2011 Hyundai Sonata Will Only Offer 4 Cylinder Powerplant: Will It Hinder Entry Luxury Image?

Just a few days ago we saw the first images of the all-new Hyundai Sonata as it was introduced in South Korea. The Korean press release only mentioned two powertrain options, a 2.0-liter four cylinder and a 2.4-liter direct-injected four. No reference was made to a V6 such as the one offered in the current-generation Sonata. Ward's reports that they have been told even the North American-market Sonata will go four-cylinder only.

The current Sonata V6 only accounts for just 15 percent of total sales, and with the DI engine becoming standard in the new model, the larger engine likely be even less popular. We checked with Hyundai spokesman Dan Bedore, who responded "We have officially declined to comment further on that report." Bedore did tell us that further announcements would be coming at either the Los Angeles or Detroit Auto Show when the US model is revealed. The one thing we do know for sure is that a Sonata hybrid is coming later in 2010.
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inspirion7 - 9/28/2009 12:00:27 PM

-3 Boost

Who the eff views any Hyundai as "entry" luxury— Invisible

No not necessarily and I think this is why. If you look at what the Genesis has done, it is trying to reach up further than what it price suggest. The Sonata is trying to do the same, but missing the mark with this decision. It want to walk this line between mid to upper end family segway into entry luxury. This is their new strategy it seems, but will it work, we will see. I think the Genesis pulls it off stronger that the Sonata.

NewBeginning - 9/28/2009 2:19:35 PM

-7 Boost

Everyone except for dumb ass like you...

by the way, Hyundai's new 2.0L I4 GDI turbo makes at least 286-horsepower,

http://www.automobile.com/hyundai-hed-5-i-mode-and-theta-turbo-gdi-engine-announced-for-production.html

makes V6 obsolete.

NewBeginning - 9/28/2009 2:27:03 PM

-7 Boost

I assume 2.4L I4 GDI with turbo will generate about 330-horsepower.

kornholio - 9/28/2009 11:07:08 AM

+4 Boost

If Hyundai ever starts to price their cars close to the competition, noone will buy them. People buy luxury cars for the image it gives them, and I don't think anyone would be bragging about buying a new Sonata. And don't give me this crap about they are raising base prices. Accents are still selling for 9999 and Sonatas are still selling for 12999 around here.

Joe_Limon - 9/28/2009 11:10:33 AM

+1 Boost

Hyundai's price increase is to offset the discounts. Not much of a discount if you ask me, more like an excuse to say "hey, look at us now we are luxury now since we cost more. Oh? still don't trust us? Here's a nice big fat discount." Marketing is a wonderful/terrible thing.

PerformanceGuy - 9/28/2009 1:10:24 PM

+5 Boost

Don't think it will hinder them, as they are not a luxury or near luxury car company. They make inexpensive, decent cars for people who just want to get from point a to point b.

tecnopolis - 9/28/2009 1:48:10 PM

+3 Boost

No surprise here. Audi also announced no more V6 for the TT, so this may be the start of an industry-wide trend to bolster CAFE numbers.

thetruth01 - 9/28/2009 4:39:22 PM

+5 Boost

I'll just go ahead and add to the chorus...What entry luxury image???

NewBeginning - 9/29/2009 12:55:49 AM

-5 Boost

shut up and go back to factory stupid chink.
there are many things you chinks will never understand.

You chinks are always jealous. Stupid retard....

NewBeginning - 9/29/2009 1:00:35 AM

-4 Boost

Here, drive your dream car..

http://www.drivearabia.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/chinese-car-crash-test.jpg

enjoy!

NewBeginning - 9/29/2009 1:02:01 AM

-2 Boost

here is another one...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2159/2224536094_fa97aba470.jpg

NewBeginning - 9/29/2009 1:04:27 AM

-4 Boost

Oh snap! there is one more!

http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/060109/060109_geeley_hmed.hmedium.jpg

you chinks are Genius!!!!!

tango - 9/29/2009 3:04:55 AM

+5 Boost

Is anybody moderating this thread? Racial slurs are abounding folks.

inspirion7 - 9/29/2009 7:17:21 AM

+4 Boost

Moderaters, who is this NewBeginning individual? Could you put a muzzle on.

NewBeginning - 9/30/2009 11:42:11 AM

-3 Boost

You are a retard....Stupid Chink