Autoblog

LA 2009: All-new 2011 Hyundai Sonata to come in regular, turbo and hybrid

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Hyundai, South Korea

2011 Hyundai Sonata - Click above for high-res image gallery

Not counting full-size trucks, the meat-and-potatoes of the American car market remains the mid-size family sedan. For the past two decades, the undisputed kings of this particular segment have been the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, especially since the Ford Taurus fell off its pedestal right around 1992. Many have tried to knock the two Japanese heavyweights (now figuratively and literally) off the hill - and almost as many have failed. And while those two titans have remained atop the sales charts, other family sedans have met with considerable success. Perhaps most notably, the Hyundai Sonata, an unassuming car that has found its way into 1.2 million homes.

With beaming grins and news of Hyundai being named the most fuel efficient brand in America, Hyundai's brass took the wraps off their new-for-2011 Sonota. What strikes you instantly is the Sonata's curvy, slightly-hefty, almost organic shape. Hyundai calls the design language "Fluidic Sculpture," and while not quite as in-your-face as Mazda's signature Nagare styling language, we have a feeling it might prove nearly as polarizing. That's not to say the new Sonata is bad looking or ugly. But it is highly-stylized in a mid-size market that tends to reward the bland and middle-of-the-road.

But Fluidic Sculpture is what we've got - and not just on the Sonata. Hyundai's North American President and CEO John Krafcik promises that this design language will define the brand moving forward. Not surprisingly, Fluidic Sculpture originated right here in Southern California in Hyundai's Irvine design center. We really appreciate some of the finely wrought detailing, such as the grille, door handles, headlights and taillights (though those taillights appear to be lifted directly from the BMW 3 Series). We're just a wee bit uncertain of how the new Sonata will play in Peoria.

As for the non-design aspects of the 2011 Sonata, the big news is under the hood. Gone is the 3.3-liter V6, or for that matter, any V6. Instead Hyundai is offering consumers a choice of three four-cylinder engines. The first is a 2.4-liter Gasoline Direct-Injection (GDI) motor called the Theta II good for 198 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. That much power from a 2.4-liter essentially puts the Sonata at the head of the four-cylinder class. But what about those pesky V6 cars? No problem, as Hyundai will launching a turbocharged version of the GDI Theta II. If direct-injection and turbocharging sounds a little EcoBoosty to you, well, it is. And that's a very, very good thing.

But what about hybrids? There will be a hybrid version of the Theta II. Hyundai's calling the technology Blue Drive,and it sounds pretty spiffy. Unlike other hybrids that use nickel hydride (or starting soon, lithium ion) batteries, the Hyundai system will use lithium polymer technology. According to Hyundai, lithium polymer leapfrogs lithium ion battery tech and within five years, the entire industry will switch to LP. Only Hyundai will be putting the tech on sale within the year. Big claims to be sure, but Hyundai's been defying conventions and expectations for quite a while now. Look for the Alabama-built Sonata to start at less than $20,000 and go on sale this January. Official press release after the jump, Jonny-on-the-spot photos below.

Gallery: LA 2009: 2011 Hyundai Sonata

Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Sonata

Continue reading LA 2009: All-new 2011 Hyundai Sonata to come in regular, turbo and hybrid

LA 2009: All-new 2011 Hyundai Sonata to come in regular, turbo and hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid caught in the desert

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Hybrid, Sedan, Hyundai

2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hyundai's first U.S.-bound hybrid is due to be released in late 2010, and the next-generation Sonata-based hybrid has its aim set on the stalwarts of the midsize sedan segment. As we can see from this series of spy shots, testing is well underway, with a heavily camouflaged 2011 Sonata Hybrid out and about with hybrid versions of the Ford Fusion, Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima in tow.

Hyundai has taken a slightly different approach to energy storage, using flat lithium polymer battery packs holding 5.3 Ah of capacity at 270 volts in lieu of nickel metal hydride or lithium ion technology. Expect the hybrid bits to add 30kW of power to Hyundai's 2.4-liter Theta II four cylinder powerplant mated up with a six-speed automatic transmission. A quick glance underhood shows the telltale bright orange wiring normally associated with hybrid automobiles.

