Thread: New York 2010: Hyundai Sonata Hybrid gets unique look and 37/39 MPG rating [w/video]

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Technology, Videos, Hyundai

2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

It wasn't that many years ago that no one really took the engineering capabilities of Hyundai all that seriously. Thanks to recent introductions like the Genesis coupe and sedan, the Tucson and the Sonata, as well as consistently improving quality, the Korean automaker is rapidly gaining respect. Today at the 2010 New York Auto Show, Hyundai debuted its first production hybrid model for the U.S. market based on the recently launched 2011 Sonata.

As we saw in the teaser photo released last Friday, Hyundai has set its hybrid apart from conventional models with an all-new front fascia. However, the changes go well beyond the new grille and headlights. The new wheels combine with extended rocker panels to improve airflow across the flanks. At the back end, the bumper cover has been reshaped with sharp creases at the corners to control the air coming off and minimize drag, and there are set of really interesting taillamps with a sort of neutron molecule-like quality to them. The body alterations drops the hybrid's projected drag coefficient from the standard Sonata's already slippery 0.28 to just 0.25. As you might suspect, the really important stuff, however, is under the skin.

Follow the jump to learn more and check out a video.


Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid



[Source: Hyundai]Continue reading New York 2010: Hyundai Sonata Hybrid gets unique look and 37/39 MPG rating [w/video]

New York 2010: Hyundai Sonata Hybrid gets unique look and 37/39 MPG rating [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 13:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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