2009 Frankfurt Auto Show Preview: 2011 Hyundai Tucson

SEOUL, South Korea — With the redesigned Hyundai Tucson now on sale in South Korea, Hyundai has released official images of the SUV, along with such details as how much money it spent on the redesign. The 2011 Hyundai Tucson — which goes by a variety of monikers depending on the market — will debut next month at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show.

Hyundai said in a statement that it invested about $225 million in the Tucson's redesign over a period of about three years. The new Tucson, which will be called ix35 in Europe, is based on the ix-onic concept shown at the 2009 Geneva Auto Show.

It is scheduled to arrive in the U.S. sometime in 2010, according to Hyundai's U.S. arm. "North American specifications will be announced at the (2009) Los Angeles Auto Show later this year," said Hyundai.

In the home market, the so-called "Tucson ix" will come with Hyundai's 166-horsepower 2.0-liter Theta II engine mated to a new six-speed automatic transmission. A 184-hp 2.0-liter diesel "R" engine is another choice for the Tucson ix in South Korea. The gas engine is available only in front-wheel drive, while the diesel is offered in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, Hyundai said.

Details of the South Korean-spec Tucson ix include an "emergency stop signal," which automatically triggers the emergency hazard lights in a panic stop; a panoramic sunroof; downhill brake control and hill-start assist control.

Inside Line says: More details and pix trickle out about the confusingly named 2011 Hyundai Tucson, which apparently will make its North American debut in L.A. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent