Hyundai hires Albert Biermann of BMW

tla · **December 23, 2014, 04:11:48**

Quote

The former vice president of engineering at BMW's M performance car division, Biermann will be based at the Hyundai's R&D centre in Namyang, Korea, where he will oversee a range of engineering projects relating to ride and handling, safety, reliability and NVH (noise, vibration, harshness).

In his new role at Hyundai, the 57-year-old German is planned to spearhead the development of a new line of high performance, as well as provide input to help improve the dynamic capabilities of cars across the Hyundai and Kia line-ups.

Will be interesting to see the models produced by Hy and Kia in the coming years.

The Gonz · **Reply #1: December 23, 2014, 04:31:28**

I've always considered the i30 a more spacious and better looking 130i. I look forward to future outcomes as well.

beerman · **Reply #2: December 23, 2014, 05:38:04**

First easy step: Tyres.

The Gonz · **Reply #3: December 23, 2014, 05:57:39**

Not sure about easy (to resolve) but

Dazzler · **Reply #4: December 23, 2014, 06:10:45**

Has to be a positive step.

diablo · **Reply #5: December 23, 2014, 06:13:22**

Being a BMW man he'll probably make all the cars rear wheel drive.

The Gonz · **Reply #6: December 23, 2014, 06:17:16**

Is RWD really necessary in this day and age? More exciting is to match RWD with mid-engine!

Phil №❶ · **Reply #7: December 23, 2014, 07:18:55**

AWD with soundproofing, please.

AlanHo · **Reply #8: December 23, 2014, 07:22:53**

Quote from: diablo on December 23, 2014, 06:13:22

Being a BMW man he'll probably make all the cars rear wheel drive.

Spoken a tad too soon......

FWD BMW 1-series scooped | Autocar

BMW Plans At Least 5 Front-Wheel Drive Models

New 2018 BMW 1 Series to go front-wheel drive | Auto Express

tohis · **Reply #9: December 23, 2014, 07:30:49**

I hope Mr. Biermann will teach Hyundai how to make accurate and responsive steering, and how important it is for demanding European customers. However, I hope he doesn't import Bimmer's reliability...

Doggie 1 · **Reply #10: December 23, 2014, 07:58:31**

Quote from: Phil №❶ on December 23, 2014, 07:18:55

AWD with soundproofing, please.

+ Steering.

Shambles · **Reply #11: December 23, 2014, 08:54:11**

.. and a more prominent indicator stalk, to help drivers find it

cruiserfied · **Reply #12: December 23, 2014, 08:58:17**

Gee guys. Why not just go buy a BMW?

Doggie 1 · **Reply #13: December 23, 2014, 09:06:34**

AWD is just a dream - it would push the price up too high for its class, although having driven Subarus and experienced their inherent balance, they really are a good thing.
But IMO Hyundai needs to attend to a few basics.
I love the cars and the value for money.
But soundproofing, carpet quality and steering issues do need to be addressed if Hyundai intends to be at the forefront.
If I could fix those issues on my car I'd be a very happy camper.

Just Rick · **Reply #14: December 23, 2014, 10:11:10**

Quote from: Shambles on December 23, 2014, 08:54:11

.. and a more prominent indicator stalk, to help drivers find it

I've never had a problem with finding MY stalk

AlanHo · **Reply #15: December 23, 2014, 11:33:51**

Quote from: Just Rick on December 23, 2014, 10:11:10

I've never had a problem with finding MY stalk

A magnifying glass and tweezers come in handy don't they...............

Asterix · **Reply #16: December 23, 2014, 13:54:38**

Quote from: Doggie 1 on December 23, 2014, 09:06:34

But IMO Hyundai needs to attend to a few basics.
I love the cars and the value for money.
But soundproofing, carpet quality and steering issues do need to be addressed if Hyundai intends to be at the forefront.
If I could fix those issues on my car I'd be a very happy camper.

Every time you read a review of a Hyundai they mention the sloppy steering at straight-ahead postion and it's definitely noticeable in my FD. When other manufactures can make it right, why can't Hyundai..

Will be interesting to see if the 2015 facelift i30 have had the soundproofing improved.

Asterix · **Reply #17: December 23, 2014, 13:56:24**

Quote from: cruiserfied on December 23, 2014, 08:58:17

Gee guys. Why not just go buy a BMW?

Too expensive...

Dazzler · **Reply #18: December 23, 2014, 20:21:43**

Quote from: Asterix on December 23, 2014, 13:54:38

Quote from: Doggie 1 on December 23, 2014, 09:06:34
But IMO Hyundai needs to attend to a few basics.
I love the cars and the value for money.
But soundproofing, carpet quality and steering issues do need to be addressed if Hyundai intends to be at the forefront.
If I could fix those issues on my car I'd be a very happy camper.

Every time you read a review of a Hyundai they mention the sloppy steering at straight-ahead postion and it's definitely noticeable in my FD. When other manufactures can make it right, why can't Hyundai..

Will be interesting to see if the 2015 facelift i30 have had the soundproofing improved.

Interestingly the steering in Trish's MY11 CW and 2014 Tourer were/are pretty good!

The Gonz · **Reply #19: December 23, 2014, 20:34:40**

Best steering I've had in a car yet.

Phil №❶ · **Reply #20: December 23, 2014, 22:00:57**

Surferdude · **Reply #21: December 23, 2014, 22:49:20**

I'm with Dazz, Gonz and Phil.
Came out of two Subarus in a row. Liberty and Impreza. Great steering feel and great balance on the road.
But my i30's steering feels no different.
It's precise on winding roads and easy to control on straight highway driving.
I have no problems with it at all.

Doggie 1 · **Reply #22: December 23, 2014, 23:42:18**

The steering issues I speak of are the known EPS problems, which on my car are unfortunately intermittent.

beerman · **Reply #23: December 24, 2014, 05:22:41**

Quote from: cruiserfied on December 23, 2014, 08:58:17

Gee guys. Why not just go buy a BMW?

The warranty is 3 years....

I would hate awd, bad for economy, and somewhat redundant with stability control imo.

The Gonz · **Reply #24: December 24, 2014, 05:24:21**

Good points, Beerman, or is that Biermann?

beerman · **Reply #25: December 24, 2014, 05:39:17**

Stein

cruiserfied · **Reply #26: December 24, 2014, 07:39:37**

Quote from: cruiserfied on December 23, 2014, 08:58:17

Gee guys. Why not just go buy a BMW?

Just to be clear I was being a dick because of all the whinging about Hyundai's.
In no way would I ever recommend buying a BMW.

The Gonz · **Reply #27: December 24, 2014, 10:59:28**

Quote from: cruiserfied on December 24, 2014, 07:39:37

Quote from: cruiserfied on December 23, 2014, 08:58:17
Gee guys. Why not just go buy a BMW?

Just to be clear I was being a dick because of all the whinging about Hyundai's.
In no way would I ever recommend buying a BMW.

I think we all read you right, mate.

cruiserfied · **Reply #28: December 24, 2014, 11:58:56**

Just making sure