2011 Sonata Is Here

[ctrcbob]

A while back, I requested my favorate salesperson at Orlando Hyundai to let me know when they get the 2011 Sonata in stock.

He phoned me today. I will go visit them tomorrow to check it out. Don't know if I will drive it, but will give it a good look over.

(Also will bring my Genesis Technician some donuts and coffee, as he treats me good).

 

[ctrcbob]

Went to see the 2011 Sonata today. Dealer had two Black and one Silver. All Sonata Limited. The cars are BEAUTIFUL. Much better looking than the photos posted. The Sonata is only offered with a GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) 4 cylinder engine. The three were with the 2.4 liter engine, however it will also be offered with a 2 liter turbo engine.

The three Limited's (their best?) were equiped with all the Limited standard equipment, but did not have the optional Navi or Back-Up camera, or anything else that is optional with the Limited. Dealer does not have a brochure, so I could not see what else if offered. The Limited does have the Moonroof, and beautiful 17 inch wheels plus Leather Seats. When looking in the engine compartment, I see that there is plenty of room in there. (Salesperson said the extra space is so the turbo will fit in the turbo cars). Almost looked like engine compartments of old, where there was a lot of extra room in there.

The milage listed on the window sticker was 23 City, 35 Hwy. This is with a six speed automatic transmission.

Did not like the price. Yes, these were Limited's, however they did not have Navi, BackUp camera, or other things that would be optional.
Price was in the high $26,xxx (just under $27,000). I fugure that by the time you add the Navi and BackUp camper, and/or other things, the price will be up around $30,000.

Once I can read a brochure, I will study the options.

 

[dataguy]

If past model years are any guide, there will be some pretty hefty incentives to go with the Limiteds. When I was looking at the Sonata when shopping for my Genesis, I could have gotten last year's Limited for $22,500 after rebates.

 

[akuma]

if you want to see a brochure just go to the website and download an e-brochure.

http://www.hyundaiusa.com/ebrochure/Sonata/

http://www.hyundaiusa.com/shopping-tools/ebrochure/
for other brochures.

you don't even need to download the pdf. the website has a really neat browsing tool.

that price seems marked up. a Sonata (no turbo) with all the bells and whistles should be just over $28,000 ($27,395 + 700 something destination), the navigation package (the only option) is $2,100; the Limited starts at $25,295. there must be all these weird dealer extras.

just a couple questions as i'm assuming you didn't drive one: were there HID's on the Limiteds, or are they not available at all? and how does the interior compare with the Genesis?

 

[jwaters943]

Thanks Akuma! I was just going to say that the price sounded wrong. A fully loaded model w/ every option & destination is about $1k less than a comparable 4-cylinder Accord, which has much less feature content (no smart key, no 6 speed auto w/ manual function, no HD radio, etc.)

Sure, that's not the value it once was, but from everything I've heard the new Sonata is class-leading in several areas.

 

[TJPark01]

Thanks Akuma! I was just going to say that the price sounded wrong. A fully loaded model w/ every option & destination is about $1k less than a comparable 4-cylinder Accord, which has much less feature content (no smart key, no 6 speed auto w/ manual function, no HD radio, etc.)
Sure, that's not the value it once was, but from everything I've heard the new Sonata is class-leading in several areas.

The interior is a dead ringer for ES350, and that is a good thing.

 

[ctrcbob]

I admit I did not take a close look at the MSRP, so I'm probably wrong on the price.

Found out today that Jenkins Hyundai has three (or was it two) silver Sonatas. Just like Orlando's Sonatas, they are standard Limited without Navi.

 

[ctrcbob]

if you want to see a brochure just go to the website and download an e-brochure.

http://www.hyundaiusa.com/ebrochure/Sonata/

http://www.hyundaiusa.com/shopping-tools/ebrochure/
for other brochures.

you don't even need to download the pdf. the website has a really neat browsing tool.

that price seems marked up. a Sonata (no turbo) with all the bells and whistles should be just over $28,000 ($27,395 + 700 something destination), the navigation package (the only option) is $2,100; the Limited starts at $25,295. there must be all these weird dealer extras.

just a couple questions as i'm assuming you didn't drive one: were there HID's on the Limiteds, or are they not available at all? and how does the interior compare with the Genesis?

