- Bookmark this page for a 2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T and Sonata Hybrid Webcast on Thursday, October 7 at 8:30 a.m. PDT.
- The presentation will be Webcast live from Torrey Pines, California.
TORREY PINES, California — Hyundai will host a product presentation and drive event of its 2011 Sonata 2.0T and Sonata Hybrid for automotive journalists on Thursday, October 7 at 8:30 a.m. PDT.
As we did in with the standard 2011 Hyundai Sonata back in February, Inside Line will be offering our readers a chance to watch the presentation live via Webcast on IL.
The Hyundai Sonata 2.0T, which is headed to dealers now, uses a turbocharged, 274-horsepower, four-cylinder engine connected to a six-speed automatic transmission. Hyundai says the Sonata 2.0T will deliver up to 33 mpg on the highway and run zero to 60 mph in about 6 seconds.
The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, which is expected to go on sale in early December, combines a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with a 30-kw electric motor powered by lithium-polymer batteries. According to Hyundai, the Sonata Hybrid will return up to 39 mpg on the highway. The Sonata Hybrid also gets some unique exterior styling elements like a redesigned front fascia, unique wheels and various hybrid emblems.
Inside Line says: Hyundai thinks most family sedan buyers will be willing to give up some V6 torque for four-cylinder efficiency — and it's probably right. — Ed Hellwig, Editor, Inside Line
If you missed the live webcast, you can still watch a replay at Hyundai's Media site.
Add A Comment »
hdbum says:
08:13 AM, 10/07/2010
There is a picture somewhere on the web that shows the hybrid model with a UK style tag on front. It really made it look better having something in that blank space. At the Texas State Fair, the Hyundai rep said the front on the production model may change slightly as they have had a lot of negative comments. He also said the release date was pushed back to late December or January for most dealers. That may put it past the Dec-31 deadline on federal hybrid tax incentives unless they are renewed by congress.
andy999 says:
08:51 PM, 10/06/2010
It would be a little difficult to equate the potential performance of this new Hyundai engine, with experience from previous turbo four cylinders. This engine has a relatively high static compression, direct injection, and a modern twin scroll turbo design. The running, driving, and performance characteristics will likely be much, much different than what has been experienced in the past.
I suppose, that we may have some professional feedback after the press event, tomorrow!!!
alan_s says:
08:37 PM, 10/06/2010
Its not just about power. Many turbo 4's make great raw power but they are crude and noisy with a typical 4cyl drone.
I like V6s or straight-sixes because they are much smoother than turbo 4's, and their audible frequency is higher and more refined. Perhaps Audi comes close to being V6-smooth with their 4cyl turbo, but I doubt that Hyundai's turbo 4 will have the same level of refinement and aural satisfaction as a good V6.
cincycubfan23 says:
07:23 PM, 10/06/2010
Hybrid's front end is, quite simply, fugly.
jmess says:
07:07 PM, 10/06/2010
A 2.0T Wagon would get me interested. CUVs just aren't working for a lot of us and small hatchbacks don't have enough room.
andy999 says:
05:27 PM, 10/06/2010
Inside Line says: Hyundai thinks most family sedan buyers will be willing to give up some V6 torque for four-cylinder efficiency - and it's probably right. - Ed Hellwig, Editor, Inside Line
Honestly, . . . I think this may just be Inside Line's impression of a potential sales strategy. I don't expect anything being given up, other than excess bulk and weight over the front tires. The high torque number of the Sonata 2.0T is 269lb-ft, which comes in at 1700rpm and carries without waiver until 4500rpm. That is an extremely broad torque curve that even a V8 could be proud to boast. The modern twin scroll turbo technology, and Hyundai's management tech, will assure excellent response and pull throughout the entire band. Maybe a better slogan would have been "Hyundai thinks that most family sedan buyers will appreciate V6 power output with 4 cylinder efficiency". And that would "definitely be right", . . . to play on IL's theme.
To be honest, the previous generation Sonata, with a 175hp 4 cylinder and 5 speed automatic, felt just fine during normal driving conditions. This new, lighter weight platform, with 274hp/269lb.ft. and a 6 speed auto transmission, should be absolutely tremendous, . . . especially during "abnormal" driving conditions . . .
Great car at an amazing price point!!!
tbone85 says:
03:18 PM, 10/06/2010
The Sonata has the same torque rating as the Mazda6 6 cylinder enging, and is rated for higher torque than the 6 cylnder engines in the Camry, Accord, Fusion, Altima, and Malibu.
Not sure where the reduced torque comment comes from, unless there exists some information about the output being peaky in the Sonata.
andy999 says:
11:38 AM, 10/06/2010
Regarding the 2.0T . . . I'm not really sure that it gives up too much in the torque department (compared to a typical V6 engine), as it supposedly produces its 269lb-ft figure from around 1700rpm through 4500rpm. Seems like a fairly effective and broad torque curve, as far as I'm concerned. With a properly geared 6 speed transmission, this Sonata 2.0T should be a pleasure to drive!!!
andy999 says:
11:08 AM, 10/06/2010
People seem to either really like the front end of the Hybrid model, or not, there doesn't seem to be a lot of in between. I actually do like it, although, it would have been nice to trim out the black bump strip with an inlaid "hybrid" script emblem, or something of the like, just to avoid a potential "raw", slightly unfinished appearance. Overall, this Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is one of the best looking of its type, for certain. The blue car at the LA Auto Show was amazing looking, and I hope that the volume production version is nearly that nice. Great job, Hyundai!!!
captainvw says:
10:25 AM, 10/06/2010
the front end of the hybrid reminds me of a manta ray, I like it