A closer look at the spy photos shows that Hyundai will apply the popular four-door coupe trend to its next Sonata. We also clearly note radically sweeping headlamps that stretch all the way past the front wheel arches, a rising bodyside ridge and a vaguely Genesis-esque front grille treatment. Expect all of these styling elements on both the standard 2011 Sonata and its accompanying hybrid sibling.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Spy Shots: 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid caught in the desert originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Hyundai Prius? Hybrid Sonata could have distinct shape, different name

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 15:26:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Green, Marketing/Advertising, Hyundai

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Hyundai Sonata

When you think of the word "hybrid," what vehicle pops into your mind? Likely, it's the Toyota Prius, and that's what they call a really big win for the marketing department. Much of the success that Toyota's seminal hybrid model has achieved has been attributed to its unique styling, which sets the fuel-saver apart from other manufacturers' hybrids, making the ecomobile instantly recognizable. Those that care about saving the planet - or at least those who like the appearance of caring - often choose the Prius due to its iconic shape and name.

Woong-chul Yang, president of R&D for Hyundai-Kia Motors, says, "People who drive a hybrid like to be differentiated." Sounds painful. In any case, the automaker is reportedly working on giving their first hybrid model, which will be based on the Sonata midsize sedan, a distinct shape. To go along with the unique profile, the Korean hybrid may get a different name to further distance it from its non-hybrid sibling.

Gallery: 2009 Hyundai Sonata

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Hyundai Prius? Hybrid Sonata could have distinct shape, different name originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Mar 2009 15:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rendered Speculation: 2010 Hyundai Sonata looks Geni-good

Dan Roth — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Hyundai, Rendered Speculation

Hyundai's Genesis might be knocked as "generic," but some would argue that the car is the most balanced, handsome design to ever issue forth from the Korean juggernaut (at least until the Genesis Coupe rolls up). Range toppers often define the style for the rest of the range, and there's rumored to be a Genesis-y Sonata on the way. Carparazzi's renderings could be nothing more than wishful thinking, but it's claimed that the images are a cross between spy shots of the new Sonata, known internally as YF, and the Genesis. Given the styling epiphany that's been going on at Hyundai during the past few years, the handsome car in these renderings may well be on the money. Style, value, and potentially a hybrid powertrain point to a bright future for Hyundai's melodic sedan.

[Source: Global Motors]

Rendered Speculation: 2010 Hyundai Sonata looks Geni-good originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Hyundai announces Blue Drive efficiency strategy, Sonata hybrid in 2010

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hybrid, Sedan, Green, Crossover, Hatchback, Hyundai

Hyundai has decided not to wait until 2020 to get its fleet average fuel economy up to 35 mpg, aiming instead for 2015. That will provide several advantages for the Korean manufacturer, including earning credits for being ahead of the curve. Perhaps more importantly now that Democrats are controlling both Congress and the White House, there is a strong possibility that California may get its waiver for CO₂ standards from the EPA. If that happens, Hyundai and everyone else will have to get well beyond 35 mpg. By targeting that amount by mid-decade, Hyundai will be a lot closer to the stricter targets.

Hyundai's strategy to get to 35 mpg is officially called Blue Drive. Blue Drive kicks off in 2009 with new "Blue" editions of the Accent and Elantra that will get better fuel economy at a lower price than current models. The following year, Hyundai's hybrid system will debut in the next generation Sonata along with a lithium-polymer battery. At about the same time a new CUV based on the HED-5 concept will go into production with a new 2.0L turbocharged direct injection engine. Over the following years, downsized turbo DI engines will also appear in other Hyundai models. You can read more about Hyundai's plans over at AutoblogGreen.

[Sources: AutoblogGreen, Hyundai]

Hyundai announces Blue Drive efficiency strategy, Sonata hybrid in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Hyundai to sell 50,000 Genesis per year, Sonata hybrid coming in 2010

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Sedan, Hyundai

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Hyundai Genesis sedan.

Hyundai's first foray into the world of rear-wheel-drive needs to be a success in order to justify the development, manufacturing and launching costs. Hyundai's vice president for product development, John Krafcik, told reports that the automaker expects to sell 50,000 Genesis models annually in the U.S. - 20,000 sedans and 30,000 coupes.

But the Genesis is only part of Hyundai's image makeover. The Korean manufacturer intends to launch its first hybrid model by 2010, equipped with a next generation lithium-ion battery pack. According to Krafcik, "Our first U.S. hybrid is going to be the Sonata," however, Hyundai has no plans to offer the new sedan with a plug-in option. That's a strategy that's served Toyota well, and Hyundai is clearly trying to follow in the Japanese juggernaut's footsteps.

Gallery: 2009 Hyundai Genesis Sedan

Gallery: Hyundai Concept Genesis Coupe

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Hyundai to sell 50,000 Genesis per year, Sonata hybrid coming in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Aug 2008 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments