WGEM.com: Quincy News, Weather, Sports, and RadioThe 2011 Sonata: The New Standard for Midsize Sedans

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai today introduced its all-new 2011 Sonata at the Los Angeles Auto Show. This marks the North American debut of the latest version of the popular midsize sedan, introducing Hyundai's "Fluidic Sculpture" design language and an all four-cylinder engine lineup to the U.S. market.

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HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2011 SONATA

• All-new sixth generation Sonata midsize sedan
• Fluidic Sculpture design
• All four-cylinder engine lineup
• Launches with new Theta II 2.4-liter gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine and in-house six-speed automatic transmission
  • Class leading fuel economy of 23 mpg city/35 mpg highway*
  • Class leading 198 horsepower standard* (200 horsepower on SE trim*)
• 2.0-liter Theta II turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine and Hybrid Blue Drive models to debut by 2010 year-end
• Production begins at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama in December with retail sales beginning in January
• XM Satellite Radio(TM), real-time XM NavTraffic, XM Data Services, HD Radio Technology(TM), Bluetooth®, Touch-screen navigation and iPod®/USB inputs

Sonata is the second vehicle in Hyundai's 24/7 version 2.0 product initiative (seven new models in the next 24 months) following on the heels of the all-new Tucson. Production of Sonata will begin later this month at Hyundai's U.S. plant in Alabama with retail sales beginning in January.

The 2011 Sonata represents a modern approach to the traditional midsize sedan segment by using only advanced four-cylinder engines, emotional design and luxury features offered with Hyundai's strong value proposition. The 2011 Sonata poses some intriguing questions:

• Why can't a smart, solid sedan also have modern, sleek, sophisticated style?
• Why pay so much to get a taste of luxury?
• Why can't an efficient four-cylinder engine give V6 power?

FLUIDIC SCULPTURE DESIGN LANGUAGE

Beginning with the 2011 Sonata and 2010 Tucson projects, Hyundai designers set to work about three and half years ago on Fluidic Sculpture. Fluidic Sculpture is a consistent, cohesive design language that will ripple through the entire Hyundai showroom. In developing the initial Sonata sketches, Hyundai designers considered the interplay of natural, fluid elements with more rigid surfaces and structures to create the illusion of constant motion.

The exterior of the all-new Sonata is long, light and low. The high beltline allows for a long, sleek roofline accented by the third window. A monoform side profile includes flowing lines highlighted by a Hyundai signature chrome accent that spans the length of the car. Normally, this type of trim is only found around the windows. On the new Sonata, this trim extends out from the headlamps, juts up along the hood and through the beltline. The face is bold with a large powerful chrome grille and headlamps that integrate precise details.

HYUNDAI PACKAGING EFFICIENCY

The sleek design, combined with Hyundai's expertise in interior packaging, has produced an interior that delivers class-leading comfort, functionality and practicality. A sleek roofline typically compromises headroom and interior volume but, at 120.2 cubic feet, the Sonata has the most interior volume of its key competitors. It is so spacious, Sonata continues to be classified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a Large car, truly a "class above" Camry, Altima, Fusion and Malibu (all are categorized as Midsize cars). Even in trunk room, the Sonata shines. Sonata's 16.4 cu. ft. of trunk space gives it a 9.3 percent advantage over the Camry, and a 17.1 percent advantage over Accord.

                   2011                2010     2010     2010     2010
                  Sonata  2010 Camry  Accord   Altima   Fusion   Malibu
                 ------   ---------- ------   ------   ------   ------
Passenger volume
 (cu. ft.)          103.8      101.4    106.0    100.7    100.3     97.7
----------------    -----      -----    -----    -----    -----     ----
Cargo volume         16.4       15.0     14.0     15.3     16.5     15.1
------------         ----       ----     ----     ----     ----     ----
(cu. ft.)
---------
Total interior
 volume (cu.
 ft.)               120.2      116.4    120.0    116.0    116.8    112.8
--------------      -----      -----    -----    -----    -----    -----
EPA size
 classification   Large     Midsize   Large   Midsize  Midsize  Midsize
---------------   -----     -------   -----   -------  -------  -------

                      2011       2010     2010     2010    2010    2010
                     Sonata     Camry    Accord   Altima  Fusion  Malibu
                     ------     -----    ------   ------  ------  ------
Passenger volume
 (cu. ft.)            103.8     101.4     106.0    100.7   100.3    97.7
----------------      -----     -----     -----    -----   -----    ----
Cargo volume
 (cu. ft.)             16.4      15.0      14.0     15.3    16.5    15.1
----------------       ----      ----      ----     ----    ----    ----
Total interior
 volume (cu. ft.)     120.2     116.4     120.0    116.0   116.8   112.8
----------------      -----     -----     -----    -----   -----   -----
EPA size
 classification       Large   Midsize     Large  Midsize Midsize Midsize
---------------       -----   -------     -----  ------- ------- -------

ADVANCED POWERTRAINS

The new Sonata will launch with Hyundai's new Theta II GDI 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with a Gasoline Direct-Injection (GDI) fuel delivery system, which contributes to improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions. Sonata is the first midsize sedan to adopt GDI technology as standard equipment in a naturally aspirated powertain. This shorter, more direct path of fuel delivery, allows for greater control of the fuel mixture at the optimum moment, thus improving efficiency. The fuel is injected by a camshaft-driven, high pressure pump that operates at pressures up to 2,175 psi. Direct injection also utilizes a higher than normal 11.3:1 compression ratio for increased power. The pistons are "dished" to increase combustion efficiency in the cylinder. This powerplant will deliver best-in-class fuel economy, best-in-class four-cylinder horsepower and best-in-class torque.

Sonata delivers an impressive 23 mpg city/35 mpg highway estimated fuel economy rating* with the available six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC®. (When equipped with the six-speed manual, the Sonata achieves an estimated 23 mpg city/34 mpg highway fuel economy rating). The preliminary horsepower and torque ratings for the Theta II GDI are 198 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque. In the SE trim which includes a standard dual exhaust, the engine delivers 200 horsepower. This high-tech, all-aluminum, 16-valve engine features Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) on both camshafts and a Variable Induction System (VIS) for better engine breathing. A version of this engine also meets Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) standards.

                    2011
                  Sonata     2010     2010      2010      2010      2010
                  (est.)    Camry    Accord    Altima    Fusion    Malibu
                  ------    -----    ------    ------    ------    ------

Engine           2.4L I4   2.5L I4   2.4L I4   2.5L I4   2.5L I4   2.4L I4
------           -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
Horsepower      198@6300  169@6000  177@6500  175@5600  175@6000  169@6400
----------      --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
Specific output
 (HP/Liter)       82.5      67.6      73.8      70.0      70.0      70.4
---------------   ----      ----      ----      ----      ----      ----
Torque          184@4250  167@4100  161@4300  180@3900  172@4500  160@4500
------          --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
Fuel economy
 (A/T)           23/35     22/33     22/31     23/31     23/34     22/33
------------     -----     -----     -----     -----     -----     -----
  

Next year, Hyundai will add a 2.0-liter Theta II turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine and a 2.4-liter Hybrid Blue Drive model featuring Hyundai's breakthrough lithium polymer battery pack. Details about these powertrains will be announced at the 2010 New York Auto Show. Sonata's innovative segment first powertrain lineup is a key driver of Hyundai's goal to be the most fuel-efficient automaker on the planet.

SIX-SPEED AUTOMATIC AND MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS

Hyundai's commitment to making the Sonata extremely fuel efficient continues with a six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC manual control or a standard six-speed manual transaxle.

Hyundai's all-new six-speed automatic A6MF2 transaxle helps the company meet its goals of improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. Shifts are silky-smooth with an option of manual control through the SHIFTRONIC feature.

Designed for transverse engine applications in passenger cars and SUVs, the new compact transmission puts Hyundai into an elite class of auto manufacturers who have designed their own proprietary six-speed automatic transmissions. The strength of the design is its unique layout which makes it smaller, more compact and lighter than any other six-speed transmission on the market today.

For the customer, the new six-speed delivers a performance edge. In this application, it helps brings a nine percent gain in fuel economy (35 mpg* versus 32 mpg).

Developed over a four-year period, this new six-speed automatic is 26.4 pounds lighter than the five-speed it replaces. It also is 1.6 inches shorter and considerably simpler, having 62 fewer parts, which is a key to increased durability, lighter weight and lower cost.

When it comes to transmissions, more gears are definitely better. The addition of a sixth gear enables closer spacing between gear ratios providing a better balance of performance and fuel economy while the wide overall gear ratio helps deliver strong acceleration.

