Hyundai Sells 5 Million Sonatas Worldwide

“The five million mark is a testament to Hyundai’s continuous quality improvement, technological advancement and differentiated design,” said Steve S. Yang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor. “It’s Korea’s No. 1 sedan and now aims to be a game changer for the segment worldwide.”

Of the total, 2.7 million units were sold in Korea while 2.3 million were sold in overseas markets. The U.S. was the biggest market for Sonata outside Korea with 1.3 million cumulative sales. Sales of Sonata from overseas markets accounted for two-thirds of total sales this year, demonstrating the growing popularity of the latest version abroad.

When the cars are lined up bumper to bumper (overall length 4,820 mm), the length is equivalent to one round trip between Seoul and New York (one-way distance 11,000 km). When the cars are piled up (overall height 1,470 mm), the 5 million units are about 800 times the height of the Mount Everest (8,848m).

Sonata is now entering its sixth generation since its launch in 1985, gaining steady popularity worldwide as Hyundai’s leading sedan and competing head to head against Toyota’s Camry and Honda’s Accord.

[Source: Hyundai]

Hyundai Genesis and Sonata Named to Edmunds.com’s Top Best Dark-Horse Cars List

Edmunds.com named both the 2010 Hyundai Genesis and 2011 Hyundai Sonata to its Top 10 Best Dark-Horse Cars of 2010 list.

"The Top 10 Best Dark-Horse Cars of 2010 represent the true dark horses in the market – the cars that somehow fly just below the radar when it comes to consumer awareness, but nevertheless have a lot to offer shoppers on the hunt for quality and value," Hyundai reported.

“The all-new Sonata is a smart buy with modern style, top-tier quality and outstanding residual value. Couple that with a four-cylinder engine producing class-leading fuel economy and the power of a larger V6, and the Sonata should definitely be on consumer shopping lists in the mid-size sedan segment,” said Scott Margason, director of product planning, Hyundai Motor America. “Additionally, the North American Car of the Year-winning Genesis continues to be an extremely disruptive force in the large sedan and near-luxury segments.”

“Although they may not have the same level of recognition as say the Ford Explorer, Honda Civic or Toyota Camry, these cars offer great value and quality, and definitely should be on more consumers’ shopping lists,” said Karl Brauer, Senior Analyst and Editor at Large for Edmunds.com.

[Source: Edmunds]

Hyundai Sonata: Most-Viewed Midsize Sedan on AutoTrader.com in March

Hyundai's all-new Sonata midsize sedan was AutoTrader.com’s most-viewed vehicle in its class during the month of March. For the first time ever, Sonata surpassed competitors that include Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima. AutoTrader.com recorded 16.5 million unique monthly visitors in March, the highest traffic the company had ever experienced.

“Industry wide, traffic seems to be increasing and the Sonata is hitting showrooms at an ideal time to capitalize on renewed consumer interest in cars,” said Scott Margason, director of product planning, Hyundai Motor America. “Sonata’s new design identity is drawing significant shopper attention, motivating and driving consumers to include it on their list when considering their next car purchase.”

Hyundai’s all-new 2011 Sonata represents a modern approach to the traditional midsize sedan segment by using only advanced four-cylinder engines, emotional design and luxury features offered with Hyundai’s strong value proposition. The Sonata launched with a new Theta II 2.4-liter gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine and in-house six-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle offers class-leading fuel economy of 22 mpg city/35 mpg highway and 198 horsepower standard.

Hyundai also announced 2.0-liter Theta II turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine and Sonata Hybrid models last week at the New York International Auto Show, rounding out an exciting new 2011 Sonata lineup.

[Source: Hyundai]

New York 2010: Hyundai Unveils 274-HP Sonata Turbo (2.0T), Gets 34 MPG Hwy. Rating

Hyundai today debuted the all-new 2011 Sonata 2.0T, powered by the brand's new 2.0L turbocharged version of its GDI 4-cylinder engine, at the 2010 New York Auto Show.

The long-awaited Sonata 2.0T is fitted with a 2.0L Theta II turbocharged GDI (gasoline direct injection) engine that churns out 274 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque across a broad rpm range – 1,800 rpm – 4,500 rpm. The twin-scroll turbo system design minimizes turbocharger lag and gives the Sonata 2.0T 4-cylinder more power than many V6 engines, while running on regular fuel.

The new 2.0L turbocharged gasoline direct-injection engine is part of Hyundai’s Blue Drive strategy. Mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, Hyundai says that the Sonata 2.0T will deliver an estimated fuel-economy of 22/34 mpg (city/highway).

“The Sonata 2.0T is a great example of what our Blue Drive product strategy is doing for consumers,” said John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America president and CEO. “Think about it – more horsepower than any of our V6 competitors, with better gas mileage than any competitive 4-cylinder model. We’re not fans of compromising at Hyundai, and the Sonata really demonstrates this aspect of our business approach.”

The 2.0T engine will be available on the SE and Limited trim level, with the 2.0T Limited getting additional upgrades such as panoramic roof and leather seating. Pricing details will be announced closer to its scheduled sales launch in late 2010.

[Source: Hyundai]

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New York 2010: All-New Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Gets Unique Look and Achieves 37/39 MPG

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is the Korean company's first shot at the hybrid segment and it's not messing around. The Sonata Hybrid boasts the highest combined horsepower output of any hybrid sedan in its class and an expected best-in-class EPA highway rating of 39 mpg, not to mention the first use of lithium-polymer batteries in the automotive industry. That's pretty strong out of the gate.

Here are the basics: The Sonata Hybrid combines Hyundai's 169-horsepower, 2.4-liter Theta II inline-4 with a 30-kilowatt electric motor. This particular Theta engine runs on the Atkinson cycle and uses continuously variable valve timing along with several friction-reducing technologies to boost efficiency by 10 percent compared to the standard Theta power plant. This hybrid powertrain's combined output of 209 hp tops all sedans in the class, while the Sonata Hybrid also happens to be one of the lightest midsize hybrid sedans at 3,457 pounds.

Like the Toyota Camry and Ford Fusion hybrids, the Sonata Hybrid can run on electric power alone, but Hyundai also claims its car can achieve 100 km/h (62 mph) in the electric mode. This is one of the reasons why the Sonata delivers such an impressive highway mileage number. The six-speed automatic transmission comes from Hyundai, but this application puts an electric motor in place of the torque converter, creating a hybrid powertrain that is more efficient and less costly than the CVTs used by its competitors, Hyundai says. More conventional elements of the Sonata Hybrid include a regenerative brake system, start/stop technology and an electric air-conditioning compressor.

Continue reading for the full article and more hi-res images.

You might not recognize the phrase "lithium polymer" in reference to the Sonata's batteries, as this is the first automotive application of the technology. Hyundai says the batteries are smaller, lighter and more durable than both nickel-metal hydride and lithium-ion batteries. For instance, the Sonata's battery pack weighs 28 pounds less than the one used in the Toyota Camry. It's also easier to package, which results in less intrusion into the trunk area.

In order to visually differentiate the Sonata Hybrid from the conventional Sonata, Hyundai has added a unique front fascia with a hexagonal grille, revised rocker panels, unique wheel designs and, of course, plenty of hybrid badging. Inside the cabin, the Sonata Hybrid also includes a technology display that gives drivers information on the available charge, power flow through the drive system and overall efficiency. It uses pretty colors to display it all, too.