Testing for Hyundai's all new Sonata sedan is in full swing and we have the best look yet at a prototype running the streets with an attractive royal blue paint job!
Codenamed "YF," this Sonata was penned at Hyundai's design studio in Irvine, CA. We were told there was heated debate in the boardroom over the styling direction of the new Sonata. The final design sports a much sleeker, coupe-like roofline.Powertrains will be updated across the board with a
direct injection , 2.4L four cylinder as the base and a 3.5L V6 as the optional motor. While the smaller motor should be rated slighty under 200hp, we've been told the V6 should come in around 250hp.Hyundai is also planning a hybrid model of the Sonata that will use lithium polymer batteries instead of the often discussed lithium-ion. The polymer batteries are said to be more durable and cheaper to make.While the regular Sonata should start production for the North American market in the summer of 2010, the hybrid model should follow sometime in 2011.
photo: Chris Doane/Brenda Priddy & Co.