 The Hyundai Veracruz is a 7-passenger crossover sport utility vehicle offered in GLS and Limited editions. Introduced for the 2007 model year, the new model reflects many updates for a vehicle that compares favorably with its American and Asian competitors. The 2012 Hyundai Veracruz GLS is priced from $28,345, and here are 10 reasons that we at Planet Hyundai think the Veracruz is a great value.
1. UV windows help to deflect harmful sun rays, keeping the cabin of the Hyundai Veracruz cooler on even the hottest days. This feature benefits your climate control system as well, since it isn’t taxed as it attempts to regulate cabin temperature.
2. The front suspension makes use of MacPherson struts that includes coil springs, gas-charged shocks and a stabilizer bar. The rear suspension, on the other hand, features an independent multi-link design.
3. Thanks to its 3.8-liter V6 engine, the 2012 Veracruz has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.
4. A power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel is included with the Limited edition. The wheel can be easily moved into place once you are behind the wheel of your SUV.
5. Heated front seats are optional in GLS and standard in the Limited. Heated rear seats are also included with the Limited, but not available with the GLS.
6. Windshield wiper de-icers are optional with the GLS and standard with the Limited edition. When you press the de-icer button, you can clear off your windshield in almost no time at all.
7. The Limited offers a 115-volt power outlet that provides sufficient energy to run a laptop or to power a tool.
8. The GLS Premium Package for FWD ($2,200) provides such upgrades as a sunroof, power tailgate, heated front seats, and a windshield wiper deicer. A similar GLS Premium Package for AWD ($1,950) offers almost the same benefits, besides the heated seats.
9. Optional carpeted floor mats are color-matched with the interior and are designed to preserve the original carpeting.
10. The available roof rail cross rails can be adjusted for multiple purposes. Of durable construction, these rails can be factory ordered or dealer installed.
 Everyone at Planet Hyundai wishes they could make it to these amazing destinations. Be sure to put them on your bucket list!
Known to most people as Angel Falls, the Venezuelan waterfall was officially reaffirmed Kerepakupai-merú (“the fall from the highest point”) by President Hugo Chavez. At 3,212 feet, it is easily the tallest of the world’s waterfalls. Journeying to the site can be a memorable adventure in itself. Tucked away in a jungle setting, the area can only be reached by plane. Interestingly, it was named for aviator Jimmy Angel, who flew over the falls.
Zimbabwe natives call their spectacular Victoria Falls Mosi-oa-Tunya (“The Smoke that Thunders”). At full flood stage, the falls spread a curtain of water over a mile in width; at other stages, the falls divide into four channels. One can only wonder at the emotional impact when the famous Dr. David Livingstone first saw the falls. The only island accessible in the middle of the falls is named for him. Victoria is the only waterfall to be considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
An easy rival to impressive Victoria Falls is Niagara Falls, a top tourist attraction spread between Ontario and New York. Three distinct parts make up Niagara Falls – Horseshoe, American and Bridal Veil Falls. Of the 12 million annual visitors (2011), a good number are honeymooners, no doubt seeking a spectacular destination from which to launch their futures. Visit the falls on foot, by boat, or in a helicopter, but leave the “barrel ride” for foolhardy individuals with a death wish!
Some have pegged Gullfoss (Golden Falls) in Iceland one of the world’s prettiest sightseeing waterfalls. The broad waterfall tumbles through the Hvítá (White) River. Catch the waterfall at the right time in the right weather, and you will be treated to rainbows over the falls. You may also want to visit the nearby Geysir.
Undoubtedly one of Guyana’s supreme natural wonders, Kaieteur Falls is one of the deepest in the Americas. The falls single drop measures 741 feet, making it approximately five times taller than Niagara. Set in the Guyana rainforest, Kaieteur is void of civilization, save for a few signs warning to stay back from the falls’ edge – a lush natural setting that is virtually the opposite of commercialized Niagara Falls.
 Don’t forget! Planet Hyundai is hosting a new owner car care clinic, and it’s coming up on May 19 from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. (changed from the previous date of April 21). Clinics like this one are an opportunity for all of us here at Planet Hyundai to help new owners understand the ins and outs of their new cars, and to give customers every opportunity to learn more about the Hyundai brand.
There will be a free multi-point inspection and an estimate of any repairs you might need. This includes a free inspection of your car’s brakes, belts, hoses, and a basic engine light inspection.
The clinic is FREE to all Planet Hyundai customers from either Planet Hyundai location. It will be held at the Planet Centennial Store. We hope to see you there!
