For 2011, Hyundai’s ditched the conservative form of the present Sonata in favor of a striking, rakish design. The front fascia is rounded, topped off by upswept headlamps not unlike those on the Genesis Coupe.
These renderings suggest the Sonata will sport some dramatic body creases, carrying across the doors and into the rear end, where they merge with the upper edges of the taillights. From what we can tell, the design is very fluidic--not surprising, considering that very word is used by Hyundai to describe its new corporate design ethic.
We’ve yet to see the final specifications on the U.S.-spec Sonata, but the company has revealed it will launch the car with a 2.0-liter I-4 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. With this arrangement, Hyundai claims it can achieve up to 30 mpg.
Inside, the car receives an updated and upgraded interior complete with push-button start (as seen on both Genesis models), a panoramic sunroof, and gearshift paddles on the steering wheel.
Although Hyundai plans on taking orders for the Sonata in its home market tomorrow morning, we’ll learn more on the U.S.-spec model come January, when it makes its North American debut at the 2010 Detroit auto show.