One could argue that Hyundai has been the best performing auto company in the last 2-3 years. Just within these past 2 years, we saw the likes of Genesis Sedan, Genesis Coupe, all new Sonata, all new Tucson, Kia Soul, Kia Forte Sedan, Kia Forte Koup, and Kia Sorento – all with superior design (not expected from Hyundai) and content value (as expected from Hyundai). Still to come from the Koreans are the new Hyundai Equus (Mercedes S-Class, BMW 7 Series, Lexus LS competitor), Kia Optima, and the Sonata Hybrid and Turbo.
When Hyundai revealed the all new Sonata a few months back, I said to myself that the design is way too progressive and there is no way that a mainstream auto manufacturer will produce it. Lo and behold, let me eat a plate of crows…
It’s not everyday I get excited about midsize (family) sedans, but you’ve gotta hand it to the Hyundai designers. They have created a package that’s truly unique and worth talking about.
Now on to the news… The all new 2011 Sonata is already in the market with a 2.4 liter 4 cylinder engine producing 200HP and 35MPG, both class leading. At the New York Auto Show, they have announced two additional models – Sonata Hybrid and Sonata 2.0T (Turbo).
Sonata Hybrid
Forget the Nickel-Metal Hydride (Camry, Prius, Insight, Fusion, etc…), Lithium-ion (laptops, Tesla Roadster, Mercedes S-Class Hybrid, etc…), Hyundai is rolling out the Lithium polymer battery technology. What does that mean? The Lithium polymer battery has 70% more charge density (power output), and 50% more charge holding capacity than the Nickel Metal Hydride stuff and 20% smaller than Lithium ion technology (the current leader in battery technology).
The drivetrain is a parallel hybrid system which makes for more seamless transition between the gas and electric modes and is projected to get 37MPG city and 39 in highway use. The combined power output is at 209HP, which is also class leading and the Sonata is the largest and the lightest of the bunch – more comfort and best performing.
Exterior touches include awesome LED headlamps and a reworked body design that’s more aerodynamic than just about any supercar on the road (.25 cd drag).
Sonata 2.0T (Turbo)
While the competition is busy increasing HP with larger 6 cylinder engines, Hyundai leap-frogged everyone by going backwards. They are introducing a 2.0 liter 4 cylinder turbocharged engine… and get this 274HP (outclassing most 6 cylinder engines) and 34MPG – only a tick less than the naturally aspirated 2.4 liter unit!
You really get the best of both worlds, you get class leading power output and fuel efficiency. It feels weird to say this, but more companies should follow Hyundai’s lead.
- KF
