 2011, as “Collector Car Appreciation Day.” The date marks the second commemoration in what will become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. SEMA and its councils are now working to secure a congressional resolution to recognize the day’s significance.

“Last year, the United States Senate helped launch the first national Collector Car Appreciation Day by passing Senate Resolution 513 at our request,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “As a result, thousands of Americans gathered at car cruises, parades and other events to celebrate our nation’s automotive heritage. As we move forward, SEMA’s commitment to preserving and promoting the automotive restoration industry through its projects and programs is evident in this special day.”

S. Res. 513 was sponsored by Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus members Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) and Senator Richard Burr (R-NC). Senators Tester and Burr have been strong advocates for the automotive hobby in Washington, and the resolution reaffirmed their understanding of the cultural importance of collector cars. The caucus is an informal, non-partisan group that pays tribute to America’s ever-growing love affair with the car and motorsports. The caucus recognizes the integral role collector cars have played in fostering our nation’s appreciation for the automobile’s unique place in our history.

“On July 8, 2011, collectors and enthusiasts will host hundreds of events across the country,” said Laura Bergan, ARMO chairman. “We will proudly partner with individuals, car clubs and businesses as they organize car cruises, club gatherings and other educational events to celebrate the day.”

Rick Love, HRIA chairman-elect said, “The industry endeavors to preserve our nation’s automotive heritage while providing well-paying, high-skilled jobs nationwide. Collector Car Appreciation Day is a singular tribute to this industry and the millions of hobbyists it supports.”

SEMA will maintain a list of scheduled events to commemorate America’s time-tested love affair with the automobile. Individuals, car clubs and business owners interested in publicizing events should contact Mike Dingell, director, SEMA Action Network (SAN) at 202/783-6007 ext. 38 or miked@sema.org. If you are unable to celebrate on July 8, SEMA encourages events to be scheduled throughout the month of July.

July 8, 2011, known as “Collector Car Appreciation Day,” will mark the second commemoration in what will become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.

SEMA and its Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) councils announced July 8, 2011, as “Collector Car Appreciation Day.” The date marks the second commemoration in what will become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. SEMA and its councils are now working to secure a congressional resolution to recognize the day’s significance.

“Last year, the United States Senate helped launch the first national Collector Car Appreciation Day by passing Senate Resolution 513 at our request,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “As a result, thousands of Americans gathered at car cruises, parades and other events to celebrate our nation’s automotive heritage. As we move forward, SEMA’s commitment to preserving and promoting the automotive restoration industry through its projects and programs is evident in this special day.”

S. Res. 513 was sponsored by Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus members Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) and Senator Richard Burr (R-NC). Senators Tester and Burr have been strong advocates for the automotive hobby in Washington, and the resolution reaffirmed their understanding of the cultural importance of collector cars. The caucus is an informal, non-partisan group that pays tribute to America’s ever-growing love affair with the car and motorsports. The caucus recognizes the integral role collector cars have played in fostering our nation’s appreciation for the automobile’s unique place in our history.

“On July 8, 2011, collectors and enthusiasts will host hundreds of events across the country,” said Laura Bergan, ARMO chairman. “We will proudly partner with individuals, car clubs and businesses as they organize car cruises, club gatherings and other educational events to celebrate the day.”

Rick Love, HRIA chairman-elect said, “The industry endeavors to preserve our nation’s automotive heritage while providing well-paying, high-skilled jobs nationwide. Collector Car Appreciation Day is a singular tribute to this industry and the millions of hobbyists it supports.”

SEMA will maintain a list of scheduled events to commemorate America’s time-tested love affair with the automobile. Individuals, car clubs and business owners interested in publicizing events should contact Mike Dingell, director, SEMA Action Network (SAN) at 202/783-6007 ext. 38 or miked@sema.org. If you are unable to celebrate on July 8, SEMA encourages events to be scheduled throughout the month of July.