Spied: 2012 Hyundai Veloster (First Shots)

The first photos of the 2012 Hyundai Veloster Coupe have surfaced. Apparently snapped during cold weather testing in South Korea, the photos show a car which has begun to evolve from the two-door Veloster concept shown at the 2007 Seoul Auto Show.

n the view of the car's full length the Veloster's exaggerated wheel arch is shown. Unlike the concept, it appears to taper off into the sidesill. The car still maintains a steeply-raked windshield, cresting at the intersection with the roof, which then slants downwards in less dramatic fashion than the concept.

The shape of the rear is not terribly clear, but taillight placement looks to be similar to the concept. The cutout in the cover also implies that the car has kept triangular-shaped headlights. We do like the interesting center-placement of dual-exhaust pipes, something carried over and modified from the concept.

Hyundai Motor America CEO John Krafcik has indicated that the production version of the Veloster will retain at least 70% of the concept's styling. it will use a 140-horsepower 1.6-liter direct-injection engine capable of 40mpg. A turbocharged, 175-hp engine is also expected. One transmission option will likely be a dual-clutch automatic box.

The 2012 Hyundai Veloster will likely hit showrooms by the end of 2010 or the beginning of 2011. In the U.S. it may be used to replace the Tiburon coupe.

Continue reading to view one more image.

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Spied: Interior shots of 2011 Hyundai Elantra (MD)

After a long hiatus of spy shots of the next-generation Hyundai Elantra, we have the first clear images of the completed interior of the brand's popular compact offering. From these shots, it is evident that Hyundai has ditched the conservative design of the current Elantra in favor of a rather radical and polarizing one.

Code-named 'MD', the redesigned Elantra is yet another rendition of Hyundai's Fluidic Sculpture design theme that is also conveyed in the new Sonata and Tucson. The 2011 Elantra sedan will feature a sportier overall appearance, with larger front grille, stretched head-lamps, steeper windshield rake and lower roof-line.

As for now, we have no confirmed details on 2011 Elantra’s engine options but you can expect to see Hyundai’s new 2.0L Theta four-cylinder engine placed under its hood. In addition, Hyundai will probably introduce a 1.6L four-cylinder engine in the entry-level, Elantra Blue model, which will achieve above average mileage thanks to the applied gasoline direct injection technology.

The sales date has not been confirmed for the 2011 Elantra. However, sources report that the launch date is tentatively scheduled for July of 2010. Our take? With Hyundai's 24/7 in full force, we expect the Elantra to be launched much earlier, especially considering the fact that the new compact sedan is next in line for unveiling according to the brand's plan. We will see for now.

See more images for yourself after the jump and comment below on whether Hyundai is taking the right direction or not with the Elantra's new interior.

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Hyundai Adds Edition Models for UK Market

Hyundai is driving into 2010 with a line-up of special edition family cars focussed on offering maximum value for money. Called Edition, the i10, i20 and i30 models boast more style, added equipment and aggressive pricing aimed at stealing a march on rivals.

Starting at £8,425, the i10 Edition stands on 14-inch alloy wheels and has body-coloured door mirrors, body side mouldings and front fog lights as well as remote central locking, air conditioning, electric windows, a height-adjustable drivers' seat and a leather steering wheel and gearknob. With CO2 emissions of 119g/km, the 1.1-litre car qualifies for £35 road tax.

Next up, the 1.2-litre i20 Edition three and five-door cars cost from £10,565 to undercut the cheapest Ford Fiesta by £700 - but still boast half-leather seat trim, air conditioning, electric windows, leather steering wheel and gear knob. Standing on 15-inch alloys, they also have front fog lamps, steering wheel audio controls, a CD-radio with Aux and USB connections and remote central locking - luxuries normally found in much more expensive models.

