Hyundai’s Hope on Wheels program donated $50,000 to the Detroit Medical Center Children’s Hopsital of Michigan. The Hyundai Hope on Wheels Tour traveled across the nation and raised more than $1.3 million for pediatric cancer research, and the DMC Children’s Hospital as the final stop.

The $50,000 donation will fund research by the hospital’s pediactric neuro-oncologist Dr. Maxim Y. Yankelevich in developing new immunotherapy programs for children with brain tumors.

“Hyundai and its dealers have been committed to supporting the children, families and doctors battling childhood cancer for more than ten years,” said John Krafcik, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America. “Even in the face of tough economic times for our industry, we will not waver in our commitment to supporting the medical research and training that will produce better treatments, therapies, and one day, a cure.”

Cancer patients from the Children’s Hospital of Michigan had their handprints added to the Hyundai Hope on Wheels Santa Fe, joining the colorful handprints of children from across the country. Once the handprints were added, the car was moved to Hyundai’s display at the North American International Auto Show.

For more information on the Hyundai Hope on Wheels program, visit: www.hyundaihopeonwheels.org.

Gallery: Hyundai Hope on Wheels Santa Fe

Official release after the jump:

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Hyundai officially introduced the 2010 Santa Fe with two new engine options, a more efficient 3.5L v6 and a 2.4L inline-four.

Mated with a six-speed automatic “Shiftronic” transmission, the four-cylinder claims better fuel economy than the 2009 2.7L V6 Santa Fe. With 175 hp and 169 ft-lbs of torque, less power than the old 2.7L, Hyundai says the new engine provides quicker 0 to 60 acceleration than its predecessor.

The new 3.5L V6 replaces last year’s 3.3L V6. According to Hyundai, the new engine provides 276 hp (compared to the 3.3L’s 242 hp) and 248 ft-lb. of torque (versus 226 ft-lb.) The new engine is also more fuel efficient, rating 20 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway.

The 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe will be available in three trim levels, the GLS, SE and Limited.

The GLS model comes with the four-cylinder engine, six-speed manual transmission (automatic is optional) and 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels. The sportier SE version comes with the V6 and a six-speed automatic transmission and 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels.

The Santa Fe Limited (seen in the photo above) offers a choice of the I4 and the V6. It also offers features from the SE plus leather seating, heated front seats, chrome accents, metal scuff plates and the SE’s optional power tilt-and-slide sunroof .

Gallery: 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe

***See AutoGuide’s LIVE 2010 Detroit Auto Show Coverage Here***

Hyundai continues to deliver significantly improved vehicles, the latest being the 2010 Santa Fe mid-sized crossover, which is set to launch at the Detroit Auto Show. Mid-cycle refreshes rarely get the sort of overhaul that the 2010 Santa Fe has received, with minor interior and exterior updates being joined by two new engines, both of which are more fuel efficient than the engines they replace.

For 2010 the entry level 2.7-liter 4-cylinder has been replaced with Hyundai’s new Theta II 2.4-liter, which delivers 175-hp and 169 ft-lbs of torque - the same as in the new 2011 Tucson. This is less power than the old V6, but a new six-speed automatic transmission and the lighter weight of the 4-cylinder should put the crossover’s acceleration at about the same range. Fuel economy is up significantly (aided by the new six-speed transmission) from 18/24 mpg (city/highway) to 20/28 mpg, for front drive automatic models.

Last year’s optional 3.3-liter V6 engine has also been replaced with a new 3.5-liter V6, making an impressive 276-hp, a total of 34-hp more. As for fuel economy, this engine is rated at 20/26 mpg (city/highway) up from the previous engine’s 17/24 mpg rating.

According to Cars.com, base GLS models with the 4-cylinder and in front-wheel drive trim start at $21,695, with a range-topping V6 Limited AWD costing $30,295.

One important note is the Hyundai has reportedly axed the optional third row seat.

NOTE: All information regarding the 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe was covered under an embargo set for January 11th. According to Cars.com, they received approval from Hyundai to run the story ahead of the embargo, so AutoGuide has deemed the embargo lifted.

GALLERY: 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe

[Source: Cars.com]