 When you add a mashed, very ripe banana to your favorite pancake recipe, slather on plenty of toasted pecan sweet butter, and top with banana syrup, we at Planet Hyundai guarantee you are on your way to a brunch or breakfast treat that borders on the fantastic.
Make the toasted pecan sweet butter ahead of time. It will keep in the refrigerator for as long as it lasts, but be warned, it is delicious on toast, waffles, and a wonderful refrigerator staple that perks up anything that benefits from the addition of toasted pecans and chocolate.
To help create your own nut butters, Cooking Light offers this nut butter primer filled with suggestions for making and using nut butters to perfection.
Banana Pancakes with Toasted Pecan Sweet Butter
Toasted Pecan Sweet Butter
Serving Size: 3 cups
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
2 cups pecans
About 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted.
½ cup good quality cocoa powder
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
1/8 tsp salt
1. Toast pecans in preheated 350-degree oven for about 5 minutes. This step is important; it accents the pecan flavor.
2. When pecans have cooled, place all the ingredients in a food processor and blend until pecans release their oils and the mixture takes on the consistency of peanut butter. Taste and adjust sugar.
Banana Pancakes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
½ cup white wheat flour
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp. sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. salt
1 large egg
1 cup milk
2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
1 large ripe banana, mashed
Directions:
1. In large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients
2. In a smaller bowl, mix remaining ingredients.
3. Use a wooden spoon to mix steps 1 and 2, just until lumps are gone.
4. Heat griddle until a few drops of water will dance across the surface.
5. Oil the griddle.
6. Use a ¼ cup measure to drop pancakes onto heated griddle
7. Bake until bubbles appear on top and edges are golden brown.
8. Flip pancakes, wait abut 2 minutes, and remove from griddle.
Banana Syrup:
1 cup bananas
¾ cup sugar
1/3 cup water
Directions:
1. Over medium heat, cook all the ingredients until you have a thick syrup. When the syrup is cooled, puree in food processor. This can also be made ahead but should be served warm along with the hot pancakes.
To serve:
Stack pancakes about 3 cakes high, interspaced with toasted pecan sweet butter, and top with banana syrup and a few banana slices.
To offset the sweetness and complete the meal, prepare generous rashers of thick-sliced bacon sprinkled with coarsely ground black pepper just before it is baked in the oven.
 Even with relatively average mileage, it can be hard work to keep your car in tip-top condition. Dirt and grit from the road can easily damage your paint work, and your tires and hubcaps are equally vulnerable from curbs and other obstacles. While tires and hubcaps can, at least, be replaced, you should still aim to keep them in the best condition possible. Dirty, damaged, or worn tires and hubcaps can really spoil the overall look of your car. The good news is that there are various things that you can do to keep them looking new.
You can easily look after your hubcaps with relatively low amounts of maintenance. When cleaning your car or completing other forms of general maintenance, don’t forget to include your hubcaps. Lost hubcaps are still surprisingly common, and even if you are fortunate enough to spot one fly off on the highway, the chances are that when you find it, it will be damaged. Check any clips or bolts that are used to keep the cap in place on your car on a regular basis, and particularly if you are about to drive a long distance. Some clips also work more effectively if the area that they come into contact with is sanded down slightly.
Hubcaps sometimes come loose when new tires are fitted, thanks to excess lubricant. Ensure that this is wiped off after a tire change so that the cap is snug and tight. Ask your local dealer for any specific advice related to your make and model of car.
You should also aim to keep your hubcaps as clean as possible. Brake dust quickly builds up as you drive your car, and if you don’t remove it quickly and on a regular basis, it can do permanent damage to the caps. You can buy specialty cleaners for hubcaps. Check your car’s owner’s manual or talk to your dealership about the right cleaner for your hubcaps. According to whether they are made of plastic, chrome, or aluminum, different types of product are required. A simple solution of baking soda and clean warm water applied with a clean, soft sponge or brush can also work wonders. Regular, light cleaning should keep the caps in great condition and remove the need for more intensive chemical cleaning.
Aluminum and chrome hubcaps look great when they are polished, too. Ensure that they are completely clean and that all dirt and debris has been removed before you use a polish. Again, there are a number of different specialty polishes on the market, but you can also use some mild household cleaners. Always check with your local dealer before using a product to ensure that it is suitable.
There are various waxes that you can apply to your hubcaps which provide protection against everyday dirt and grit while on the road. Waxes can be used on your wheels and some types of hubcap to seal in the surface and make them easier to keep clean. If you use a wheel wax, then you should only need to use warm water to keep the wheels clean.
