Reader Spy: Nearly undisguised next-gen Hyundai Sonata snapped in Dubai!
by Chris Paukert on Jul 8th 2009 at 10:28AM 
2011 Hyundai Sonata spy shots – Click above for image gallery
One of our loyal readers was vacationing in Dubai when he happened upon this nearly undisguised and totally unattended 2011 Hyundai Sonata mule. Sammy_R-Gti of assayarat.com explains that he was driving around on vacation and stopped to observe mid-day prayer at a mosque. When he emerged from said house of prayer, he spied the car parked outside of a neighboring spa resort (perhaps some engineers were taking a much-deserved break?), and our man was able to rattle off the photos seen here. Because Sammy_R-Gti (correctly) figured that whoever was with the car probably wouldn't want him photographing their quarry, our man didn't have time to take it all in, but he did gain perhaps the best look yet at Hyundai's pivotal new sedan.
As expected, the roofline and short rear deck indicates that the Korean automaker is going for a much more rakish look, adopting the 'four-door coupe' aesthetic that is so in vogue these days. Unlike earlier spy shots, Sammy has managed to score an almost completely undisguised look at the car's Lexus ES350-like headlamps and its simple three-bar front grille, as well as new details about the sheetmetal's contouring. Judging by the fact that this prototype was fitted with relatively high-profile tires and modestly sized steel wheels with covers, we're guessing that it is a base model.
Check out the gallery of images below. Thanks for the shots, Sammy!
Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Sonata - spy shots
[Source: Sammy_R-Gti of assayyarat.com]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
viper GTS-R 10:34AM (7/08/2009)
WOAH! WOAH WOAH WOAH! GUYS WOAH!
It's a Hyundai Sonata...chill. Never seen so much excitement for a average 4-door.
--RS
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ConceptVBS 11:33AM (7/08/2009)
There are people who have families and who are in need of a sedan. I'm one of them.
ConceptVBS 11:37AM (7/08/2009)
Plus the crazy Saudi drifters are waiting for it as well.
SOhp101 11:42AM (7/08/2009)
I don't see the excitement that you speak of. This seems like a pretty standard "spy shots of xx car" to me.
James 11:48AM (7/08/2009)
"adopting the 'four-door coupe' aesthetic that is so in vogue these days"
IIRC, the B5 platform Audi A6 had started this 4dr fastback look...
This are the best near "naked" shots ever taken of the next gen Sonata...besting even the spy shots over at Korean car blogs...
Regardless, looks like Hyundai has a winner in it's hands.
viper GTS-R 11:49AM (7/08/2009)
Reader Spy: Nearly undisguised next-gen Hyundai Sonata snapped in Dubai!
OMGWTFBBQ ROFLCOPTER IT'S AMAZING....
I'm going outside, then next time I see a Kia in my neighborhood I'll make sure to scream, shout and give the driver a thumbs up. BTW does anyone see a Chevy Impala in that side shot?
--RS
tuxchown 11:53AM (7/08/2009)
Stop the presses. *YAWN*
Vizel 2:56PM (7/08/2009)
psssh. Malibu, what a joke... =P
Wobbly_ears 10:35AM (7/08/2009)
Looks beautiful!
Camry. Acoord better be afraid, very afraid.
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David 11:03AM (7/08/2009)
If I were in the market for a sedan of this nature, this would hands-down win over the horribly ugly Accord and the horribly boring Camry.
The reign of the Accord and the Camry is officially over!
This thing is beautiful inside and out, and we already know that mechanically it's at least on-par, if not superior. Well done, Hyundai!!
Other Man 1:26PM (7/08/2009)
I agree. The 2008 Malibu was proof that out of nowhere you can get slapped in the face.
Then consider the Sonata is much closer to the Camcord than the 04-07 Malibu ever was, and that's a recipe for disaster, Honyota.
If the new Limited packs enough tech and performance, it could render the Azera a bit awash between the Sonata and Genesis. Time to give it to Kia and rid them of the blah blah Amanti.
jsjs 4:57PM (7/08/2009)
@Other Man
Kia has the large VG sedan in the works (so no need for the Azera) - which is even better looking than the upcoming Sonata.
http://www.themotorreport.com.au/25650/kia-vg-knd-5-concept-unveilled-at-seoul-motor-show/
Arnold K. 10:35AM (7/08/2009)
Front of a Lexus ES350 and G37 Sedan? Rear of an M35? The interior center console of a Volvo. That is extremely odd...but at the same time, very good looking.
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Eric77TA 10:36AM (7/08/2009)
I think that there's a bit of Volvo and previous Audi A6 to the rear 3/4s as well...
montoym 11:17AM (7/08/2009)
The side view just screams Chevy Malibu to me. The high beltline and curvature of the roof are very similar.
chconline 12:04PM (7/08/2009)
Whatever it may have "copied" (Which I don't see), I think it's pretty ugly.
jgp 10:35AM (7/08/2009)
Real six-light greenhouse!
Take that, Mazda6!
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Protzenegger 6:01PM (7/08/2009)
http://p.webwombat.com.au/motoring/images/mazda6-new-2-big.jpg
Egad, a rear hatch! Your turn, Sonata.
andre lavoie 10:36AM (7/08/2009)
The front end has a bit of Mercedes CLS in it mixed with some Toyota Camry.
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DJ 10:37AM (7/08/2009)
Note to Toyota and Honda, especially Honda: You can start to worry now. This is so much better looking than the Accord, will probably undercut it by $2000, offer more features, have more HP and Honda, get this, a 6-speed automatic! You may have heard of those. They are gear boxes that have more than 5 speeds in them. Then again, it appears that may be news to you.
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