REPORT: 2011 Hyundai Sonata coming to Detroit Auto Show
2011 Hyundai Sonata spy shots – Click above for image gallery
Back in June, we reported on a news story in the Montgomery Advertiser saying that the 2011 Hyundai Sonata would be unveiled in November at the Los Angeles Auto Show. It appears that Hyundai may be holding off the introduction of its bread and butter sedan for a larger audience in Detroit. Inside Line is reporting that the Sonata will bow in the Motor City, giving Hyundai a big-league entry at the North American International Auto Show.
When describing the design direction of the new Sonata, Hyundai USA CEO John Krafcik told IL the 2011 model would be "bold, so bold." Judging from the many spy photos we've seen, we're thinking that could be an apt description. We see well-sculpted sheetmetal punctuated with a four door coupe-like roof line, but we'll have to wait until the covers come off to hand down a verdict..
Hyundai is also rumored to be using direct injection technology to power the four cylinder Sonata. The mooted 2.2-liter powertrain is expected to produce in the neighborhood of 200 horsepower while also improving fuel economy versus the 2009 model by 5% to 10%. Hyundai has been on a roll of late with its successful launches of the Genesis Coupe and Sedan, and if it can pull off a showstopper at the Detroit Auto Show with the 2011 Sonata, the Korean automaker will officially be on fire.
Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Sonata - spy shots
[Source: Inside Line | Images: Sammy_R-Gti of assayyarat.com]
Get a WordPress.com Blog
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Willie 4:52PM (7/15/2009)
It's funny...I was thinking it looked like the Chevy Malibu. I agree it looks nice but it won't blow your socks off like the new Fusion or Mazda 6 does.
mikea 4:41PM (7/15/2009)
Interior looks really nice. Ext looks nice, but not blow-your-socks off. I'll wait until seeing in in its entirety.
On a side note, the LA auto show is in December this year.
Reply
James 4:50PM (7/15/2009)
"with the 2011 Sonata, the Korean automaker will officially be on fire."
The Hyundai "heat" is on...
Not THAT Matt 7:45PM (7/15/2009)
While I'm not a HUGE Hyundai fan (although I do own an 06 Sonata - part of why I don't like them/their ridiculously pushy warranty support, lemon of a car, etc) I have to say that this looks to stay quite competitive... very Malibu-ish in the way they look like they're bringing this car up market some.
In general if there's one company (other than Ford) that deserves recognition for the strides they are/have been taking in accross-the-line improvement on vehicles, I'd have to say it's Hyundai.
AMcA 12:33AM (7/16/2009)
Wow. A Korean fake Audi.
I'll try to tamp down my enthusiasm here.
Zzzzzz . . . . .
Nick 11:52AM (7/16/2009)
Matt,
What kind of issues have you had with your Sonata? I'm down to three vehicles for my next purchase, a new Sonata, Corolla or a used 06 3 series. I know none of these are apples to apples but these are the cars that I sorta like.
Tdogg 4:47PM (7/15/2009)
This is looking good. Very upmarket looking for a budget mid-sizer. I can see this beating major players like the Camry and Accord after launch.
Reply
MikeofLA 4:55PM (7/15/2009)
@Willie:
Any Midsize Sedan =/= explosive removal of socks.
futurama 5:09PM (7/15/2009)
@willie
Malibu? Absolutely Not...
I think this will blow socks off your new Fusion and Mazda 6
HJC 2 8:12PM (7/15/2009)
Don't like the driver side door handles.... Looks out of place because it doesn't line up rear door handle.
TIMMAH! 1:49AM (7/16/2009)
Yeah that's kind of a strange body line on which they placed the door handles.
CybrRdr 4:52PM (7/15/2009)
Interesting. I thought COBO Hall was in a state of disrepair and that most manufacters prefered LA, NY, and Chicago as they would be better venues to make debuts.
Reply
Willie 4:59PM (7/15/2009)
The media pays most attention to the Detroit Auto Show. Although COBO Hall has some issues, it is still the best place to make a statement. There is a reason Detroit is called the Motor City. Thankfully, Detroit has a new Mayor who is not in the cookie jar, and within the next few months the residents will be replacing the inept city council.
Nellydesign 8:36AM (7/16/2009)
Unfortunately the residents don't exactly have the best track record at picking competent leaders. I've heard some have been publicly cheering Monic Conyers who was just indicted on bribery and corruption charges. Nice.
MikeofLA 4:54PM (7/15/2009)
I could be wrong, but didn't the LA Autoshow draw more manufactures, people and unveils last year then Detroit... also, the LA convention Center is much nicer and modern then Cobo and that's not taking into account that LA should be the center of Auto Showdom as we have a strong car culture, nice weather, more facilities and Detroit itself has become irrelevent, delapitated, sad and hopeless (not the car companies, just the City).
One more thing... LA in December or Detroit in January. You pick.
Reply
tuxchown 4:58PM (7/15/2009)
Piss off. We don't give up so easily.
Hamhock 5:01PM (7/15/2009)
Slightly OT but if Hyundai puts the Tau V8 in Veracruz they will have a category killer.
Reply
Serge 5:18PM (7/15/2009)
Is that the Toyota A6?
Reply
Serge 5:24PM (7/15/2009)
With a Volvo CTS interior...
cj 5:58PM (7/15/2009)
Serge, care to explain what Volvo CTS is?