SUPPLE RIDE, AGILE HANDLING

An advanced four-wheel independent suspension system combines a supple ride with precise handling and steering response for Sonata GLS and Limited models. Sonata uses MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension systems with increased travel for improved wheel control and a smoother ride. All four wheels are controlled by coil springs, fade-resistant gas-charged dampers and stabilizer bars. The suspension has been optimized to keep the vehicle flat during corning and provide quick turn-in response. The rear suspension uses aluminum components to reduce weight and improve suspension performance. The GLS and Limited models also use advanced low-rolling resistance tires to improve fuel economy while maintaining good ride and handling performance.

The Sonata SE is an even more exciting and willing partner for drivers who prefer sportier ride and handling dynamics. The sport-tuned suspension features stiffer springs and larger stabilizer bars, resulting in a 20 percent increase in roll stiffness. Unique SE dampers, including monotube shocks in the rear are used to control the more aggressive suspension. Low profile 18-inch tires round out the unique chassis components of the Sonata SE.

All Sonatas have column-mounted, motor-driven electric power steering that adjusts instantly to changing driving conditions while improving fuel economy over a conventional steering system. A quick-ratio steering rack is used for crisp feel on turn-in. Sonata's turning diameter of 35.8 feet is better than Camry, Accord, Altima, Fusion and Malibu.

                     2011      2010     2010    2010    2010    2010
                    Sonata    Camry    Accord  Altima  Fusion  Malibu
                    ------    -----    ------  ------  ------  ------
Turning diameter
 (feet)              35.8      36.1     37.7    36.1    37.5    40.4
----------------     ----      ----     ----    ----    ----    ----

WORLD CLASS POWER-TO-WEIGHT RATIO

One of the program targets for the 2011 Sonata engineering team was world-class power-to-weight ratio. Power-to-weight ratio pays dividends in both performance and fuel economy.

                           2011    2010   2010    2010    2010    2010
Vehicle                   Sonata  Camry  Accord  Altima  Fusion  Malibu
-------                   ------  -----  ------  ------  ------  ------
Curb weight (lbs.)         3199    3307   3269    3180    3342    3415
------------------         ----    ----   ----    ----    ----    ----
Horsepower                  198     169    177     175     175     169
----------                  ---     ---    ---     ---     ---     ---
Power-to-weight ratio      16.2    19.6   18.5    18.2    19.1    20.2
---------------------      ----    ----   ----    ----    ----    ----

Sonata is rich in ultra-high-strength steel, leading to world-class body rigidity. The 2011 Sonata is 25 percent stiffer in torsion and 19 percent stiffer in bending rigidity than its predecessor, yet it is lighter than many midsize sedans, also offering more interior room.

Advanced Standard Safety Technologies: PART OF HYUNDAi'S ASSURANCE COMMITMENT

Sonata is built from the ground up with safety in mind, with a hot stamped ultra-high-strength steel body structure, advanced airbag technology and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), delivering on Hyundai's commitment to both active and passive safety technology leadership. The prior generation Sonata was the first midsize sedan with standard ESC when it launched in March of 2005. ESC was not standard equipment on Honda Accord until the 2008 model year and the 2010 model year for Toyota Camry. Once again every 2011 Sonata has lifesaving ESC as standard equipment.

The Sonata also features a state-of-the-art braking package. The package includes four-wheel disc brakes and an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) including Brake Assist and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).

Sonata features six airbags--including dual front, front seat-mounted side-impact, and front and rear side curtain airbags--along with active front-seat head restraints.

XM, HD RADIo TECHNOLOGY, Bluetooth and Touch-screen navigation DELIVER UNRIVALED MIDSIZE SEDAN technology CHOICES

• 2011 Sonata comes standard with three months of XM Satellite Radio, real-time XM NavTraffic and XM Data Services
• Sonata also will be the first popular midsize sedan to offer the clarity of digital HD Radio Technology from the factory
• First vehicle in its class to offer a Bluetooth hands-free phone system standard
• Standard auxiliary iPod/USB inputs allow drivers to fully control and charge iPods directly from the head unit
• Touch-screen navigation is available on all trim levels and includes a high-resolution screen.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 790 dealerships nationwide.

Journalists are invited to visit our news media website: www.hyundainews.com.

* Preliminary estimates

SOURCE Hyundai Motor America