Report: Hyundai Mulling Plug-In Sonata Hybrid

A report from PlugInCars.com suggests that Hyundai‘s endless march towards global domination isn’t letting up, and the next phase of their product strategy involves both a Prius competitor and a plug-in variant of the Sonata Hybrid.

According to Mike O’Brien, Hyundai’s head of product planning, the Sonata plug-in Hybrid would require little in the way of engineering to make it ready. “Other manufacturers’ hybrid systems were developed in such a way to not allow them to easily develop plug-in hybrids,” he said. “For the Sonata Hybrid to become a plug-in hybrid, really all we need are bigger batteries—the basic technology platform is already designed to support a plug-in variation.”

According to O’Brien, we’ll see something within the next 12 months at one of the major auto shows. Let the speculation games begin!

[Source: Plug-in Cars]

Hybrids have been a mixed bag at Chrylser (remember the short-lived Durango and Aspen hybrids or the on-again-off-again Ram hybrid?), but a new report from Automotive News indicates that a gasoline-electric drivetrain is back on the table for the Pentastar automaker.

During this year's Detroit Auto Show, Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne reportedly confirmed that hybrid power will be making its way under the hood of the updated 2011 Chrysler 300. This hybrid powertrain is expected to be mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and is earmarked for roll-out in 2013.



Hybrids are slowly becoming more and more popular amongst luxury automakers. Lexus already has an electrified version of its GS sedan – the GS 450h – and both Audi and BMW are working to bring hybrids to market in the mid-range luxury segment, too, via the 5 Series ActiveHybrid and A6 Hybrid.

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Priced from $26,545, Goes on Sale Next Month

The Sonata is likely Hyundai's best success story this year, and the awaited hybrid version is heading to dealers next month with a list price of $26,545, which includes the $750 destination fee.

Your $26,545 bank withdrawal nets a Sonata equipped with Hyundai's Direct Hybrid Blue Drive system. A 2.4-liter inline-four finds itself matched with an electric traction motor and power is sent through a six-speed automatic transmission. Combined output is 206 horsepower and 193 pound-feet of torque, and an all-electric drive speed of up to 62 mph is claimed, though the gas-fed engine may need to pulse on and off to help the electric motor. Outside, the front end was re-sculpted in the name of efficiency, leaving the hybrid sedan with fuel economy figures of 36 city/40 highway mpg.

For an extra $5000, the Sonata Hybrid's Premium Package adds a whole host of niceties, including a panoramic sunroof, navigation, an Infinity sound system, rearview camera, glossy black door surround, 17-inch alloy wheels, and leather seats and trim.

The Sonata Hybrid's current competition includes the Ford Fusion Hybrid ($28,990), Nissan Altima Hybrid ($27,530), Toyota Camry Hybrid ($27,335), and, soon, the Kia Optima Hybrid (price not announced).

[Source: Hyundai]

2011 Kia Optima Hybrid Unveiled: LA 2010

Kia has unveiled the 2011 Optima Hybrid at the Los Angeles Auto Show recently.

Created specifically for the U.S. market, the car features a full parallel hybrid system which consists of a 168 PS (124 kW / 166 hp) 2.4-liter petrol engine and a 30 kW (41 PS / 40 hp) electric motor. All told, the two can work together to produce a combined 209 PS (154 kW / 206 hp) and 265 Nm (194 lb-ft) of torque.

This enables the car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 9.2 seconds and hit a top speed of 121 mph (195 km/h). More importantly, fuel consumption is expected to be 36 mpg city / 40 mpg highway (US).

To get these impressive features, Kia engineers optimized the petrol engine and installed a 34 kW lithium-ion battery which enables the hybrid to operate in EV mode at speeds up to 100 km/h (62 mph).

On the styling front, the Hybrid is distinguished by a reduced ride height (lowered 5mm), a revised grille, and unique 16-inch alloy wheels with low-rolling resistance tires.

No word on pricing, but look for the Optima Hybrid to start arriving at U.S. dealerships early next year.

New York 2010: All-New Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Gets Unique Look and Achieves 37/39 MPG

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is the Korean company's first shot at the hybrid segment and it's not messing around. The Sonata Hybrid boasts the highest combined horsepower output of any hybrid sedan in its class and an expected best-in-class EPA highway rating of 39 mpg, not to mention the first use of lithium-polymer batteries in the automotive industry. That's pretty strong out of the gate.

Here are the basics: The Sonata Hybrid combines Hyundai's 169-horsepower, 2.4-liter Theta II inline-4 with a 30-kilowatt electric motor. This particular Theta engine runs on the Atkinson cycle and uses continuously variable valve timing along with several friction-reducing technologies to boost efficiency by 10 percent compared to the standard Theta power plant. This hybrid powertrain's combined output of 209 hp tops all sedans in the class, while the Sonata Hybrid also happens to be one of the lightest midsize hybrid sedans at 3,457 pounds.

Like the Toyota Camry and Ford Fusion hybrids, the Sonata Hybrid can run on electric power alone, but Hyundai also claims its car can achieve 100 km/h (62 mph) in the electric mode. This is one of the reasons why the Sonata delivers such an impressive highway mileage number. The six-speed automatic transmission comes from Hyundai, but this application puts an electric motor in place of the torque converter, creating a hybrid powertrain that is more efficient and less costly than the CVTs used by its competitors, Hyundai says. More conventional elements of the Sonata Hybrid include a regenerative brake system, start/stop technology and an electric air-conditioning compressor.

Continue reading for the full article and more hi-res images.

You might not recognize the phrase "lithium polymer" in reference to the Sonata's batteries, as this is the first automotive application of the technology. Hyundai says the batteries are smaller, lighter and more durable than both nickel-metal hydride and lithium-ion batteries. For instance, the Sonata's battery pack weighs 28 pounds less than the one used in the Toyota Camry. It's also easier to package, which results in less intrusion into the trunk area.

In order to visually differentiate the Sonata Hybrid from the conventional Sonata, Hyundai has added a unique front fascia with a hexagonal grille, revised rocker panels, unique wheel designs and, of course, plenty of hybrid badging. Inside the cabin, the Sonata Hybrid also includes a technology display that gives drivers information on the available charge, power flow through the drive system and overall efficiency. It uses pretty colors to display it all, too.

NY: Hyundai Releases Teaser of All-New Sonata Hybrid

After announcing it would launch a hybrid version of its shapely Sonata sedan way back at the 2009 LA auto show, Hyundai sent out this teaser photo of the 2011 Sonata Hybrid before its official debut at the 2010 New York auto show.

We’ve yet to see the car in its entirety, but it appears the Sonata Hybrid receives a significant makeover to accompany its hybrid driveline. The entire front fascia is revised, incorporating a very thin upper grille accompanied by a larger aperture positioned lower in the bumper. Headlamps and foglamps are also restyled, and it appears the former incorporate Audi-like LED running lamps.

For the most part, expect the 2011 Sonata Hybrid to closely resemble the prototype Blue Drive hybrid system Hyundai first showcased at the 2008 Los Angeles auto show. A 30 kW (41 hp) electric motor will likely be sandwiched between a 2.4-liter “Theta II” inline four-cylinder and a six-speed automatic transmission. As a parallel hybrid, the Sonata Hybrid can be propelled either by the electric motor alone or a combination of the two power sources.

Perhaps most interesting is the battery pack -- instead of following the crowd and developing lithium ion batteries, Hyundai -- along with partner LG Chem -- has pursued lithium polymer battery packs. For the most part, the battery chemistries are very similar, but instead of using a liquid electrolyte, lithium polymer cells use a polymer-based gel. As a result, each battery cell can be built in a smaller package. Hyundai says an entire lithium polymer pack can be 20 percent smaller than a lithium-ion battery -- which is already roughly 50 percent smaller than a traditional nickel metal hydride design.

Expect more details, specifications, and photos to emerge closer to the car’s New York debut on March 31.

[Source: Hyundai]