New York preview: 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid with lithium-polymer batteries

Hyundai unveiled the 2011 Sonata at the Los Angeles Auto Show late last year and announced at the time that the U.S. would get a hybrid version – with the first production automotive application of a lithium polymer battery – in late 2010. Green Car Reports says that we'll get our first look at this model (which, OK, will look pretty much exactly like the non-hybrid version) at the New York Auto Show in late March. The powertrain is a hybrid version of the Theta II that Hyundai is calling Blue Drive.

Currently, the only option you can get under the Sonata's hood is the new 198 hp direct injected 2.4-liter four cylinder, with a turbocharged version coming later. The standard version starts at $19,915, and if Hyundai's commercial for the 2011 Sonata is any indication, then maybe we're in for some advertising treats when the hybrid version goes on sale.

[Source: Green Car Reports]