Hyundai has today revealed its all-new Sonata Hybrid in Seoul, Korea. The company says the new design is the result of 27 months of development and an investment of approximately $164 million.
Scheduled to launch in major markets outside Korea in the first half of 2015, Hyundai is aiming to sell a total of 55,000 units next year, with 37,000 being earmarked for overseas markets.
The car has a claimed fuel economy figure of 51.4 mpg, with the upgraded powertrain featuring a 2.0-litre hybrid engine mated to a 38 kW electric motor.
The petrol engine delivers a claimed maximum power and torque of 154 bhp and 139 ft-lbs, up 4 per cent and 5.5 per cent respectively, compared to the previous model. The electric motor is also said to deliver 8.6 per cent improved maximum power, with maximum torque of 151 ft-lbs.
Feeding the electric motor is a lithium-polymer battery pack that has a capacity of 1.62 kWh, which is 13.3 per cent higher than the previous model’s 1.43 kWh. The battery has also been relocated under the floor of the boot, allowing for a flat boot floor, creating a more useable cargo area, 10.5% larger than that of the previous model, with 60/40 split-folding seats.
Power is transferred to the road via a six-speed automatic gearbox. The new unit houses almost all of the hybrid powertrain components within the transmission, while the torque converter has been removed.
Hyundai engineers say a lighter torsion damper, and new engine clutch, which features fewer clutch discs, reduce drag and contribute to a more efficient transfer and use of power. However, the most significant change to the new transmission to improve fuel efficiency is within the oil pump system, with the mechanical oil pump getting replaced by a new electric version.
Styling-wise, the car’s updated design features a number of exterior elements that distinguish it from non-hybrid Sonata models. Hyundai designers say these changes have an added functional effect, namely, a reduced drag coefficient of 0.24 Cd.
Compared to the previous-generation Sonata Hybrid, the all-new version is 35 mm longer and 30 mm wider, with a 10 mm longer wheelbase, allowing more interior space for occupants. The belt line that runs the length of the car has been lowered, with a more sharply raked A-pillar to emphasise the enlarged proportions.
Hyundai has confirmed the hybrid model will be joined next year by a plug-in hybrid variant, which will become the Korean brand’s first ever PHEV.
Source: Hyundai
