The all-new 2011 version of the Hyundai Sonata was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show this week, marking the North American debut of the latest version of the vehicle.
The new Sonata will include a four-cylinder engine line-up with a naturally aspirated version of the new Theta II GDI 2.4 litre four cylinder engine with a gasoline direct injection fuel delivery system making it the first midsize saloon car to adopt the technology as standard equipment.
The GDI allows greater control of the fuel mixture which in turn improves efficiency. The fuel is injected by a high pressure pump with direct injection utilising a high compression ratio for increased power. The engine also features continuously variable valve timing on both camshafts as well as a variable induction system for better engine breathing. A version of the engine will also meet partial zero emission vehicle standards.
When equipped with a six-speed manual drive, the Sonata achieves 23mpg city/34mpg highway with 184lb-ft of torque. The six-speed helps the vehicle accomplish a nine per cent gain in fuel economy and it is smaller, more compact and lighter than other transmissions on the market. It has been developed over a four-year period and is 26.4lbs lighter than the five-speed it replaces.
The Hyundai Sonata can also boast world-class body rigidity and is 25 per cent stiffer in torsion and 19 per cent stiffer in bending rigidity than its predecessor.
