2011 Hyundai Sonata Midsize Sports Sedan

Hyundai introduced its all-new 2011 Hyundai Sonata at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show. This marked 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. Hyundai 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 Hyundai Sonata will begin in December 2009 at Hyundai's U.S. plant in Alabama with retail sales beginning in January 2010.

2011 Hyundai Sonata Midsize Sports Sedan

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. Hyundai 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.

The Sonata 2.0T, as the car is officially named, is powered by a new 2.0-liter Theta II twin-scroll turbocharged gasoline direct-injection (GDI) engine that produces 274 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 269 lb-ft of torque from 1800-4500 rpm with regular fuel. The engine is linked to a six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC manual control that drives the front wheels. No performance figures were released but Hyundai did announce that the Sonata 2.0T will deliver an estimated 22 mpg (10.7lt/100km) city and 34 mpg (6.9lt/100km) highway.

The 2.0-liter twin-scroll turbo engine will be available on the Sonata SE and Limited trim level, with the Limited getting additional upgrades, including a panoramic sunroof, 18-inch "hyper" silver alloy wheels, dual exhaust system and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

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. Hyundai 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.

Hyundai's commitment to making the Hyundai 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.

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.

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. Hyundai Sonata's turning diameter of 35.8 feet is better than Camry, Accord, Altima, Fusion and Malibu.

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. Hyundai Sonata is rich in ultra-high-strength steel, leading to world-class body rigidity. The 2011 Hyundai 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.

The 2011 Sonata is a smart combination of superior styling, performance, safety and fuel efficiency. What’s more, it’s an affordable midsize car, putting a luxurious and rewarding driving experience within reach of many. Make the 2011 Sonata a part of your future.

2011 New Hyundai Avante Sports Sedan

Hyundai Motor Co. had its world-premier of the all-new Hyundai Avante compact Sports sedan, the company's best-selling model worldwide, at the 2010 Busan International Motor Show. The fresh 2011 new Hyundai Avante, badged because Hyundai Elantra in commercialises largest Korea comes on Hyundai’s latest 1.6L Gamma gas Direct Injection locomotive and a 6-speed automatic drive to the front-wheel drive compact, the 1st time GDI and six-speed automatic rifle have been boasted on a contract sedan in Korea.

2011 Hyundai Avante

The fresh Avante delivers a peak end product of 140ps and level best torque of 17.0kg-m. They are also almost 10 percent a lot fuel efficient than thems closest challengers, cheers to GDI, the six accelerate automatic and additional fuel economy sweetenings.The fresh Hyundai Avante will enchant and surprise on a raft of additional advanced characteristics not found on additional compacts, admitting HID (High Intensity Discharge) headlights, LED compounding lamps in the back, heated back end seats, puddle lamps and a color in TFT LCD entropy display nestled in the caliber cluster.

"The new Hyundai Avante encompasses Hyundai's latest ambitions, featuring the best styling and performance in its class," Steve S. Yang, President & CEO of Hyundai's Global Business Division, said at the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center (BEXCO) today. "We're confident that it will once again redefine the compact segment worldwide."

With sportier and even more elegant lines than its predecessor, the new Hyundai Avante - badged as Elantra in markets outside Korea - continues Hyundai's 'fluidic sculpture' design philosophy.

Hyundai has applied its latest 1.6L Gamma Gasoline Direct Injection engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission to the front-wheel drive compact, the first time GDI and six-speed automatic have been featured on a compact sedan in Korea. The new Avante delivers a peak output of 140ps and maximum torque of 17.0kg•m. It is also about 10 percent more fuel efficient than its closest competitors, thanks to GDI, the six speed automatic and other fuel economy enhancements.

The new Hyundai Avante will delight and surprise with a raft of other advanced features not found on other compacts, including HID (High Intensity Discharge) headlamps, LED combination lamps in the rear, heated rear seats, puddle lamps and a color TFT LCD information display nestled in the gauge cluster.

Under the Avante/Elantra badge, Hyundai has sold over 6 million units worldwide since the car's launch in 1990. Hyundai will begin sales of the all-new Hyundai Avante in the second half of 2010 in Korea.