Went into both the above brochure websites. Fantastic!

 

[TJPark01]

Check out this video to find out how Hyundai’s new 2.4L Theta II engine works!

We are bringing you a very interesting presentation video that showcases exactly how Hyundai’s all-new Theta II gasoline direct-injection 2.4L engine operates. The animated video reveals the benefits of advanced powertrain technology and provides some information on its performance, fuel economy and emissions.

The 2.4L Theta II GDI engine was developed over a 46 month-long period and cost Hyundai $145 million. The state-of-the-art four-cylinder engine, which features gasoline direct injection technology, dual continuously variable valve timing and variable induction system technology, will make its debut with the recently unveiled Sonata sedan.

The Theta II gasoline direct-injection engine in 2011 Hyundai Sonata generates between 198 and 200 horsepower ( depending on trim level) yet delivers an estimated segment-leading 35 mpg on the highway. It can be coupled to six-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission.

The 2.4L GDI Theta II engine is Hyundai’s first production powerplant with gasoline direct injection technology. But this is only the beginning. Hyundai already revealed that it plans to roll out the gasoline direct injection technology across entire engine line-up in the coming years.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MbG8j0G0n4&feature=player_embedded"]YouTube- Hyundai's Theta 2.4 GDI[/ame]

 

[ctrcbob]

Another thing I remember from looking at it, was that there is no transmission dip stick. (I hate these lubed for life transmissions).

I may visit my "local" dealer tomorrow and take another look at it. If and/or when dealers get the Sonata with the GPS and Backup camera, I may take one out for a test drive.

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[jwaters943]

The interior is a dead ringer for ES350, and that is a good thing.

Really? It looks like a mixture of a G37 (NAV interface) & Volvo (floating needle gauges, climate controls) to me.

It definitely looks upscale and luxury car-like, that's for sure.

 

[TJPark01]

Really? It looks like a mixture of a G37 (NAV interface) & Volvo (floating needle gauges, climate controls) to me.

It definitely looks upscale and luxury car-like, that's for sure.

I'm talking the whole thing. Seating position size, feel, visibility. The minute I sat in it, that is what popped into my head.

 

[jwaters943]

Okay, fair enough.

 

[ctrcbob]

Two more things.

1. In looking at the brochure, I notice that there is no mention of the turbo engine.

2. All models have DRL. (Salesperson also mentioned this to me).

 

[TJPark01]

Two more things.

1. In looking at the brochure, I notice that there is no mention of the turbo engine.

2. All models have DRL. (Salesperson also mentioned this to me).

I don't think tubo-ing this car is the right move. The car is plenty powerful, and the people that buy a midsize family car aren't what you would call Forced Induction kinda people. Dropping a turbo in that car would push it into the 270bhp range (guess) under FWD. Ask any Mazda Speed3 or Nissan Maxima owners...Nasty Torque Steer.

The question is...would they dare dare drop the Lambda V6 in the Genesis (and many other cars) for a Turbo Theta?

 

[ctrcbob]

Check out this video to find out how Hyundai’s new 2.4L Theta II engine works!

We are bringing you a very interesting presentation video that showcases exactly how Hyundai’s all-new Theta II gasoline direct-injection 2.4L engine operates. The animated video reveals the benefits of advanced powertrain technology and provides some information on its performance, fuel economy and emissions.

The 2.4L Theta II GDI engine was developed over a 46 month-long period and cost Hyundai $145 million. The state-of-the-art four-cylinder engine, which features gasoline direct injection technology, dual continuously variable valve timing and variable induction system technology, will make its debut with the recently unveiled Sonata sedan.

