Spy Shots: Rakish 2011 Hyundai Sonata draws closer
by Chris Shunk on Apr 24th 2009 at 2:59PM 
2011 Hyundai Sonata spy photos: Click above to view a gallery
Hyundai has really upped its game with new entries like the Genesis Coupe and Sedan, but right now its high volume products like the midsize Sonata are simply "good enough." The Korean automaker has already committed to big plans for Sonata, as it has promised direct injection and turbocharging for improved efficiency. A quick look at some well camo'd photos of a 2011 Sonata mule shows that improvements could come in design as well.The most eye-catching dimension of the spy photo pictured above is a sleek, Volkswagen CC-like greenhouse. Hyundai even seems smitten with the ten-spoke wheel design of the VW, as the two alloys look like fraternal twins. Beyond the four-door coupe look, the 2011 Sonata mule is very well camouflaged, although you can see what appears to be some interesting surfacing above the front wheel well that could give it a beefier-looking stance.
Up front, the front grille and headlamps are exposed. The grille doesn't appear to be dramatically different than what we we see on today's Sonata, but there is no hiding the dynamic new shape of the mule's headlamps. The high-tech lights sweep around the corners, giving the impression that the 2011 model will sport a more rounded front end than the 2009 model.
We likely have a bit longer to go before the 2011 Sonata begins its strip-tease act, but photos in the gallery below at least look promising. Whether the next-gen Sonata will be good enough to take on the well established midsized monsters from Toyota, Honda, and Nissan will clearly be a question for another day. Hat tip to James J.
Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Sonata Spy Pics
[Source: BOBAEDREAM]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Taglane 3:05PM (4/24/2009)
I know its under camo, but those headlights better look better than what I'm seeing now. and that grille is monstrous. Other than that, I think it's shaping up well.
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homunculus 4:08PM (4/24/2009)
speaking of camo, this is the first time i've seen a camoed car with tinted windows. whenever i see a test driver covering up interior shots with his arms i think why don't you just get some tint you idiots.
Threader 3:07PM (4/24/2009)
Hyundai is out for for Honda and Toyota bread and butter. Looking forward to seeing what the new interior will bring to the table.
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Ligor 3:54PM (4/24/2009)
well,
did yundai just borrow a Mazda 6 and placed camo on it?
another unoriginal design form Hyundai
jsjs 4:12PM (4/24/2009)
Yeah, cause the Mazda6 is so "original" - just like the Mazda3 which was totally derivative of Peugeot hatches and the Pontica Vibe.
Not really digging the "coupe" roofline - while I'm going to reserve my final judgment until when we get to see it sans camo, I prefer the overall shape/design of the Kia VG.
P.V. 6:09PM (4/25/2009)
Hyundai seems to be intent on redefining "bread and butter" by giving the vehicles some character. I really like their lineup. Go Hyundai!
efw 3:14PM (4/24/2009)
i'm diggin the roof line. very sleek and sexy.
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Protzenegger 3:15PM (4/24/2009)
Looks very well-proportioned from the side! Hope they don't ruin the rest.
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DJ 3:16PM (4/24/2009)
With the rumors of a Genesis "sub-brand", Hyundai could easily build a Sonata for the masses and a near luxe version of this to compete with the ES350, G37, A4 and TL.
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jsjs 4:32PM (4/24/2009)
Not sure if a Sonata-based entry level Genesis is the right answer.
While the ES has done fine for Lexus, it also has reinforced the notion that Lexus is merely a brand of rebadged Toyotas (which really isn't the case).
The Sonata is pretty close to the Genesis sedan in size and supposedly, Hyundai is working on a Genesis 3 Series fighter based on a shortened BH platform (which makes more sense).
k.w.a 3:18PM (4/24/2009)
**as all the car companies jump on the 4 door coupe bandwagon**
Can't deny though, this will most likely be a very beaufitul car. MUCH better looking than the CamCord
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Dan 3:29PM (4/24/2009)
Not feeling the wheels.
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hypermiler 3:38PM (4/24/2009)
You don't have to speculate on what's under the camouflage.
http://pictures.topspeed.com/cars/car-news/hyundai-i40-will-replace-the-current-sonata-ar66495.html
Hyundai i40 is Euro Sonata, just like how i30 is Euro Elantra.
The KDM/US version is the sedan version.
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BoxerFanatic 3:40PM (4/24/2009)
If the car looks like this... and it looks like it might...
[url]http://www.globalmotors.net/rendered-speculation-2010-hyundai-sonata/[/url]
that will be one attractive car, and damn if the Subaru Legacy shouldn't have come out as something like this.
If Hyundai were to somehow offer this, and I know it is highly implausible, with GenCoupe's RWD layout, longitudinal with 2.0T or 3.8 V6... 6-speed manual, or paddle-auto... or dare I even breathe it... longitudinal AWD... I would trade for one of those, in a heartbeat.
If Subaru had their drivetrain in a car this potentially sexy, it would be a no-brainer whatsoever for an upgrade.
I would even take a good transverse AWD setup, if it has a static torque bias near 50/50.
FWD is a no go for me, but almost certain to be what this car has, and I have a feeling manual gearbox is also going to be scarce or missing.
Why do I always have to choose... probably quite good looking but mundane mechanically, or truly good mechanicals with a new ugly form? Is both really THAT much to ask for?
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BoxerFanatic 3:42PM (4/24/2009)
sorry, didn't remember that it would auto-translate a URL... that other one will probably fail, due to the [/url] tag on the end... and I can't go back and edit it...
http://www.globalmotors.net/rendered-speculation-2010-hyundai-sonata/
Mazda FTW! 3:57PM (4/24/2009)
Boxer can we have ONE post from you without it being about drive-train layouts, manuals and engine placement???
:P :P
inline6 3:44PM (4/24/2009)
Looks pretty slick. But those rear quarter windows look to be pretty useless. I mean, the actual transparent area is tiny, and those pillars protrude enough inside the car to obscure any view through them, except close to straight-on. So, particularly from the driver's perch, they might as well be blanked out.
But hey, at least they're not black plastic triangles (like on the current Sonata), and even though they're small and useless from a visibility standpoint, they'll at least let a little more light into the cabin, making it feel more spacious.
It all depends on the bodyside detailing and front/rear fascia styling. The shape is good, but Hyundai doesn't exactly execute well on those details. We'll see.
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cincinnati 3:45PM (4/24/2009)
"Whether the next-gen Sonata will be good enough to take on the well established midsized monsters from Toyota, Honda, and Nissan will clearly be a question for another day."
It's been answered already. Go pick up any major auto magazine and see what they have to say about the current Sonata. As an auto writer you should know that this is the best value in its class and one of the top selling vehicles in the US right now. I'm sure this replacement won't be a downgrade by ANY means. Hyundai's latest interiors have been on par with Lexus. Do you research before making snide comments like that bud.
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JDMlover 3:50PM (4/24/2009)
Hmmmmmm....i must say
Its funny how in a couple month....Hyundai is making much better built and better looking cars and the american autos have been trying for years and still have not made a serious hit.....when i talk to people where ever, they still believe american built cars are turds and would rather buy else where...is it a curse? or is it that the american auto has dug their self SO deep no matter what they do they still have that ever lasting impression.
Very, very sad.
I would take hyundai over ANY american brand...you name it from Cad to dodge to anything...my only favorite american cars are the Viper and Vetta...THATS IT...any other car i could care less about...its sad really cause i want to like american cars....i would just never buy one...unless its the vette or viper, thats a different story ;) They way i see it they should have got their act together from the BEGINNING...a first bad impression is always LASTING impression...
Just my two cents... = ]
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Serge 5:02PM (4/24/2009)
That would be 0.02 Yen I guess... about 0.000206 USD.