2011 New Hyundai Avante Sports Sedan

Hyundai Motor Co. had its world-premier of the all-new Hyundai Avante compact Sports sedan, the company's best-selling model worldwide, at the 2010 Busan International Motor Show. The fresh 2011 new Hyundai Avante, badged because Hyundai Elantra in commercialises largest Korea comes on Hyundai’s latest 1.6L Gamma gas Direct Injection locomotive and a 6-speed automatic drive to the front-wheel drive compact, the 1st time GDI and six-speed automatic rifle have been boasted on a contract sedan in Korea.

2011 Hyundai Avante

The fresh Avante delivers a peak end product of 140ps and level best torque of 17.0kg-m. They are also almost 10 percent a lot fuel efficient than thems closest challengers, cheers to GDI, the six accelerate automatic and additional fuel economy sweetenings.The fresh Hyundai Avante will enchant and surprise on a raft of additional advanced characteristics not found on additional compacts, admitting HID (High Intensity Discharge) headlights, LED compounding lamps in the back, heated back end seats, puddle lamps and a color in TFT LCD entropy display nestled in the caliber cluster.

"The new Hyundai Avante encompasses Hyundai's latest ambitions, featuring the best styling and performance in its class," Steve S. Yang, President & CEO of Hyundai's Global Business Division, said at the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center (BEXCO) today. "We're confident that it will once again redefine the compact segment worldwide."

With sportier and even more elegant lines than its predecessor, the new Hyundai Avante - badged as Elantra in markets outside Korea - continues Hyundai's 'fluidic sculpture' design philosophy.

Hyundai has applied its latest 1.6L Gamma Gasoline Direct Injection engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission to the front-wheel drive compact, the first time GDI and six-speed automatic have been featured on a compact sedan in Korea. The new Avante delivers a peak output of 140ps and maximum torque of 17.0kg•m. It is also about 10 percent more fuel efficient than its closest competitors, thanks to GDI, the six speed automatic and other fuel economy enhancements.

The new Hyundai Avante will delight and surprise with a raft of other advanced features not found on other compacts, including HID (High Intensity Discharge) headlamps, LED combination lamps in the rear, heated rear seats, puddle lamps and a color TFT LCD information display nestled in the gauge cluster.

Under the Avante/Elantra badge, Hyundai has sold over 6 million units worldwide since the car's launch in 1990. Hyundai will begin sales of the all-new Hyundai Avante in the second half of 2010 in Korea.

Hyundai Veracruz 2011 fails to close the luxury gap in the crossover market

Conservative to a fault, the 2011 Hyundai Veracruz crossover represents the point on the age/value equation that the Toyota Highlander had just a few years ago.

It’s undeniably handsome, if a bit anonymous, but the Veracruz has an interior that’s built almost to Lexus standards for feel and look. It’s also a spacious place, at least in the front rows; the third row seat’s as proportionally small as the Veracruz is to the bigger crossovers with seven seats (Highlander, Flex and Traverse), and so is the space available when all three rows are taken.

It’s awaiting some safety scores, and in its fifth year on the market the Veracruz still awaits factory-installed Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera option, and any or all of the high-tech features that define the Flex and now other crossovers, like the Dodge Journey and Durango.
Still, it’s a roomy vehicle that’s well equipped for its price. If you like the slightly luxurious look, the 2011 Hyundai Veracruz will certainly help you project a luxury image on a leaner budget.
What’s New for 2011
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The Veracruz Limited includes the content of the Premium package and adds 18-inch wheels, driver memory functions, leather upholstery, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering column, a four-way power passenger seat, a 115-volt household-style power outlet and an eight-speaker Infinity stereo with a six-CD changer. The Navigation package (available only with the Limited trim) adds a navigation system and a 10-speaker Infinity surround-sound audio system. Bluetooth is a stand-alone option on both Veracruz trims.
The 2011 Hyundai Veracruz is a seven-passenger crossover SUV available in GLS and Limited trim levels. The GLS comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, foglights, automatic headlights, rear parking sensors, cruise control, an eight-way power driver seat, heated front seats (on all-wheel-drive models only), a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, rear climate controls and vents, and a six-speaker stereo with CD player, satellite radio, auxiliary audio jack and a USB/iPod interface. The Premium package adds a sunroof, auto-dimming mirrors, a windshield de-icer, a power liftgate and heated front seats (for the front-wheel-drive model).
Powertrains and Performance