The Theta II gasoline direct-injection engine in 2011 Hyundai Sonata generates between 198 and 200 horsepower ( depending on trim level) yet delivers an estimated segment-leading 35 mpg on the highway. It can be coupled to six-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission.

The 2.4L GDI Theta II engine is Hyundai’s first production powerplant with gasoline direct injection technology. But this is only the beginning. Hyundai already revealed that it plans to roll out the gasoline direct injection technology across entire engine line-up in the coming years.

YouTube- Hyundai's Theta 2.4 GDI

In looking at the vidio, two things strike me. Both having to do with the Timing Chains.

1. The Timing Chains are Single Row Roller Chain, not Hy-Vo Linkless (or whatever you call them) chain. Roller Chain is not as strong, plus if roller chain must be used, I would have used Double or Triple row chain.

2. The main timing chain goes from the crankshaft sprocket up to the two cam sprockets. This is to be expected and normal. I've never seen a chain that goes down, from the crankshaft sprocket to a sprocket located in the sump. Wonder if this is used to drive the oil pump? I don't know, but this is the first time I've seen this.

 

[TJPark01]

Here are some more pictures of the 2.4 Theta II GDI engine if you wanna look at the guts. The real question in my mind is, are they going to pull an Audi, and ditch the V6, for a Turbo version of this engine?
2.4 Theta II GDI

 

[ctrcbob]

I'm not a fan of four cylinder engines. Not because of a lack of power, because they have plenty of power, but because when at idle, I can hear each and every power stroke. (I know, picky picky picky). With a six, or an eight, you just don't hear this.

 

[TJPark01]

I'm not a fan of four cylinder engines. Not because of a lack of power, because they have plenty of power, but because when at idle, I can hear each and every power stroke. (I know, picky picky picky). With a six, or an eight, you just don't hear this.

I can't even comment cause I've never even owned one, but I do find the downsizing of size and weight an interesting phenomenon that is making it's way across the automotive landscape. I've have been a V8 guy for as long as I can remember, but now I'm starting to wonder if all of this is overkill. Especially here in LA, the city and state are broke, so the cops and speed cameras, and intersection cameras are out in force as a revenue stream, I've never seen anything like it before in my life.

 

[ctrcbob]

I can't even comment cause I've never even owned one, but I do find the downsizing of size and weight an interesting phenomenon that is making it's way across the automotive landscape. I've have been a V8 guy for as long as I can remember, but now I'm starting to wonder if all of this is overkill. Especially here in LA, the city and state are broke, so the cops and speed cameras, and intersection cameras are out in force as a revenue stream, I've never seen anything like it before in my life.

Same here in Central Florida. Red light cameras, guilty even if you are proven innocent, like being out of town. Many people here are also getting tickets when they do a right on red. The camera shows them going right, but does not show that they did a full stop. Also, in Central Florida, they are now installing a small blue light on top of the red/yellow/green light. The blue light is very small, and sits on top, so it can be seen from all directions at night. What is it for? To let the cops know that the red portion of the red/yellow/green is on, and even though the cop can't see the red, he knows its on when the blue top lamp is on. OK, sounds great, but at many corners, there are so many street lamps, that you can't tell which lamp has the blue lighted, and IMHO, it is easy to mistake one blue lamp for another. Like you said, Money maker.

As I've said before, we now live in a Police society. I see more police in one or two hours, than I see in a week in Europe.

In addition, the Police in my town of Mount Dora, has gone complety nuts. Giving tickets for 1mph over, and for stopping with your front wheels past the white line at at intersection. Now, whats worse, or at least just as bad, our Mount Dora Police Department is having a feud with the Apopka Police Department. (Won't go into the why). I'm just worried that if someone from one town gets stopped in the other town, there will be no mercy, (and heaven help if an off duty cop from one town gets stopped in the other town). This is something the FDLE (Florida Department of Law Enforcement) should investigate.