Hyundai Sonata SXi Concept could be in Oz in a year
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Presented to gauge interested in a possible sporty model, Hyundai unveiled its Sonata SXi concept in Sydney this week. Powered by the optional 3.3-liter V6 in stock form, the SXi features an upgraded suspension, a brake upgrade with red-painted calipers, new wheels and tires, and a very subtle body kit that add skirts to the car's flanks and rear bumper, as well as a new lip spoiler up front. A decklid spoiler rounds things out.
In front, the top part of the grille surround is now a red line (think VW GTI). The interior, which we unfortunately don't have photos of yet, features silver trim, black leather and red contrast stitching. According to Australia's drive.com.au, this car could hit the market in the next year or so.
(Additional photos after the jump)
[Source: Drive.com.au]
Hyundai Sonata SXi Concept (AU)
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Reader Comments (Page 2 of 2)
PiCASSO 9:08PM (10/26/2006)
Guys... regardless of the engine, 3.3L V6 or 3.8L V6, it will still offer an AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. Sadly, this vehicle will not make it on my shopping list when I move up to a medium sized car. No stick, no sale.
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$0.02 9:31PM (10/26/2006)
Great looking car, yes, but I would want some engine performance upgrades. Put in the 3.8, add awd and put a 6 speed manual and price it under $30k and you have a Hyundai you have never seen before(and never will!)
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Paul 10:30PM (10/26/2006)
I really like it...I always thought the Sonata had really nice styling, and that's a very nice upgrade without going over the top.
I'm with 14, the 3.8L Azera V6 would be the perfect complement. If you only offered it in this version of the Sonata (with all of the visual mods), I doubt they would conflict too much. The Azera is targeted at cars like the Toyota Avalon buyers, while the Sonata is more targeted at cars like the Mazda6. I doubt that this car would provide BMW caliber performance, but it would be one of the best values you can get. Hyundai is up to great things these days.
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Rob 11:33PM (10/26/2006)
Yeah, I liked the new Sonata and this looks like a nice package. I think that they have blown past the offerings from the big 2.5 in the car department. I agree that it looks like a last gen accord. I also think the new camry looks like this though. Maybe just another 10-15hp tweek of the 3.3 to go along with the handling goodies and keep it from stepping on the 3.8 in terms of hp. They can keep the auto too, who cares after all, its a grocery getter. Keep mom and dad happy that way.
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Devin Lussier 12:53AM (10/27/2006)
I'll take it! I'd rather see a small wing instead of a lip spoiler - my Elantra GT has a lip and while it suits the hatchback I think a small wing looks much better than a lip on a sedan, particularly the Sonata. (Example here: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000G0IQR8/nextag-auto-20/ref=nosim )
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ZiiRo 3:07AM (10/27/2006)
I think the lip spoiler does make it a bit more classy than a raised spoiler. (think Euro-R, M5 kind of classy)
If they have AWD and tune the 3.3 engine to produce a sportier higher redline and more BHP, its gonna be potentially very desirable. Accord(& TSXs) and Camrys(& Aurions) look out, this one is gonna be hot.
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gs 11:09AM (10/27/2006)
Looks pretty slick but it still needs an engine upgrade to be complete.
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MikeW 11:49AM (10/27/2006)
The SantaFe is 242hp@6000, 226ft-lbs@4500
The Sonata is 234hp@6000, 226ft-lbs@3500.
no reason given by hyundai usa.
Different intake manifold or exhaust manifolds?
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