2011 Hyundai Sonata arrives at L.A. show

Hyundai took the wraps off its new 2011 Sonata yesterday at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The North American intro of the sixth generation midsize sedan introduces the automaker’s new “Fluidic Sculpture” design language and an all-new, only four-cylinder, engine lineup.

The Sonata will debut early in 2010 with Hyundai’s new Theta II GDI 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with Gasoline Direct-Injection (GDI). It’s the first midsize sedan to adopt GDI technology as standard equipment in a naturally aspirated powertrain. Horsepower and torque will be 198 and 184 lb-ft, while delivering “class-leading” fuel economy.

Later in 2010, a 2.0-litre Theta II turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine will be added and a 2.4-litre Hybrid Blue Drive model using a lithium polymer battery pack. Details will be announced at the 2010 New York Auto Show.

The 2011 Sonata also debuts Hyundai’s new six-speed automatic transmission. Developed in-house over four years, it’s lighter than the five-speed it replaces, shorter and simpler, having 62 fewer parts. It’s designed for “applications in passenger cars and SUVs,” so expect it to roll out in other models. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard.

Production on the new Sonata begins at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama this month. It’s new Fluidic Sculpture design language took about three and half years to develop and will ripple through the entire Hyundai showroom.

As before, the Sonata is classified as a large car by the U.S.’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), putting in above the Camry, Altima, Fusion and Malibu.

It wears a four-wheel independent suspension. The SE model wears a 20 percent stiffer sport-tuned setup. The Sonata’s new body structure is 25 percent stiffer in torsion and 19 percent stiffer in bending rigidity, yet “lighter than many midsize sedans.”

Six airbags are standard, while available high-tech features include XM Satellite Radio, real-time XM NavTraffic, Bluetooth, touch-screen navigation and iPod/USB inputs.

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[Florida Certified Public Accountants]

This is an amazing car!!

Hyundai’s efforts to become one favorite for customers have allowed them to search deeper into buyers' needs and wants.

Great desigs plus improvements in motor and automatic transmission make it worth!!

[Miami auto repair]

this car shows a great design, it seems smood but also has a quite powerful motor for a car orintated more for families. not a sport design I mean!!