The 2011 Hyundai Veracruz can be had with either front- or all-wheel drive, and is powered by a 3.8-liter V6 that produces 260 hp and 257 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic is the standard transmission.
In Edmunds performance testing, a Veracruz AWD went from zero to 60 mph in 8.3 seconds, which is average for vehicles in this class. EPA fuel economy estimates are 17 mpg city/22 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined for the front-drive model and 16/21/18 for the all-wheel-drive model.
Safety
Each Veracruz trim level comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints.
In crash testing conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Veracruz performed very well, earning five out of five stars in all frontal and side collision categories. In frontal-offset and side-impact crash testing conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Veracruz did equally well, earning the highest score of “Good.”
Interior Design and Special Features
Despite being one of the value leaders in its class, the 2011 Hyundai Veracruz offers one of the finest interiors, whether in base trim or the luxury-lined Limited. The overall design is handsome and the quality of materials is superb.
Controls are relatively well marked and easy to use. Space and comfort are also high points, although the third row is significantly less spacious than those of the Chevy Traverse, Ford Flex and Mazda CX-9. Maximum cargo capacity is similarly on the low side compared to the CX-9 and Traverse, though its 87 cubic feet will be plenty for most consumers.
Driving Impressions

The 2011 Hyundai Veracruz is a serene boulevard and highway cruiser. Its ride is quiet and supple, though on rough roads the Veracruz isn’t quite as smooth as other vehicles in its class. When going around corners, its handling is predictable despite the quick steering being noticeably inert. Power from the V6 engine is suitable for most situations and the six-speed auto shifts smoothly, though it can occasionally be hesitant to downshift. Overall, the Veracruz drives adequately but does little to leave any lasting impressions.
the Auto Press Says:
“Equip the Veracruz properly, and it has the mojo to compete with the higher-priced vehicle. It doesn’t yet match the Lexus’s overall levels of polish, but it’s darn close, which makes it very nice indeed, measured against most other offerings.” – Motor Trend
“Thanks to its tremendous value, comfortable driving demeanor and high-class interior, the 2011 Hyundai Veracruz is one of the better choices for a midsize or large crossover SUV.” – Edmunds
“The Veracruz fails to close the luxury gap in the crossover market in the same way the 2006 Azera did in the sedan sector. That car feels luxurious at a modest price. The Veracruz is just a photocopy of a photocopy.” – Detroit News

“If you want a loaded-up, smooth-riding midsize family SUV, it’s hard to find one at a better price than the Veracruz.” – Business Week


The 2011 Hyundai Veracruz is unchanged from the 2010 model, save for some package and option updates. The Premium package no longer includes a navigation system and premium stereo, and as a result, these features are no longer available on base GLS models. Also, a factory-installed rear-seat DVD entertainment system is no longer available on the Veracruz.
Introduction
It’s no accident that Hyundai’s market share is on the rise in these recessionary times. When purse strings get tight, shoppers go in search of value, and value is one thing that Hyundai knows how to deliver. The 2011 Hyundai Veracruz lives up to its manufacturer’s track record in this respect — it’s a pleasant, reasonably upscale, midsize crossover SUV offered at an appealingly economical price.
True, the Veracruz does lag behind the state of the art when it comes to crossovers in a few areas. It’s now one of the older midsize crossovers on the market, and redesigned models like the Dodge Durango and Ford Explorer outdo the Hyundai in terms of styling (the Dodge) or innovative and useful high-tech features (the Ford). Cargo capacity and rear seat room are additional concerns, as the Veracruz typically trails admittedly larger crossovers like the Chevrolet Traverse, Mazda CX-9 and Toyota Highlander in these areas.
The 2011 Hyundai Veracruz steps into the ring armed with attributes more commonly associated with entry-level luxury models than a model built to a price point. Its ride quality remains composed in most circumstances, and its 260-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 is up for whatever task comes its way. With its relatively low levels of wind and road noise, the Veracruz also boasts one of the most serene cabins in its segment. And although its exterior styling is rather generic, the Veracruz does boast an upscale interior, with great build quality and nice touches like wood trim and an available two-tone color scheme to provide visual panache. The deal is further sweetened by the Veracruz’s long warranty and lengthy list of standard features.
While the 2011 Hyundai Veracruz might not be the best choice for all drivers, it’s hard to argue with this crossover’s generous warranty, ample standard features list and low price. The Veracruz is a must-see for shoppers on a quest to get the most for less.