In an e-mailed statement, Hyundai Motor America spokesman Dan Bedore said the company "will release information about the U.S. 2011 Sonata closer to its launch date, which is in 2010."
The new Sonata in Korea gets a 2.0-liter Theta II four-cylinder gas engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Vehicle dynamic control is a standard feature.
Other details include a panoramic sunroof, steering-wheel-mounted gearshift paddles and a push-button start.
Hyundai said the Sonata uses "fluidic sculpture" design language, which it describes as "a new design direction that will play a pivotal role in enhancing the brand."
Inside Line says: More evidence that Hyundai is taking styling seriously, as it spruces up its bread-and-butter midsize sedan. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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betola says:
02:01 PM, 12/09/2009
Saw the 2011 Sonata at the LA Auto Show today. It's very nice. I took at long look at the 2006 Sonata before buying a 2006 Passat. The 2006 Sonata seemed a good value, but the styling was ordinary and the transmission a little rough. I've driven a 2009 Sonata as a rental. It's solid and amazingly quick for a large 4-cylinder car, but the transmission glitches remain.
The 2011 seems to have addressed the transmission glitches with a new 6-speed built by Hyundai rather than a contractor. The Sonata comes with a 4 cylinder engine that produces 198 or 200 HP depending on the model, on regular gas, with 23 city and 35 highway. That beats my Passat. The styling is sharp - it looks a little like the VW Passat CC. It is bigger inside and seems more solidly built than the 2010 Mazda 6 and 2011 Subaru Legacy.
I saw a review that said in essence that the 2011 Sonata was trying to look expensive without really being that good. I disagree, provisionally at least, until I have a chance to drive it. The car seems well built, an excallent value, and has sharp and not obviously derivative styling. I think Hyundai's got a winner here and I'll consider it seriously for my next car.