2010 New York Auto Show: The 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Makes Its World Debut
By Scott Doggett March 31, 2010
Hyundai today unveiled its 2011 Sonata Hybrid, which features a full parallel hybrid drive system and advanced battery technology in what will be the South Korean automaker's first hybrid in the U.S. market.
The Hyundai-developed Hybrid Blue Drive architecture allows the vehicle to operate on an electric motor only, a gasoline internal combustion engine only, or a combination of the two depending on driving conditions and driver demands.
Hyundai's proprietary parallel architecture differs from the power split technology used by most competitors, the carmaker claims, allowing significant efficiency advantages at higher speeds.
It is also the first and only system using lithium-polymer battery technology, Hyundai says, leapfrogging competitive in-market nickel-metal hydride and lithium-ion applications.
Lithium-polymer offers the benefits of lithium-ion, a technology used in laptops and cell phones, but adds robustness, power-density and package flexibility, making it ideal for automotive applications.
Hyundai Hybrid Blue Drive also is unique in its use of the company's own compact new 6-speed transmission, modified with a hybrid starter-generator, electric motor and low-friction oil pump, which together allow the elimination of the traditional torque converter.
Hyundai claims Sonata Hybrid achieves highway fuel economy of 39 miles per gallon and city fuel economy of 37 mpg. It also says the sedan delivers class-leading electric-vehicle operation at steady-state speeds of up to 62 miles per hour.
Gasoline-engine engagement depends on state of charge, acceleration and vehicle speed. Its two propulsion units develop a total output of 209 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, exceeding all mid-size competitors, and 195 pound-feet of torque.
The weight-efficient architecture of the new Sonata platform, combined with the lightweight lithium-polymer battery pack, make the Sonata Hybrid the lightest vehicle in the segment, at just 3,457 pounds - 263 pounds lighter than the Ford Fusion Hybrid.
Hyundai said pricing, availability and other information will be divulged at a later date.
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