Hyundai has provided valuable insight into what we can expect from its newly-formed Genesis sub-brand.

Genesis will be formally launched at next year’s Detroit Motor Show with the unveiling of the 2017 G90 (pictured), a full-size sedan designed to replace the aging Hyundai Equus. Positioned at the very top of the lineup, the G90 will usher in the Athletic Elegance design language that will influence every single car the company will introduce in the coming years.

The G90 will be the first of six brand new models designed with an unabashed focus on luxury. The lineup will include a big crossover aimed at the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class and the BMW X5, a coupe that will replace the existing Genesis coupe, and, surprisingly, an entry-level sedan that will fight head-to-head against the 3 Series and the C-Class. The sedan is expected to quickly spawn a crossover, though Dave Zuchowski, the CEO of Hyundai Motor America, suggested that a body-on-frame Genesis crossover isn’t in the works.

Every member of the Genesis lineup will ride on a purpose-built platform and use brand-specific engines, meaning they won’t simply be regular-production Hyundais spruced up with bigger rims, more chrome, and a cow-lined cabin.

Speaking in an interview with Ward’s Auto, Zuchowski revealed that Hyundai will hand-pick which North American dealers will get to sell Genesis models. Currently, 411 of Hyundai’s 834 United States dealers are authorized to sell the Equus.

Kia has published the first official images of the all-new 2017 Cadenza. Positioned between the Optima and the range-topping K900, the new Cadenza is tentatively scheduled to make its public debut in January at the Detroit Motor Show.

The images confirm the second-generation Cadenza looks much sharper than the current model. Up front, it receives a more angular rendition of Kia’s trademarked tiger nose grille, a sculpted bumper with quad LED fog lights, and a thin piece of chrome trim that connects the headlights. The pictures show the South Korean-spec model (which is called K7 locally), but the U.S.-spec version is expected to be nearly identical.

Earlier teaser setches suggest the cabin will be fitted with a three-spoke steering wheel and a large touch screen, while high-zoot trim levels will get wood trim on the dashboard and on the door panels. Kia is trying to move its models up a notch on the market, so the new Cadenza should feel markedly more upscale than the outgoing model.

The “3.3″ emblem on the trunk lid indicates the Cadenza is powered by 3.3-liter V6 engine tuned to make at least 293 horsepower and 255 lb-ft. of torque. Rumors claim Kia will also offer the Cadenza with a 2.0-liter turbo four, but official technical details won’t be published until the sedan is officially unveiled.

Stay tuned, the next Kia Cadenza will be fully introduced online in the coming weeks.

Rezvani has introduced yet another variant of its Ariel Atom-based Beast roadster, outfitting the ‘X’ package with a 700-horsepower engine tune.

The new flagship edition starts with the same Honda-sourced 2.4-liter engine as the Atom 3, where it delivers 230 horsepower in naturally-aspirated form. Adding dual Borg Warner turbos, forged pistons and valves, and strengthened engine internals effectively triples output.

The Atom 3 starts at a featherweight 1,350 pounds. The basic Beast’s carbon-fiber bodywork adds a few hundred more, while the X engine upgrades bring the final curb weight up to just 1,850 pounds. The ultimate Beast also brings a few aerodynamic tweaks and a split rear wing to help improve downforce.

Rezvani claims the Beast X can launch to 60 mph from a standstill in just 2.5 seconds — a full second quicker than the entry-level Beast Speedster, and 0.2 seconds under the 500-pony Beast.

The company only plans to build five examples of the Beast X, each carrying a $325,000 price tag. Prospective buyers could purchase five Atom 3′s for the same price, or a single 730-horsepower Ferrari F12berlinetta.

General Motors has revealed the Verano hatchback at an event in Guangzhou, China.

The official debut further confirms that the new five-door Buick is a simple rebadge of the 2016 Opel Astra, to be sold exclusively in China. Both share the same body styling, inspired by sport sedans.

The Buick-badged adaptation has received a new waterfall grille with a piano black finish, along with the brand’s latest tri-shield insignia, however the rest of the vehicle exterior remains essentially unchanged.

Buyers will be able to pick from two different packages, starting with a basic model powered by a 1.5-liter SIDI engine with 117 horsepower and 108 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed dual-clutch gearbox is the only choice.

An uprated ‘GS’ trim features a bolder paint scheme with red trim elements, while a more powerful 1.5-liter turbocharged mill delivers 166 ponies and 184 lb-ft of twist. The engine is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, enabling the hatchback to accelerate to 62 mph in 8.8 seconds.

“The Buick Verano Hatchback and Verano GS, together with the new-generation Buick Verano sport sedan launched earlier this year and the all-new Buick Excelle GT, will strengthen Buick’s presence in China’s premium mid-range passenger car segment,” the company said in a statement.

Organized workers at Ford and General Motors have ratified respective new contracts, putting an end to the protracted negotiation process for the big three US automakers.

The renewed deal with Ford passed by a narrow margin, receiving approval from 51.4 percent of workers in a late-Friday vote.

“Our UAW members have ratified the national agreement after a long process and much debate,” said UAW president Dennis Williams in an announcement for the Ford deal. “The voice of the majority has secured a strong future that will provide job security and economic stability for themselves and their families.”

he GM agreement was met with slightly more support from 55.4 percent of UAW employees. The negotiations had hit a snag due to disagreements with skilled-trades workers, despite previously receiving support from the broader UAW-GM membership.

“Following discussions with GM, the parties agreed to changes that protect core trades classifications and seniority rights,” the UAW noted.

In the separate and unique contracts with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Ford and GM, the UAW is believed to have focused on minimizing the pay disparity between two-tier workers. In some cases, the parties also agreed to compromises for production shifts, allowing some nameplates to move to Mexico factories in return for a commitment to expand and refocus truck and SUV production in the US.

A new report coming out of England indicates the next Volkswagen Phaeton will launch with a battery-powered drivetrain.

The Wolfsburg-based firm’s biggest sedan will use an evolution of the all-electric drivetrain inaugurated earlier this year at the Frankfurt Motor Show by Audi’s e-tron quattro concept. The setup will likely consist of a potent battery pack located right under the passenger compartment, an electric motor on the front axle, and two additional motors out back. All told, the Phaeton will offer roughly 425 horsepower and 600 lb-ft. of instant torque.

It stands to reason the Phaeton will benefit from the same wireless charging technology as the production version of the e-tron quattro concept. Range is expected to check it at over 300 miles, but the final figure will vary depending on how fast battery technology advances over the next couple of years.

The Phaeton will be available with all of the bells and whistles buyers expect from a full-size luxury sedan. Fully-loaded models will boast advanced connectivity features such as a gesture-controlled infotainment system, and a long list of electronic driving aids including self-driving technology.

Volkswagen executives confirmed to British magazine Autocar that the Phaeton has been delayed for cost reasons. The flagship sedan is tentatively scheduled to arrive towards the end of the decade, though a more specific launch date isn’t available yet. Similarly, it’s too early to tell if Volkswagen will offer the Phaeton with gasoline- and diesel-burning engines.

Note: Chinese-spec 2016 Phaeton pictured.