Hyundai has unveiled its 2011 Sonata Hybrid, which boasts unique approaches in hybrid powertrain design and battery technology. The car debuts Hyundai’s Hybrid Blue Drive system, which will serve as the foundation for the brand’s future hybrid models.
Hybrid Blue Drive is a full parallel hybrid drive system, which can operate on electric motor, gasoline engine, and a combination of the two depending on driving conditions and driver demands. The internal combustion engine used here is the 2.4-litre Theta II operating on the Atkinson Cycle with 169 bhp and 216 Nm of torque. Major driveline and cooling system components have been optimised to reduce friction, while the crankcase has been filled with low friction oil. Also new is start-stop tech and braking regeneration. All these measures combine for 10% better fuel consumption over the standard Theta II engine.
The electric motor is a 30kW unit pushing out 205 Nm of torque. Combined, the system puts out 209 bhp and 265 Nm and the official combined fuel economy figure is 13.5 km/l. The Sonata Hybrid’s EV-only limit is 100 km/h.
Instead of a CVT, Hybrid Blue Drive uses Hyundai’s proprietary 6-speed automatic transmission as found in the new Tucson and Sonata YF. Mods for this application include replacing the torque converter with an electric motor and efficient oil pump. Hyundai says that the decision to not use a CVT is to “provide a more traditional shift feel that is preferred by customers”, not to mention provide better economies of scale for the self-developed gearbox.
The Sonata Hybrid is the first and only car currently using lithium polymer battery technology, which Hyundai says is superior to nickel-metal hydride and lithium-ion tech. LiPo batteries offer 1.7 times more energy density than NiMH and deliver the same power with 20-30% less weight, 40% less volume and 10% better efficiency. Compared to lithium-ion, LiPo is more resistant to physical damage and can handle more charge-discharge cycles before storage capacity begins to degrade. LiPo batteries also offer advantages in thermal robustness and safety, and is cheaper to make.
For the Sonata Hybrid’s look, Hyundai wanted “at-a-glance” differentiation from the standard car, and has succeeded, thanks mainly to the bold hexagonal grille. The light clusters on both ends are also unique, while the bumpers, side sills and wheels have been optimised for aerodynamics.
Full gallery after the jump.
[zenphotopress number=999 album=1015]
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nice!!!
wow~ this hybrid is much much more better than the boring camry hybrid in thai.
really like the head light and rear light design alot. futuristic car.
The head light’s LED look’s about the same design as Audi’s models. COPYCAT! =PP
because the designer was previously work in Audi mah~
not consider as full copycat la… but who cares u paid 1/3 of audi price but get this design! hmm..
aiyoo..ex-designer of Audi currently work for Kia maa~..not Hyundai..
tail lamps look like mazda 2….hyundai = copycat…
At least their so called copycat works are far more decent and awesome than the others !
ya man…perhaps the mazda designers work for hyundai too
everybody is working with everybody now mate…that’s what we called global!
This make all Toyotas look dull.
wow… triple thumbs up to otherwise all boring hybrid! This gives a new flavor to hybrid…
Was thinking if we get the conventional petrol Sonata, is there any chance to swap with this new headlamp and rear lights? It looks even more significantly beautiful to an already beautiful Sonata…
lights copy from lexus and audi
beutifulllllll….what a nice car… :D
That the real automotive leader mar…..
In 3 years time… I am confident that Hyundai will come to world top 3…… Toyota and Honda… better watch up…
Hyundai-Kia has already passed Honda and every other Japanese carmaker in size, except for Toyota
I mean Honda in Malaysia…
Though it’s a cut and paste designs….but I must confess that I like it so much!! Cheaper version of CLS/Passat CC for poorer people….
awesomeness in abundance ere…
Beautiful and tempting. Can I just ignore 3 series or C class?
absolutely stunning!!!
beautiful……gone are the days when korean cars are associated with cheap and dull design cars…
“combined fuel economy figure is 13.5 km/l”…
I dont get it. My 1.5L car, which is not a hybrid can easily give me 14 km/l (average). Is this car performance oriented?
Hybrids are nothing special in terms of fuel savings, unless you’re always in town and stuck in jams.
In the long run and highways, diesels would save you more.
this car is 2.4 liter faster and not to mention more spacious than your little kura-kura
The taillamp is a sight to behold …
wow…the wheels…
The main point is will this model reach our shore. Our G keep saying green this and green that but so far we only offered with Civic and Prius for hybrid cars. I’m sure there are lots of people out there are interested in the hybrid cars but holding their buy due to lack of choices and unappealing price tag. Even the supposed greener diesel engine cars are priced higher than the petrol engine such as the new Focus. WHY?
Don’t you know that electric and hybrid cars in Japan are heavily subsidized by their government?
They encourage the usage of electric cars not because of the “GREEN” thingy, but because importing petroleum is becoming more expensive every year.
depan macam peugeot balakang macam bmw
Did I read that correctly? Only 30 kW motor?! That’s twice as small as the Prius motor. Hahahahahahhahahahahaha.
This hybrid is more like the Honda hybrid wanna-be.
Let’s get serious, folks. Just throwing in a tiny motor and battery to power it does not make a useful hybrid. Green washing at best. I thought Hyundai would do better…
No plug no buy
The taillight.
Is absolutely a work of art.
Looks like a fusion of energy. Amazing.
i do hope new models from korean makes can match the japs in terms handling and fuel consumption.
If not, sales will still be bad for the koreans
wow… very nice blue color theme. look very appealing to the eyes.
When this car will be in malaysia.any idea how much it is gonna cost us? hehe
The new Honda Civic Hybrid 2012 beats it for almost everything, much cheaper, spacious, and most important much much more fuel efficient, it uses Lithium Ion batteries.