Flagship Edition is the i30, which has an exclusive sporty look from a modified front grille, hexagonal air intake and sculpted fog lamps, plus side skirts and a new rear bumper with twin exhaust trims. Priced from £13,400, this model is claimed to be over £4,000 cheaper than an entry-level Ford Focus even though it has 16-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, sports pedals, a chrome-finished gear knob, electric windows, remote central locking, electric heated door mirrors and a six-speaker stereo-radio CD player with Aux and USB connections and steering wheel audio controls.

Like all i30 models, the Edition has a choice of ESP as standard, along with active front head restraints and six airbags. Engine choices are 1.4 or 1.6-litre petrol or a .6-litre CRDi diesel, and stop-start is a £200 option.

[Source: Hyundai]

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USA: 2010 Kia Soul Ignition Hits the Road

The second special edition Kia Soul to be offered in the States this year after the "Denim" is the "Ignition". Based on the Soul+ model, the limited run version features a unique ignition orange exterior finish with contrasting black rally stripes, a rear spoiler, an alloy fuel door and black 18-inch alloy wheels with machined accents.

Like the previously launched Denim, on top of the Soul+ standard equipment, Kia has loaded the Ignition with more features including a higher-grade audio system with iPod connection, center speaker, subwoofer, external amplifier and speaker lights that pulse to the beat of the music, carpeted floor mats, moon roof, fender vents with side marker repeaters and fog lights.

The new Kia Soul Ignition is available for order with prices starting from $17,500 for the model with a five-speed manual gearbox.

[Source: Kia]

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USA: 2011 Kia Sorento Starts at Under $20K

The 2011 Kia Sorento hits showrooms in January, and as the U.S. Kia consumer Web site reads, will start at $20,790. That price will get you a base trim Sorento with a 2.4L four-cylinder engine and six-speed manual transmission. Step it up to the LX and you'll still get the four-banger making 179-hp/169 lb-ft, but have the option for front-wheel or four-wheel drive. A six-speed automatic gearbox comes with the trim as well.

Top tier seven-passenger EX editions can be had with the four-cylinder or the 276-hp 3.5L V-6 with 248 lb-ft of torque. It too gets either front-wheel or four-wheel drive and an automatic transmission.

Base and LX models get features like 17-in. alloys, air conditioning, dual curtain and side airbags, four-wheel ABS, and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD). Bluetooth with Sirius Audio system, 18-in. wheels, fog lights, push buttons start, back up warning system, and traction control are just some of the standard goodies on the Sorento EX .

[Source: Kia]

Continue reading for the full price list.


Base -- 2.4L I4 M/T 4x2 $20,790
LX -- 2.4L I4 A/T 4x2 $23,190
LX -- 2.4L I4 A/T 4x4 $24,890
EX -- 2.4L I4 A/T 4x2 $25,390
EX -- 2.4L I4 A/T 4x4 $27,090
EX -- 3.5L V6 A/T 4x2 $27,990
EX -- 3.5L V6 A/T 4x4 $29,690


All prices include a $795 destination and handling charge.

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Hyundai Builds One Millionth Car in the US

Hyundai has officially produced one million vehicles in the United States. Last week the company celebrated the milestone as a white 2010 Sonata rolled off the assembly line at its only U.S. plant in Montgomery, Alabama.

The milestone was reached in a relatively quick fashion, as the plant has been open a mere four and a half years. Alabama production of the fifth-generation Sonata started in May of 2006, while the second-generation Santa Fe began in April of 2006. The Sonata thus far has makes up roughly 66 percent of production while the Santa Fe accounts for 34 percent.

The Montgomery plant employs some 2700 workers and affects the region annually by $420 million. The plant will produce the all-new 2011 Sonata seen last week at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

[Source: Hyundai]

PRESS RELEASE: ONE MILLIONTH VEHICLE ROLLS OFF HYUNDAI MOTOR MANUFACTURING ALABAMA ASSEMBLY LINE

Montgomery, Ala., November 30, 2009 - Today, Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA) President and CEO H.I. Kim, drove HMMA's 1,000,000 vehicle - a 2010 Sonata - off the assembly line with Mayor Todd Strange, Hyo-Seung Kim, CEO and President of Sejong and HMMA Team Member Angela Collins joining him in Hyundai's top-selling vehicle in North America.
"Our guests of honor today are without a doubt the team members wearing the Hyundai logo on their chest," H.I. Kim proudly exclaimed to the crowd gathered for the ceremony. "We've over came many challenges since production began in 2005 and through it all our Team Members never turned away from those challenges. It is because of you that we were able to accomplish this tremendous milestone."

In a little more than four and one-half years, HMMA reached the 1,000,000 vehicle mark. The plant has produced two different vehicles since 2006, the Sonata and Santa Fe.

A total of 655,496 Sonatas and 344,504 Santa Fes were built to reach this achievement in the plant's short history.

"Most of you had never worked in automobile plant, but you embraced the opportunity to be trained to do a brand new job, with brand new equipment in a brand new manufacturing facility," explained Rick Neal, HMMA vice president and general counsel. "You learned to build cars in a very short time. Your vehicles have won numerous awards because you worked together as one team to build world class, high quality Hyundai vehicles. Congratulations to each and every one of you."

Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange, who helped bring Hyundai to Alabama during his tenure as director of the Alabama Development Office, congratulated Team Members for reaching 1,000,000 vehicles and helping to expand the automotive manufacturing sector in Alabama. Mayor Strange was one of the first representatives from Alabama to meet with Hyundai executives. More than eight years ago, on Thanksgiving Day, he flew to Seoul, South Korea to lure the global company to Montgomery.

Carver Senior High School's Drum Line, under the direction of Stephen Langford, entertained everyone with a raucous performance as the 2010 Sonata traveled down the quality inspection line. Plus, team members enjoyed spraying confetti over the sedan as it exited the line.

HMMA started producing Sonatas in May 2005. Santa Fes were added to the assembly lines in April 2006. The plant is currently manufacturing the 2010 Santa Fe and will soon begin assembling the "all new" 2011 Sonata.

HMMA employs more than 2,700 team members and has an annual economic impact of $420 million on the River Region.

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LA 2009: Hyundai Sonata Makes North American Debut, 4-Cylinders Only

Hyundai is stepping up its attack on the Camry and Accord with the 2011 Sonata, which debuted at the Los Angeles International Auto Show today. Against its targeted competition -- mid-size sedans with four-cylinder engines -- the Sonata's specs are promising. Its base direct-injected 2.4L Theta II four-cylinder engine produces 198 horsepower (and 184 lb.ft of torque) and returns 35 mpg highway. Its interior is larger in every dimension from last year (the EPA now classifies it as a large car). And, even with a slew of standard features like Bluetooth, stability control, and a six-speaker stereo with MP3 support, the Sonata will start under $20,000.

Powertrain options consist of four cylinders only. "The V-6, in the mid-size sedan, will go the way of the dinosaur," said John Krafcik, president of Hyundai America. In its place is a turbocharged 2.0L GDI that will offer more power than the outgoing 3.3L V-6. That motor, under the hood of the current Sonata, generates 249-hp and 229 lb-ft of torque. "We're well beyond that," Krafcik said.

Hyundai announced that a hybrid variant is also in the pipeline. It will use lithium polymer batteries, much like the Hyundai Elantra LPi hybrid that was introduced earlier this year. The hybrid will debut at the New York auto show in April. The new Sonata is entering production in Montgomery, Alabama, this month, and will be introduced in February.

[Source: Description]



THE 2011 SONATA: THE NEW STANDARD FOR MIDSIZE SEDANS
Sonata Injects Emotion, Advanced Powertrains and Superior Quality into Bland Segment

LOS ANGELES, 12/02/2009

Hyundai today introduced its all-new 2011 Sonata at the Los Angeles Auto Show. This marks the North American debut of the latest version of the popular midsize sedan, introducing Hyundai’s “Fluidic Sculpture” design language and an all four-cylinder engine lineup to the U.S. market.

HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2011 SONATA

* All-new sixth generation Sonata midsize sedan
* Fluidic Sculpture design
* All four-cylinder engine lineup
* Launches with new Theta II 2.4-liter gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine and in-house six-speed automatic transmission
o Class leading fuel economy of 23 mpg city/35 mpg highway*
o Class leading 198 horsepower standard* (200 horsepower on SE trim*)
* 2.0-liter Theta II turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine and Hybrid Blue Drive models to debut by 2010 year-end
* Production begins at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama in December with retail sales beginning in January
* XM Satellite Radio™, real-time XM NavTraffic, XM Data Services, HD Radio Technology™, Bluetooth®, Touch-screen navigation and iPod®/USB inputs

Sonata is the second vehicle in Hyundai’s 24/7 version 2.0 product initiative (seven new models in the next 24 months) following on the heels of the all-new Tucson. Production of Sonata will begin later this month at Hyundai’s U.S. plant in Alabama with retail sales beginning in January.

The 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 2011 Sonata poses some intriguing questions:

* Why can’t a smart, solid sedan also have modern, sleek, sophisticated style?
* Why pay so much to get a taste of luxury?
* Why can’t an efficient four-cylinder engine give V6 power?

FLUIDIC SCULPTURE DESIGN LANGUAGE

Beginning with the 2011 Sonata and 2010 Tucson projects, Hyundai designers set to work about three and half years ago on Fluidic Sculpture. Fluidic Sculpture is a consistent, cohesive design language that will ripple through the entire Hyundai showroom. In developing the initial Sonata sketches, Hyundai designers considered the interplay of natural, fluid elements with more rigid surfaces and structures to create the illusion of constant motion. Inspired by nature, Fluidic Sculpture injects sophistication and dynamic angles into the shape of a vehicle and now serves as the core of Hyundai’s future design identity.

The exterior of the all-new Sonata is long, light and low. The high beltline allows for a long, sleek roofline accented by the third window. A monoform side profile includes flowing lines highlighted by a Hyundai signature chrome accent that spans the length of the car. Normally, this type of trim is only found around the windows. On the new Sonata, this trim extends out from the headlamps, juts up along the hood and through the beltline. The face is bold with a large powerful chrome grille and headlamps that integrate precise details. The stance is completed by 16-, 17- or 18-inch multi-spoke wheels.

The sophisticated look continues inside where Hyundai has created an upscale ambiance thanks to a flow-through center console and instrument panel. These flowing surfaces complement the exterior design and wrap around the driver and passengers.

HYUNDAI PACKAGING EFFICIENCY

The sleek design, combined with Hyundai’s expertise in interior packaging, has produced an interior that delivers class-leading comfort, functionality and practicality. A sleek roofline typically compromises headroom and interior volume but, at 120.2 cubic feet, the Sonata has the most interior volume of its key competitors. It is so spacious, Sonata continues to be classified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a Large car, truly a “class above” Camry, Altima, Fusion and Malibu (all are categorized as Midsize cars). Even in trunk room, the Sonata shines. Sonata’s 16.4 cu. ft. of trunk space gives it a 9.3 percent advantage over the Camry, and a 17.1 percent advantage over Accord.


2011 Sonata


2010 Camry


2010 Accord


2010 Altima


2010 Fusion


2010 Malibu
Passenger volume (cu. ft.)

103.8


101.4


106.0


100.7


100.3


97.7

Cargo volume

(cu. ft.)


16.4


15.0


14.0


15.3


16.5


15.1
Total interior volume (cu. ft.)

120.2


116.4


120.0


116.0


116.8


112.8
EPA size classification

Large


Midsize


Large


Midsize


Midsize


Midsize

ADVANCED POWERTRAINS

The new Sonata will launch with Hyundai’s new Theta II GDI 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with a Gasoline Direct-Injection (GDI) fuel delivery system, which contributes to improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions. Sonata is the first midsize sedan to adopt GDI technology as standard equipment in a naturally aspirated powertain. This shorter, more direct path of fuel delivery, allows for greater control of the fuel mixture at the optimum moment, thus improving efficiency. The fuel is injected by a camshaft-driven, high pressure pump that operates at pressures up to 2,175 psi. Direct injection also utilizes a higher than normal 11.3:1 compression ratio for increased power. The pistons are “dished” to increase combustion efficiency in the cylinder. This powerplant will deliver best-in-class fuel economy, best-in-class four-cylinder horsepower and best-in-class torque.

Sonata delivers an impressive 23 mpg city/35 mpg highway estimated fuel economy rating* with the available six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC®. (When equipped with the six-speed manual, the Sonata achieves an estimated 23 mpg city/34 mpg highway fuel economy rating). The preliminary horsepower and torque ratings for the Theta II GDI are 198 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque. In the SE trim which includes a standard dual exhaust, the engine delivers 200 horsepower. This high-tech, all-aluminum, 16-valve engine features Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) on both camshafts and a Variable Induction System (VIS) for better engine breathing. A version of this engine also meets Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) standards.


2011 Sonata (est.)


2010 Camry


2010 Accord


2010 Altima


2010 Fusion


2010 Malibu
Engine

2.4L I4


2.5L I4


2.4L I4


2.5L I4


2.5L I4


2.4L I4
Horsepower

198 @ 6300


169 @ 6000


177 @ 6500


175 @ 5600


175 @ 6000


169 @ 6400
Specific output (HP/Liter)

82.5


67.6


73.8


70.0


70.0


70.4
Torque

184 @ 4250


167 @ 4100


161 @ 4300


180 @ 3900


172 @ 4500


160 @ 4500
Fuel economy (A/T)

23/35


22/33


22/31


23/31


23/34


22/33

Next year, Hyundai will add a 2.0-liter Theta II turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine and a 2.4-liter Hybrid Blue Drive model featuring Hyundai’s breakthrough lithium polymer battery pack. Details about these powertrains will be announced at the 2010 New York Auto Show. Sonata’s innovative segment first powertrain lineup is a key driver of Hyundai’s goal to be the most fuel-efficient automaker on the planet.

SIX-SPEED AUTOMATIC AND MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS

Hyundai’s commitment to making the Sonata extremely fuel efficient continues with a six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC manual control or a standard six-speed manual transaxle.

Hyundai's all-new six-speed automatic A6MF2 transaxle helps the company meet its goals of improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. Shifts are silky-smooth with an option of manual control through the SHIFTRONIC feature.

Drivers can access the SHIFTRONIC feature by moving the gear selector into a separate gate. Pushing the selector forward or pulling it rearward will shift the transmission up or down sequentially, adding to driver control. The SE trim will also feature steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. A clear LCD readout on the instrument panel shows the gear being used.

Designed for transverse engine applications in passenger cars and SUVs, the new compact transmission puts Hyundai into an elite class of auto manufacturers who have designed their own proprietary six-speed automatic transmissions. The strength of the design is its unique layout which makes it smaller, more compact and lighter than any other six-speed transmission on the market today.

For the customer, the new six-speed delivers a performance edge. In this application, it helps brings a nine percent gain in fuel economy (35 mpg* versus 32 mpg). The gearbox has no dipstick because it is filled with automatic transmission fluid that is good for the life of the vehicle under normal usage conditions, thereby reducing maintenance costs.

Developed over a four-year period, this new six-speed automatic is 26.4 pounds lighter than the five-speed it replaces. It also is 1.6 inches shorter and considerably simpler, having 62 fewer parts, which is a key to increased durability, lighter weight and lower cost.

When it comes to transmissions, more gears are definitely better. The addition of a sixth gear enables closer spacing between gear ratios providing a better balance of performance and fuel economy while the wide overall gear ratio helps deliver strong acceleration.

The gearbox has three planetary gearsets and a unique flat torque converter that shortens the unit's overall length by 0.47 inches. Four pinion differentials improve durability and further minimize size.

Another example of engineering ingenuity is found in the design of the hydraulic pressure control unit. Slight manufacturing deviations from one solenoid valve to the next often times cause fluctuation in the hydraulic pressure and affect shift precision and quality. The transmission featured in the Sonata cleverly integrates adjustment screws in the valves that enable each of the eight valves to be calibrated at the factory. This feature ensures stable hydraulic pressure at any shift point which facilitates a high degree of precision and control needed to deliver fast, smooth and precise shifts throughout the rpm range.

SUPPLE RIDE, AGILE HANDLING

An advanced four-wheel independent suspension system combines a supple ride with precise handling and steering response for Sonata GLS and Limited models. Sonata uses MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension systems with increased travel for improved wheel control and a smoother ride. All four wheels are controlled by coil springs, fade-resistant gas-charged dampers and stabilizer bars. The suspension has been optimized to keep the vehicle flat during corning and provide quick turn-in response. The rear suspension uses aluminum components to reduce weight and improve suspension performance. The GLS and Limited models also use advanced low-rolling resistance tires to improve fuel economy while maintaining good ride and handling performance.

The Sonata SE is an even more exciting and willing partner for drivers who prefer sportier ride and handling dynamics. The sport-tuned suspension features stiffer springs and larger stabilizer bars, resulting in a 20 percent increase in roll stiffness. Unique SE dampers, including monotube shocks in the rear are used to control the more aggressive suspension. Low profile 18-inch tires round out the unique chassis components of the Sonata SE.

All Sonatas have column-mounted, motor-driven electric power steering that adjusts instantly to changing driving conditions while improving fuel economy over a conventional steering system. A quick-ratio steering rack is used for crisp feel on turn-in. Sonata’s turning diameter of 35.8 feet is better than Camry, Accord, Altima, Fusion and Malibu.


2011 Sonata


2010 Camry


2010 Accord


2010 Altima


2010 Fusion


2010 Malibu
Turning diameter (feet)

35.8


36.1


37.7


36.1


37.5


40.4





WORLD CLASS POWER-TO-WEIGHT RATIO

One of the program targets for the 2011 Sonata engineering team was world-class power-to-weight ratio. Power-to-weight ratio pays dividends in both performance and fuel economy.
Vehicle

2011 Sonata


2010 Camry


2010 Accord


2010 Altima


2010 Fusion


2010 Malibu
Curb weight (lbs.)

3199


3307


3269


3180


3342


3415
Horsepower

198


169


177


175


175


169
Power-to-weight ratio

16.2


19.6


18.5


18.2


19.1


20.2

Sonata is rich in ultra-high-strength steel, leading to world-class body rigidity. The 2011 Sonata is 25 percent stiffer in torsion and 19 percent stiffer in bending rigidity than its predecessor, yet it is lighter than many midsize sedans, also offering more interior room.

This focus on power-to-weight ratio pays dividends across the board. The Sonata owes its ability to deliver both strong performance and excellent fuel economy in great part to its impressive power-to-weight efficiency.

ADVANCED STANDARD SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES: PART OF HYUNDAI’S ASSURANCE COMMITMENT

Sonata is built from the ground up with safety in mind, with a hot stamped ultra-high-strength steel body structure, advanced airbag technology and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), delivering on Hyundai’s commitment to both active and passive safety technology leadership. The prior generation Sonata was the first midsize sedan with standard ESC when it launched in March of 2005. ESC was not standard equipment on Honda Accord until the 2008 model year and the 2010 model year for Toyota Camry. Once again every 2011 Sonata has lifesaving ESC as standard equipment. This is important because the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reported that ESC results in 35 percent fewer single-vehicle crashes and 30 percent fewer single-vehicle fatalities in passenger cars.

