Looking Better Every Day? More 2011 Hyundai Sonata Specs And Shots Leak Out

Hate it or love it this car is a great improvement on the outgoing model. It looks stylish, modern and luxurious. While it's not my favorite design from Hyundai it's still a good direction the company is heading. It grabs more attention for the brand and also attracts a lot of haters.

— Agent63 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/4/2009 1:36:04 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 7   

Certainly lot better looking than class leaders Camry, Accord...etc. But the dash is complete copy of G37 with Volvo AC controls. Overall very nice and almost too good for it's class.

JUGNU

— JUGNU (View Profile)

Posted on 9/4/2009 1:53:04 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5   

Copycat or not, the Hyundai Sonata & Kia Forte will be volume leaders. They look great for a little money, which is what the economy needs right now, IMHO.

— NSXR (View Profile)

Posted on 9/4/2009 2:04:13 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

It's just so darn close looking to a Lexus ES, actually, it's what the ES would look like if it was for a slightly younger audience. If they have this up against an Accord and Camry, it's a winner so far.

— Whelan (View Profile)

Posted on 9/4/2009 2:07:49 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5   

Hard to doubt that Hyundai's on a roll.

— _43LE (View Profile)

Posted on 9/4/2009 3:06:47 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

LEXUS!!! Look at how fast Hyundai is improving!

— WorldofLuxury (View Profile)

Posted on 9/4/2009 3:09:31 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

i want to like it, but the front end just looks too droopy

— Gambit (View Profile)

Posted on 9/4/2009 3:27:07 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5   

It does look good, a little bit polarizing probably but I think it is a step in the right direction. It makes a Camry look even more boring than it already is. Also overtakes the Mazda 6 for most sporty looking mid-sizer IMO.

— PlanB (View Profile)

Posted on 9/4/2009 4:04:49 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

Hyundai and Kia are pretty much one in the same so I could potentially see them creeping into an entry level lux market down the road. With designs like this it sure seems to be there aiming point. Cases:

1) The Veracruz was compared with the Land Rover and Lexus RX. Granted in commercials but it was out to prove a point.

2) The Genesis is sold with no front badge and has aimed itself in comparisons against higher end models.

3) The Genesis Coupe has done the same as above.

4) The new Sonata is more and more being recognized as looking like a higher end brand instead of say Accord, Altima, etc.

Am I saying that Hyundai as of right now is hoping people cross-shop the lux with them. Maybe not, but maybe some do. They are more or less trying to get people to notice that they have on par quality and designs that people looking for Honda's Toyota's, Ford's, etc. will look to and test out. Dealership traffic helps sell cars. And Hyundai has been coming out with more alluring cars and better updates than most the others.

— Whelan (View Profile)

Posted on 9/4/2009 4:35:09 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

While I agree they should look out from the technical and design end, the reason people buy Lexus or Merc. is that they have a dealer network that supports customers. Hyundai dealers are not worthy of this nice a car. They are hurting the Genesis as it is. Most of their ads were for under $10K buyer under the CARS program. Not exactly the same demographic as Lexus. Honestly, the local dealer in my area seems a bit dodgy. The company really needs to revamp the dealer network or go to a direct sale model.

— g2ok (View Profile)

Posted on 9/4/2009 4:53:06 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Alright Hyundai is putting out some great stuff recently that is miles ahead of their past products, but I think they should try to design their own center stack..

-New Caddy CTS Vents
-Infiniti Nav
-Volvo Climate Control
-Toyota Start button
-Acura Gauges

— fuzion (View Profile)

Posted on 9/4/2009 4:55:12 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Looks like a competent car, should do well against lower level Honda, Toyota, Mitsubishi, etc.

— PerformanceGuy (View Profile)

Posted on 9/4/2009 5:23:32 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Now only if they become original, they seems like have good engineers. I think a new badge might not be required and Koreans would be taken seriously if they start making original designs or at least semi-original. There new models look good but are 90% copies both inside and out and from where they lifted the ideas are very clear.

JUGNU

— JUGNU (View Profile)

Posted on 9/4/2009 7:17:44 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

WOW!I am so surprised at how fast Hyundai is moving. This car looks great. Yes I will agree there is a bit of Lexus ES in there,but its done much better than the ES.Plus, now people who want a Lexus ES for its looks can have one for cheaper that looks even better. That interior is beautiful. Please note my opinion is based on where Hyundai was and what they have become. I, like most people, doubted Hyundai would ever be taken serious,but I take back everything I said. I absolutely believe that if Hyundai keeps moving foward as they are doing,they will undoubtedly become the next Lexus.

