The Next Generation of Hyundai Sonata

The excitement surrounding the new Sonata has to do with the hybrid and all electric powertrains that are aboard a couple of the new models.  Yes, we have had a hybrid Sonata in the past, but it was more of a typical hybrid offering, the kind we see on cars that are really “wanna bes” that only have the hybrid motor on the car to be able to say they are trying to offer a model that saves plenty of fuel.  In the case of the new Sonata the story is much different; giving us a great look at what is next in hybrid technology.

The new hybrid Sonata has a completely replaced engine which is full of ways to pull efficiency out of the engine and pass on the savings to you, the owner.  This new engine is a 2.0-lite Otto-cycle engine that offers up 154 horsepower and replaces the outgoing 2.4-liter Atkinson cycle engine.  This engine does not only add direct injection but also has an electric water pump to lower internal friction, an oil warmer and a variable pressure oil pump.  On the side of the engine is a large starter to help with the spin-ups that occur in a hybrid engine, giving it a great way to get the EV going.

The actual hybrid motors themselves have even been upgraded to be shorter, lighter and offer a higher output.  The one on the hybrid puts out 51 horsepower while the EV model shows up with 67 horsepower.  Even though the transmission appears to be a conventional six-speed automatic, when a closer look is taken you can see it is water-cooled and has an electrically powered oil pump along with an efficiency that has improved by a full 9.5 percent over the outgoing model.

The Plug-In EV model has a 1.6 kW-hr lithium-ion battery that is placed under the trunk floor and an 8.2 kW-hr battery behind the rear seat.  This is better than most of the competition and only takes 3 hours to recharge on a 240 volt power source.  This makes the Sonata one of the fastest charging plug-in systems on the market and shows off the work and testing that has gone on at Hyundai to give us a car with amazing hybrid and plug-in features to full appreciate and enjoy while avoiding stopping at the gas pump on a regular basis.

As you can plainly see the Sonata continues to be a leader for Hyundai in the market and gives us two hybrid motors that will easily handle everything we throw its way.  With this new but only slightly tweaked technology the added features of each of the powertrains seems to be ready to take you for a joyous ride in the countryside and offer a smooth transition from gas power to electric power saving the gasoline for a time that is needed.  The excitement surrounding this new technology will be audible once these cars are at dealers later this year being test driven by the many who want a great hybrid vehicle that is also a great drive.