It’s also important to keep your tires clean and to wash them as regularly as the rest of the car. You should always start with the tires before any other part of the car, as they tend to throw up spray and dirt that may cover an otherwise clean panel. Use warm soapy water and a stiff brush to remove particles of mud and dirt that are ground into the tread. You will need to move the car partway through cleaning as there will always be part of the tire that is inaccessible. Ensure that you wash the car on a clean driveway or other surface that you have swept first to remove dirt and debris.
Tire dressings can improve the look of older tires and are frequently used by car dealerships to give second-hand cars a bit of extra dazzle. Tire dressings are best applied in multiple, thin coats. It is important to ensure that each coat dries before applying the next—and certainly before driving the car again.
Spending time and money on products to look after your tires and hubcaps may seem like an unnecessary expense, but by improving the overall look of the wheels, you can greatly enhance your car’s aesthetics. When undertaken regularly, this kind of maintenance actually requires very little effort—and your car will look so much better for it. For all other car maintenance, be sure to stop by the Planet Hyundai service department. Our certified technicians are her to give you a worry-free experience that will get you back on the road as soon as possible! Make an appointment online today!
 Q. What would happen if I never changed the oil in my car but I kept adding fresh oil?
A. If you never changed the oil, but just kept adding fresh oil, you’d eventually be in the market for a new car. Old oil doesn’t just go away. It doesn’t evaporate or somehow work itself out of your engine. Old oil gets nasty. Really nasty. So nasty in fact that it used to be called The Black Death and it’s just about as much fun as its namesake.
Today, it’s more commonly referred to as sludge, and it can be an engine killer. Oil not only lubricates your engine, but it cleans as it goes, just like mop water gets dirtier and dirtier the more you mop. Also, oil breaks down over time. Old, over-used oil oxidizes and creates a sludgy, dark mess. This gums up the works, literally. It’s a bit like plaque in your arteries and the results are pretty much the same. Less oil circulates and the oil that does is less efficient. The car will get sluggish and eventually just completely poop out.
Adding new oil might stave off the inevitable for little while, but the sludge will still be there. You also run the risk of adding too much oil, which can do serious damage to your engine.
Oil changes are inexpensive and one of the best ways you can care for your car. Help fight the Black Death – get an oil change! We at Planet Hyundai specialize in quick, hassle-free service, so give us a call at (702) 938-1400 or (702) 483-2200 today!
 Nevada’s Humboldt River empties into an underground aquifer and has no outlet to the ocean. How interesting! Just something to think about as you’re traveling through Nevada next spring. Here are some places you may want to visit and things you may want to do while you’re there, courtesy of Planet Hyundai.
Outdoor Activities
The best time for outdoor activities in most of Nevada is the spring. Here are some popular Silver State activities.
Running
Whether you do interval training, hill training or just running for fun, you’re likely to find a race in Southern Nevada to fit your level of fitness and mode of training. The spring running season kicks off in earnest with the Red Rock Marathon and Half Marathon in early March. March continues with the Six Tunnels Half Marathon in Boulder City; the Laughlin Half Marathon at the end of March; the Summerlin Half Marathon in early April; and the Labor of Love 100M, 50M, 50K, Marathon and Half Marathon also in April. In between there are numerous shorter distance races, including 5ks and 10ks.
Triathlons
Although the Lake Mead water temperature still hovers around 60 degrees in late March and early April, the outside temperature is perfect for outdoor athletes. So put on a wetsuit and start triathloning. The Showdown at Sundown gets the early season going at the end of March– it’s the first of seven events that take place between the end of March and end of May. So whether you wish to participate, volunteer or observe, there are plenty of opportunities in Nevada.
Biking
Spring is a great time for taking a spin on your bike. Competitive bikers can sign up for one of the area’s many races; bikers who do it for fun and exercise can take advantage of Nevada’s great cycling areas. Road bikers can enjoy the scenery with a trek around the 35-mile River Mountain Trail, featuring the Three Sisters climb between the Lake Mead National Recreation Area and Boulder Highway. Mountain bikers also flock to Bootleg Canyon in Boulder City, one of the best mountain biking parks in the Western United States.
Hiking
There is plenty of hiking in Nevada, and if you’re in Southern Nevada during the spring, all the better because it’s too hot in the summer. Popular locations include Mt. Charleston– the elevation is high enough to hike in summer as well, but late spring is better; Lake Mead Recreation Area– don’t wait until summer to hike here, it’s just too hot; Red Rock Canyon– several hikes along the 13-mile Red Rock Scenic Loop make for several days of fun; and the Valley of Fire– the White Domes are a must.