— rxh8me9000 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/4/2009 8:30:03 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

hyundai has some nice cars, this aint one of em. look at the grill on the front. the whole front end looks like that mazda furai concept car. the back is the best feature then again you can't even see the tailpipe. The wheels are WAY to small, with the car being the size it is you can't throw 16 inch wheels on there and expect it to look good. It needs at least 18 inch wheels with how big the rear quarter panel is. I don't know what you guys are smoking here but i don't think it's that great. That crease down the side that gradually goes up? How much will that cost to get repaired in an accident? All the sculpting and lines and shapes looks like it brings this car way out of the norm compared to others in its class. I don't think to customers that will be a good thing.

— freshseth83 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/4/2009 9:26:52 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

I think US version will equip 17' for 4, 18' wheels for V6. there's rumor that I4 will produce 200 hp and 3.5 V6 will produce around 280 - 285 hp. and 1 year later, hyundai will produce 2.0 turbo GDI I4 that will produce at least 260 hp with good fuel consumption.

— ianjeon (View Profile)

Posted on 9/4/2009 9:45:53 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

rear looks nice. don't like the front though. the side profile is 100% merc cls-class

— synx (View Profile)

Posted on 9/4/2009 9:58:33 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Well, two fo them are new anyway.

Never noticed but for something that looks sporty, those wheels look undersized. They also look familiar too, along with the car's shape.
http://www.netcarshow.com/toyota/2003-celica_gts/800x600/wallpaper_02.htm

— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/4/2009 9:59:55 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

NSXR,
Actually, the economy needs jobs, not cheap cars.

— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/4/2009 10:00:37 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Well damn Gina! This is a pretty nice car. But I cant...I just cant see myself buying a Hyundai.

— delan (View Profile)

Posted on 9/4/2009 10:50:33 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

I don't think people really understand. As someone has already alluded to, people don't usually buy a Lexus for just one aspect. Buick and Hyundai may be stepping up their design by mocking Lexus, but just because they look like a particular Lexus doesn't mean that typical Lexus customers are going to buy it. Lexus customers are after an innate sense of tranquility and reliability that nearly no other manufacturer can seem to copy. It's Lexus's equivalent of the German's "magic feel," just face it.

— Anthony (View Profile)

Posted on 9/5/2009 12:22:41 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

HYUNDAI!!!!!

— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 9/5/2009 2:46:39 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

Car looks overstyled. I guess it is welcome with open arms in a class where everything else lacks style at all.

— John_Stossel (View Profile)

Posted on 9/5/2009 4:18:35 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

While Hyundai is not Lexus and they may be using ideas of other makers, let us remember that when Lexus introduced the LS400 in the late 80's, it wasn't a model of creativity either.

Give them some credit haters, they are advancing by leaps and bounds.

— kablaam (View Profile)

Posted on 9/5/2009 6:43:07 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

kablaam,
Lexus offered features the Germans didn't even have with the 1990 LS400 and the interior looked better than what Mercedes was offering in their 1995 models. The exterior is questionable since I haven't seen any cars that look like the LS400. Maybe it was considered bland.

Now, what is Hyundai offering that nobody else has? They're just remaking their competitor's older cars and putting a lower price on it. Hardly an advancement.

Its evident that unless Hyundai/KIA are priced significantly less (say 40%) than the cars they're based off of, people will stick with the original. Toyota still outsold Hyundai eventhough the Koreans doubled the cash for clunkers offer and provided every other incentive the Korean gov't has been subsidizing them with.

When the Chinese crap boxes come over, Hyundai is going to have a rude awakening. Customers obsessed with price are the least loyal and the Korans are stupid to think they can hold onto that market.

— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/5/2009 10:30:26 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

This Sonata's styling brings out the passion of power Hyundai needs!!!!!

— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 9/5/2009 8:18:02 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

Looks pretty good. This is exactly what they need. Better design philosophy. The quality and value is there in their products, now they just have to make them more exciting and beautiful.

— Epik (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2009 11:04:11 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

From the "leaked" photos that I have seen of this car, so far it looks like a very good design. When the upcoming official hi res photos are released, we should get an even better look at the car overall.

I understand that the grill maybe different for the U.S. market than what will be released in South Korea. So, some of the chrome maybe trimmed back a bit. I think this car will do very well for Hyundai here in the U.S. but some maybe right about the love or hate it design.

It may become a big seller here in the U.S. if consumers are warm to the design. So far the Toyota Camry is far and away the leader in sales volume for cars in this category, followed closely by the Accord. It will take a lot of Sonata sales (15k to 20k units per month) to even begin to challenge the Camry or Accord sales volume.

If it does succeed look for the top Asian Imports to up the ante in either design or features/options offered to balance against this.