The Sonata also features a state-of-the-art braking package. The package includes four-wheel disc brakes and an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) including Brake Assist, which provides maximum braking force when a panic stop is detected, and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) to automatically adjust the braking force to front and rear axles based on the vehicle loading conditions.

Sonata features six airbags—including dual front, front seat-mounted side-impact, and front and rear side curtain airbags—along with active front-seat head restraints. The 2011 Hyundai Sonata is projected to earn the NHTSA’s top rating of five-stars for front and side impacts. Other passive safety features include shingle-style rear-seat head restraints for improved visibility, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, front-seat seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters, and a rear-seat Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system for child seats.

2011 SONATA OFFERS FOUR UNIQUE AUDIO ENVIRONMENTS

* An AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers comes standard in the Sonata GLS and SE.
* AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system with touch-screen navigation and Dimension® premium sound with subwoofer and external amplifier is optional on the GLS and SE models.
* The Limited model comes standard with an AM/FM/XM/6-disc CD-changer/MP3 with HD Radio Technology and Dimension premium sound.
* The optional AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system with touch-screen navigation that includes a 400-watt external amplifier system on the Limited comes with Infinity audio.

DIMENSIONAUDIO SYSTEMS

Dimension is a new branded audio system created by Hyundai Mobis and features a Variable Equalizer with normal, dynamic and concert settings. The last generation equalizer provided only one fixed sound field. The new Variable Equalizer, tuned by renowned audiophile Ken Pohlmann, is a function for controlling the sound qualities sensed by listeners. For example, Pohlmann added bass response to the concert mode typically not found in other systems.

INFINITY® AUDIO SYSTEM

Audio enthusiasts with even more demanding tastes will be impressed by the AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system with touch-screen navigation that includes a 400-watt external amplifier, dedicated Dual Voice Coil (DVC) subwoofer, eight-channels and nine Infinity speakers available on the Limited. Infinity and Hyundai engineers worked together during the early stages of development to integrate the speakers into Sonata’s interior. The team spent hundreds of hours fine-tuning the system for the cabin’s unique acoustic attributes.

XM, HD RADIO TECHNOLOGY, BLUETOOTH AND TOUCH-SCREEN NAVIGATION DELIVER UNRIVALED MIDSIZE SEDAN TECHNOLOGY CHOICES

* 2011 Sonata comes standard with three months of XM Satellite Radio, real-time XM NavTraffic and XM Data Services
* Sonata also will be the first popular midsize sedan to offer the clarity of digital HD Radio Technology from the factory
* First vehicle in its class to offer a Bluetooth hands-free phone system standard
* Standard auxiliary iPod/USB inputs allow drivers to fully control and charge iPods directly from the head unit

Touch-screen navigation is available on all trim levels and includes a high-resolution screen. This system provides new features including Bluetooth streaming audio capability. This easy-to-use unit can be controlled via 6.5-inch WVGA touchscreen or voice-activation by headliner-mounted microphone.

The system features 8GB of flash memory and comes matched with a sound system that plays compact discs, accesses digital music files via Bluetooth streaming audio or allows driver and passenger to access their personal listening devices through the iPod/USB/auxiliary inputs. Bluetooth audio wirelessly streams music from select mobile phones to the head unit. Also, with a Bluetooth-enabled phone one can look up a local restaurant and call for reservations before plotting the route. The XM Satellite Radio interface is also integrated into the navigation unit and features channel logos, real-time NavTraffic and XM Data services such as WX Satellite Weather®, XM Stock Ticker and XM Sports Ticker. The system is also updateable via the USB.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 790 dealerships nationwide.

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