Skiing
There’s more to Nevada than Southern Nevada. There’s Tahoe and skiing. It’s not uncommon to enjoy a run down the slopes as late as the end of April. There’s also more to do in Tahoe than skiing. There’s golfing, hiking and plenty of other outdoorsy activities to try.
There you go. There are things to do in Nevada that don’t involve gambling after all!
Posted in Travel
|
Tagged nevada, Spring, Travel
|
The Hyundai Azera is a large sedan, situated between the popular midsize Sonata sedan and the premium Genesis sedan in Hyundai’s expansive new car lineup. The 2012 Hyundai Azera has a fresh new design. Combining the Sonata’s fluidic design with the Genesis’s elegance, the Azera has become a full-size sedan that is surprisingly affordable and well-appointed.
Body Structure
The Hyundai Azera features the brand’s trademark chrome grille, high intensity wrap-around headlamps, and a creased hood. The Azera borrows the Sonata’s sculptured body design and adds some notable embellishments including high-arched wheel wells and a long, flowing profile. A stylish third window leads to a swooping rear pillar that ends in a raised rear deck lid with wrap-around tail lamps.
Standard with the Azera are color keyed side mirrors, chrome-tipped dual exhaust, and 18-inch hypersilver alloy wheels set within all-season performance tires. Optionally, 19-inch wheels are also available.
Engine and Transmission
The 2012 Hyundai Azera is powered by a 3.3-liter V-6 engine that delivers 293 horsepower. This engine has class-leading horsepower with no sacrifice to fuel economy. Paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, the Hyundai Azera is EPA rated at 20 mpg city, 29 mpg highway. An 18.5 gallon fuel tank provides a maximum cruising range of well over 500 miles.
Cabin Features
The Azera’s cabin is bright and expansive, replete with leather and soft touch materials. A flow-through center fascia and instrument panel, blending traditional oval analog displays and contemporary digital read-outs, is standard. The center console features an available navigation system with a 7-inch screen, flanked by a pair of climate control vents and located directly above the optional premium audio system. Storage compartments and cup holders are also included.
A Dimension AM/FM/SiriusXM/CD/MP3 audio system with seven speakers and iPod®/USB/auxiliary input jacks is standard. Optionally, an Infinity 550-watt Logic 7 audio system with 12 speakers, including an eight-inch subwoofer and external amplifier, is available. A SiriusXM Satellite Radio interface is also integrated into the head unit and features channel logos and XM data services including XM Sports Ticker. This model also offers standard HD Radio technology.
The Azera features best-in-class front head and legroom and offers a 10-way driver and 8-way front passenger adjustable seats. The driver’s seat offers a cushion extension for added leg support. Perforated leather seats are standard throughout the Azera’s cabin. Optional ventilated front seats and fans located in the front seat back and bottom cushions help to circulate air. Heated front and rear seats are standard and second row air vents are also standard.
Standard features found in every Azera model include dual zone climate control, cooled glove box, dual front console cup holders, bottle holders in all four doors, and Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity.
Hyundai Blue Link telematics is included and offers a 90-day complimentary trial period. Buttons located on the rearview mirror provide access to Blue Link, which is available in three package levels.
Safety Features
The Hyundai Azera comes equipped with the latest and most modern safety equipment. Most notably is its seat safety system that eliminates the need for active head restraints. Hyundai designed this system to reduce head and neck injuries by 17 percent and provide superior protection for occupants. A vehicle stability management system, which manages electronic stability control and the motor-driven electric power steering, is standard. Four-wheel anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control, brake assist, and electronic brake-force distribution are also part of the Azera’s VSM system. Nine airbags are standard and include a driver’s knee airbag and a side curtain airbag system.
Hyundai Warranties
Hyundai Assurance offers the most comprehensive warranty coverage in the industry. This warranty provides 10-year or 100,000 mile powertrain protection, a 5-year or 60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty, a 7-year, unlimited miles anti-perforation warranty and a 12-month or 12,000-mile replacement parts and accessories limited warranty. Roadside assistance and federal emissions defect protection are also included. Come see Planet Hyundai Sahara and Centennial for service information, extended warranties and related accessories for your Azera.