— acronis (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2009 1:14:34 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

www.hyundai.co.uk

An $18,000 (approx) Tiburon/Coupe III qualifies for $1000 in gov't rebates and the Korean gov't comes in by taking another $5000 off the price, leaving the OTR at $11,995. Isn't that called dumping? Oh, that's right, its what the Republic of Korea is all about.

I wonder if this offer is 33% discount is applicable to the new 2011 Toyota/Honda car shown above?

— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2009 3:35:49 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Strange how everyone jumps on me and Hyundai just for even trying, and its simply becuase Hyundai is a Korean car company.

In the same manner that people attack Obama becuase he's Black.

Lets be real here, its the truth in both cases. A whole bunch of jealous angry people. Angry that the world is changing, and the world has to change its just that simple. The Choice is either the peaceful change we are having now, or a violent change.

Now you guys (the establishment) want to lash out when subjugated companies and people, want to play ball with the best of you.

You're mad that we've grown out of trying to compete with the regular everyday lower rung companies and people, and now aspire to compete with the cream of the crop in your group (Audis, Lexuses, Infinitis).

It really pisses you off, espeically the lower rung car Companies (Toyota, Chevy, Buick, Mercury) and lower rung White people (Hillbillies, lower middle class suburban whites, etc...) that these people (Blacks) and car companies (Hyundai) you were told were inferior for years, are now surpassing and leaving you in the dust.

Just some more HyundaiSmoke Social commentary comparing cars and people again.

— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2009 4:06:11 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

That's a nice excuse, here's some huu reality.

Actually, in both cases, its people getting credit for something they haven't done simply because of skin colour/culture.

Korean car companies haven't accomplished anything other than dumping cars over here yet every blows a load when they hear 'Hyundai' because KOREAN is the coolest thing of late since Americans are tired of Japan (and the Chinese over here) kicking their asses in the things that matter.
(i.e. Toyota's 5yo V6 outperforms Hyundai's brand new European inspired V8 and they can't even match Toyota fit and finish let alone Lexus).

Obama, being a lawyer, was deemed the most qualified to be whatever people wanted to believe. How's that working out?
Today Robert Gates said on a CNN interview he can see troop levels in Afghanistan hitting 110,000 (same as the old USSR) next year, up from the current 68,000 and 32,000 previously. So this is what he meant by CHANGE. Sounds a lot like Bush Jr.

The problem is perhaps people should produce before they get praise, not vice versa and getting praise for copying what others produce.

— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2009 4:31:04 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

btw, if you think its a black thing, thanks for reinforcing the "we got it bad" argument.

Obama and Colin Powell may both be black, but Obama is no Colin Powell (not even close). Powell actually earned his respect and reputation, Obama had his served up to him on a silver platter by the media.

— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2009 4:32:55 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

huu, why dont you just move down here to become another Republican vote?

Your kind of Conservatism has no place in Canada.

— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2009 4:34:54 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

By the way Agent thats 31 MPG Korean. 31 MPG Korean=35 MPG US. The Current 4 Cyl in Korea gets 28 MPG, while the same engine gets 32 MPG on the US ratings system. SO its about a 4 MPG difference between US and Korean spec.

— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2009 10:10:18 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

By the way huu, Van Jones and Rev Wright are right!!! I wish Van Jones had a top level cabinet position.

We will get a real Black Socialist up there one day, we will damm it!!!

— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2009 10:33:33 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

1UAW you know how most countries are with their mileage ratings systems. They change them at will to suit needs.

Just like how the US underinflated the Fuel Economy back for the 08 model year by 3 to 5 MPG to make people more scared about fuel economy when the next oil shock (2008) came along. Its also an Excuse to push CAFE up really high to a 40 MPG for cars average in a little over 5 years from now.

— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 9/7/2009 12:58:59 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

Theres nothing wrong with it, its slick actually. The Koreans are working on it, becuase gas in Korea is $8 a gallon and they still drive boats over there.

One day Gas will hit $13 a gallon and I think the Koreans will change their mentality about the cars they drive. They dont have that much incentive over there for these reasons:

1. Half of South Korea's population lives in the Seoul Metro Area. So driving distances arent far.

2. A small car culture in South Korea never took hold like it did in Japan or Europe

3. They didnt make many small cars to choose from, nor imported many small cars form other countries either.

4. Koreans like most people who have been historically oppressed and held back want the luxury even if they live in a beer budget. (Same for us Blacks in America) Luxury in terms of cars to most people usually means big floaty sedans or small Accent sized cars with V8s.

— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 9/7/2009 1:09:02 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Hyundai, the one to watch.

— Caraficionado (View Profile)

Posted on 9/8/2009 2:12:24 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1