- Hyundai releases a teaser photo of its 2011 Sonata Hybrid.
- The Sonata Hybrid will be fully revealed on March 31.
- Pricing for the Hyundai's first hybrid has not yet been announced.
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, California — With the Ford Fusion Hybrid and the Toyota Camry Hybrid in the crosshairs, Hyundai on Friday released a teaser image of its 2011 Sonata Hybrid ahead of its unveiling at the 2010 New York Auto Show. The Korean automaker's first hybrid in the U.S. will go on sale here later this year, Hyundai confirmed for Inside Line.
The Sonata Hybrid will be fully revealed on March 31.
Last week, Hyundai Motor America President and CEO John Krafcik told Inside Line that the Sonata hybrid is designed to stand apart from the gasoline-engined Sonata. "It's a hybrid in a tuxedo," he said. "It's not like Camry Hybrid or Fusion Hybrid."
He said the Sonata Hybrid provides "at-a-glance differentiation" from its Sonata sibling and has a "different face."
When contacted by Inside Line on Friday, Hyundai spokesman Dan Bedore said he could not provide any information on volume or pricing on the Sonata Hybrid. He did confirm that it will go on sale later this year, along with the 2.0-liter turbocharged version of the Sonata. "We're giving Sonata buyers three powertrain options," Bedore noted.
Inside Line says: Hyundai readies its first hybrid model for a Big Apple debut. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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thebigbs says:
07:49 PM, 03/30/2010
hyundai.com has full info about hybrid and turbo 37/39mpgs turbo 22/34 and 274hp!
sanish says:
08:48 PM, 03/29/2010
Will Sonata Hybrid buyers get federal credit if bought before the end of this year?
alex38 says:
07:44 PM, 03/29/2010
@dg0472
very cool.. thanks
dg0472 says:
05:14 AM, 03/29/2010
You're welcome and what I apparently didn't finish typing is: since the elecrolyte is a gel and not a liquid.
alex38 says:
08:01 PM, 03/27/2010
@dg0472
I appreciate the clarification. Thank you
dg0472 says:
10:04 AM, 03/27/2010
Actually alex38, that's what GM will be using in the Volt. The Sonata with have a lithium ion polymer battery. That will save additional space since.
alex38 says:
06:13 PM, 03/26/2010
Here's what promising to me. Did a quick search and apparently, Hyundai will be using LG Chemical's LITHIUM ION BATTERY. This, opposed to Toyota's decision to use nearly decade old Nickel Metal Hydride technology in all versions of it Prius.
Looks to be one of the first hybrids to use this new Lithium technology. Will have to wait and see if it equates to a better driving experience tho..
alex38 says:
06:07 PM, 03/26/2010
I REALLY LIKE the fact that they changed up the front design to add visual distinction. The 'Superman' grill adds family resemblance (Tucson) and those lights are SWEEET! (If you've seen the fluorescent headlight surround on Kia's new K7, I'd say Hyundai is doing some great work with something as simple as headlights and paying attention to details).
Hope it has LED tail lights as well but Hyundai looks to have yet another winner..
the_pill says:
04:04 PM, 03/26/2010
eldaino2 says:
11:57 AM, 03/26/2010
boostaholic: pretty sure that number is lofty, given the fact that in real world testing, the 35mpg rating the sonata gets has been unattainable.
Can you prove that? In fact some owners report that they have averaged 37 MPG.
thedream21479 says:
03:31 PM, 03/26/2010
That headlight treatment is sweet! Go Hyundai!