Hyundai's South Korean division introduced a new 2.4-liter engine for the Sonata that brings a significant power increase and thus makes the car more powerful than its domestic competitors. According to a report issued by insideline.com, the car was introduced during designer Lie Sang Bong's fashion show called Fashion Meets Cars.
Specifically, the 2.4-liter unit develops 201 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque and is mated to a six-speed transmission. For the sake of comparison with Sonata's local rivals - Honda and Toyota, the Accord releases 180 horsepower and 163.5 lb-ft of torque while the Camry displays an output of 175 hp and 171 lb-ft of torque.
Other feature highlights on the revised Sonata include 17-inch alloy wheels (18-inch are offered as optional), LED taillights and other interior enhancements. A Sport package is offered as well, comprising several features, including paddle shifters, the aforementioned source noted.
In Korea, the refreshed Sonata is offered with a price tag of $24,995 for the entry level configuration.
The new engine was announced back in November 2009 and is supposed to support Hyundai's efforts in the fuel-efficiency area. The GDI's split-injection strategy enables the catalyst to reach operating temperature faster. This helps reduce emissions by 30 percent during cold starts meeting California Air Resources Board's ULEV-2 and PZEV standards.
Furthermore, GDI delivers 7 percent more torque at low engine rpms and 12 percent more torque at the high-end for better take-off and overtaking performance. Best of all, GDI boosts gas mileage by up to 10 percent compared to a conventional engine.
Specifically, the 2.4-liter unit develops 201 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque and is mated to a six-speed transmission. For the sake of comparison with Sonata's local rivals - Honda and Toyota, the Accord releases 180 horsepower and 163.5 lb-ft of torque while the Camry displays an output of 175 hp and 171 lb-ft of torque.
Other feature highlights on the revised Sonata include 17-inch alloy wheels (18-inch are offered as optional), LED taillights and other interior enhancements. A Sport package is offered as well, comprising several features, including paddle shifters, the aforementioned source noted.
In Korea, the refreshed Sonata is offered with a price tag of $24,995 for the entry level configuration.
The new engine was announced back in November 2009 and is supposed to support Hyundai's efforts in the fuel-efficiency area. The GDI's split-injection strategy enables the catalyst to reach operating temperature faster. This helps reduce emissions by 30 percent during cold starts meeting California Air Resources Board's ULEV-2 and PZEV standards.
Furthermore, GDI delivers 7 percent more torque at low engine rpms and 12 percent more torque at the high-end for better take-off and overtaking performance. Best of all, GDI boosts gas mileage by up to 10 percent compared to a conventional engine.