Hyundai Calls 2011 Sonata Turbo "Very Delicious," Reveals Near-Term Future Plans

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The 2011 Hyundai Sonata "smokes" the competition from a power-to-weight ratio standpoint, Hyundai Motor America's John Krafcik said during a live Webcast today.

Krafcik, along with other Hyundai Motor America staff, were on hand in La Jolla, California, to reveal new details on the Sonata, which is a main reason why Hyundai expects to build on the 4.2-percent of the U.S. market it captured by the end of 2009. The Sonata went on sale in the last couple weeks with its base engine, a 198-horsepower, direct-injection four that boasts the most standard horsepower in the segment. But it's the Sonata's relatively low curb weight (roughly 3200 pounds) that Krafcik says gives him the most pride.

As we've noted before, part of the 130-pound weight savings on the new Sonata comes from the move from 5- to 6-speed transmissions, which saves roughly 26 pounds. Like the new Tucson compact SUV, the Sonata will enter the market with EPA fuel economy ratings at the top of its segment.

The upcoming Sonata's replacement engine for present car's outgoing V-6 will be a 2.0-liter turbo direct-injection four that Krafcik says is "very delicious," with an endless reservoir of power. The engine will produce "well over 250 horsepower," Hyundai says, which isn't actually that surprising considering this car will be compared against V-6 midsize sedans, many of which make more than 260 horsepower. Where things get interesting is fuel economy. Krafcik said Hyundai is going to do everything it can to get close to the 35 mpg hit by the regular Sonata. For more information on the Sonata turbo as well as the Sonata hybrid, we'll have to wait until the New York auto show, where they will both make their debuts.

Hyundai says the company is trying to make an emotional connection with buyers. Part of this strategy is to have consumers look at a Hyundai and admire the design without thinking, "That looks like the styling of brand X." The most obvious example of this on the Southern-California-designed Sonata is the strip of chrome that stretches from the rear quarter window all the way past the A-pillar to the front headlights. You don't have to like the styling feature, but what's certain is that no one else is doing that in the midsize segment.

The Webcast was timed well as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety just named the 2011 Sonata a Top Safety Pick. Hyundai thinks that 60 percent of Sonata buyers will choose the GLS trim, 30 percent the up-market Limited, and just 10 percent the sporty SE with 18-inch wheels.

As for the future of Hyundai's lineup, here are a few details:
* This year, Hyundai introduces the Tucson SUV, Sonata sedan, and Equus luxury sedan. The Equus will be used to demonstrate what Hyundai says are "some pretty exciting ways" to upgrade customers service and satisfaction.
* Next year, the Accent subcompact and Elantra compact will debut. Also expect a sporty coupe with up to 40 mpg similar to what we saw with the Veloster concept. The production car won't be called the Veloster and won't be a hybrid.
* Don't count on Hyundai to introduce a unibody pickup truck anytime soon unless sales of the Honda Ridgeline suddenly skyrocket.

http://wot.motortrend.com/6610255/fu...ans/index.html

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Hyundai's all-new 2011 Sonata midsize sedan will carry a starting price of $19,915, up $495 from the outgoing 2010 model.

What that extra $495 buys is more power and better fuel economy. The $19,915 2011 Sonata GLS gets a six-speed manual transmission and is powered by a 198-horsepower direct-injection four-cylinder engine. That combination yields fuel economy ratings of 24/35 mpg city/highway. In case you hadn't noticed, that's better fuel economy and more power at a lower price than the Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry, and Honda Accord.
Most Sonatas, though, will have a six-speed automatic transmission in place of the manual. With the automatic, expected EPA ratings are still at the top of the family sedan heap: 22/35 mpg city/highway. Value is still a Hyundai hallmark, so get ready for a partial list of the Sonata's standard equipment: Bluetooth, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control System, a trip computer, an audio system with iPod/USB and Aux input jacks, three months of free XM satellite radio and a tilt/telescopic steering wheel with cruise and audio controls. Add $1000 for an automatic transmission.

A Popular Equipment Package runs $750 and adds 16-in. alloy wheels (steel wheels are standard), a power driver's seat, chrome and leatherette interior trim, and what Hyundai calls automatic light control. With the 2011 Sonata, in-car navigation systems take another step toward becoming mainstream: $23,365 is all it takes to drive a Sonata GLS with the Popular Equipment Package plus a touchscreen navigation system (and an audio system upgrade). Even if you seek out a compact sedan like the Mazda3 and Honda Civic, a navigation-equipped model will cost about the same as the Sonata.

Upgrade to the $23,315 Sonata SE and you'll gain a whole 2 hp but, of course, the SE is about more than its 200 hp. There's the 18-in. alloy wheels and performance tires, sport seats, leather steering wheel and shift knob, fog lights, dual exhaust, a dark chrome front grille plus what Hyundai says is a sport-tuned suspension and steering. A $2600 package adds a power sunroof, the touchscreen navigation system, and audio system upgrade.

At this time, Hyundai isn't offering a six-cylinder model on the 2011 Sonata, but that doesn't mean you can't splurge on enough options to make the four-door more luxurious. A $26,015 Sonata Limited has the 198-hp four-cylinder engine, heated leather seats (front and rear), auto-dimming mirror with HomeLink and a compass, six-disc CD player, HD Radio with multicasting, 17-in. wheels, a sunroof, air vents for rear passengers, turn signal indicators in the rear view mirrors plus Piano Black or Woodgrain trim. If that's not sufficient, you can always choose the navigation package for $2100, which includes the touchscreen navigation system, an Infinity audio system, and a rear backup camera.

To summarize what we know: the 2011 Sonata still starts under $20,000, still has plenty of standard equipment, and still tops out below its prime competitors. Styling may be subjective, but we can't wait to see how the Sonata performs compared to the sales leaders in the category.

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