 Many different recipes exist for St. Patrick’s Day cupcakes. This simple recipe utilizes pistachio pudding mix to give the cupcakes a pretty pastel color and a mild flavor, and handcrafted gummy shamrocks made from green gumdrops top off these festive treats. In addition to the ingredients listed below, you’ll need a rolling pin and a small heart-shaped cookie cutter (about 1 ½ inches across) to craft the green shamrocks. Whether it’s your turn to make the class party treat or contribute to the holiday bake sale, or if you just want to make something fun for your family to enjoy at home, these St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock cupcakes are sure to delight.
The directions for this recipe for St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock Cupcakes are presented in three parts below. You’ll have time to prepare the cream cheese frosting and shamrocks while your cupcakes are baking or cooling. This recipe makes one dozen cupcakes, but you can easily double or even triple your ingredients to make more of these fun, festive goodies.
St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock Cupcakes
Total prep time: 1 hour, plus cooling
Active time: 40 minutes
Inactive time: 20 minutes, plus cooling
Yield or number served: 12 cupcakes
Ingredients
For cupcakes:
1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup sugar
1 (3.4-ounce) package instant pistachio pudding mix
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 ¼ cup 2% milk
1 cup plus 3 tablespoons canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For cream cheese frosting and shamrocks:
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
¼ cup butter, softened
1 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Green food coloring, optional
Green gumdrops, for shamrocks
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Place 12 muffin cups in a greased muffin tin and lightly grease the cups.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, Pistachio pudding mix, baking powder, and salt and stir to mix.
3. In a small bowl, beat the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring just to combine.
4. Fill each muffin cup three-fourths full and place the pan in the oven to bake 18-22 minutes, or until the cupcakes have set and a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Remove the cupcakes from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
6. Frost cupcakes using prepared cream cheese frosting.
For the frosting:
1. Cream the cream cheese and butter in a medium mixing bowl using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Stir in the vanilla, then gradually add in confectioners’ sugar and stir until blended.
For shamrocks:
1. Using a rolling pin, flatten 3-4 gumdrops. If candies are sticking, sprinkle a little sugar on rolling pin.
2. Cut a heart shape from each flattened candy using the cookie cutter.
3. Arrange the green candy hearts together on the top of a frosted cupcake to create a shamrock. Use 3 hearts for a traditional shamrock or 4 to create a lucky four-leaf clover.
4. Using a sharp knife, cut a small stem from the excess flattened candy, and position below the hearts.
5. Repeat this process until all 12 cupcakes have candy shamrocks.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day, from all of us at Planet Hyundai!
 Unlike its competitors, the 2012 Hyundai Equus is within the affordability range of most middle-class American households and is priced thousands of dollars less than those models. With a starting price of $59,000, no other large sedan comes close to the Equus in combining value, luxury, and performance – something Hyundai does without compromise. The Equus provides a limousine-like ride, and is on an extended rear-wheel-drive platform that provides all occupants with ample head, should, and leg room. We at Planet Hyundai Sahara and Centennial chose 10 of the coolest features on the 2012 Hyundai Equus to catch your attention.
1. Hyundai provides valet service for the Equus which means that owners never have to set foot in a Hyundai service center. Owners can make an appointment by phone or by a downloadable iPad app and have their car picked up for service. While waiting, owners are provided with a courtesy vehicle until their car has been returned.
2. Electronic air suspension is standard with the Equus, a feature that costs extra in the more expensive Lexus LS 460. This system ensures consistent vehicle height and pitch regardless of road conditions for an even ride.
3. The driver seat offers a heating, cooling and massaging feature, the latter designed to keep your muscles from tightening up when behind the wheel.
4. The Equus’ parking guide system uses front and rear sensors with the rear view camera to help you parallel park your sedan.
5. The power tilt and telescoping steering wheel provides an integrated memory system to track your particular settings. This wheel moves out the way when you enter or exit the sedan.
6. The Equus Ultimate seats four as the standard rear bench seat found in the Signature model is replaced with a pair of seats that can be reclined and provide a back massage.
7. Equus Ultimate models feature a rear electronically cooled center console refrigerator and an independently controlled entertainment system.
8. The power rear side-window sunshades help to reduce natural sunlight and keep snooping eyes from peering inside of your sedan. This feature is available with the Equus Ultimate.
9. The Equus is equipped with a 17-speaker Lexicon audio system that includes surround sound, a 13-channel amplifier, satellite radio and high definition radio.
10. A proximity entry system and push button start is standard with the Equus. As long as the key fob is present with you, doors will automatically unlock when you pull on the handle.
|
