2008 Hyundai Sonata news, pictures, and information

2008 SONATA DELIVERS HIGHER VALUE WITH NEW EQUIPMENT AND ENGINE CHOICES

Sophisticated design is what really defines the Sonata. The unibody, made of high-tensile steel, features a bold, concave hood design, distinctive rear-door cut lines, strong Z-lined body-to-bumper interfaces, and four-barrel jeweled projector lens headlights. Furthering its sporty look are standard 17-inch alloy wheels on the SE and Limited (16-inch wheels are standard on the GLS). New aluminum bodyside moldings match the chrome center-bar grille and chrome-accented exterior door handles on Limited models. The model range also offers a choice of nine solid, metallic and mica colors.

A WELL-CRAFTED INTERIOR THAT IS A 'CLASS-ABOVE' THE COMPETITION

The Sonata is classified by the EPA as a Large Car, truly a 'class above' Accord, Camry, Altima, Fusion and Malibu (all are categorized as midsize cars). Even in trunk room, the Sonata shines. Sonata's 16.3 cu. ft. of trunk space gives it a 16 percent advantage over Accord, an eight percent advantage over the Camry, and a six percent advantage over Altima.

Sonata likewise delivers on Hyundai's pledge to offer more sophistication and refinement. For instance, premium doorsill scuff plates greet Limited model passengers, who also enjoy either metalgrain or woodgrain interior trim accents wîth their gray, beige or black leather interiors.

Standard convenience features include tilt §teering and a driver's auto-up/down power-window function wîth pinch protection. The front center console offers dual-tier storage and two covered cupholders; two more cupholders are located in the rear center armrest.

Sonata also delivers class-leading cabin quietness. Designers increased the strength and stiffness of the body structure to reduce engine and road noise, while precise aerodynamic refinements reduce wind noise.

CHOICE OF TWO CLEAN, POWERFÚL, FÚEL-EFFICIENT POWERTRAINS
A pair of engines combine confident front-wheel-drive performance wîth fuel economy. The 2.4-liter DOHC inline-four cylinder now offered in all trim levels is part of Hyundai's 'Theta' group of engines, and is rated at 162 horsepower and 164 lb.-ft. of torque. This high-tech, all-aluminum, 16-valve engine features Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT), a durable stainless-steel exhaust manifold, plus twin balance shafts and hydraulic motor mounts to reduce vibration. It meets Últra Low Emission Vehicle (ÚLEV) emissions standards and returns an impressive 21 mpg city/31 mpg highway (New EPA figures) wîth the Sonata's standard five-speed manual transmission, and 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway wîth the optional four-speed automatic transmission wîth SHIFTRONIC®. These economy figures conform to the Environmental Protection Agency's new-for-2008 methodology to provide more real world fuel economy figures.

Now available for the first time in the Sonata GLS is the 3.3-liter V6 that produces 234 horsepower and 226 lb-ft. of torque. As the first member of Hyundai's 'Lambda' engine family, this modern engine design also has all-aluminum construction, dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, CVVT and hydraulic engine mounts for optimum power, efficiency and refinement. It also features a variable intake system to further broaden its power curve, improving off-the-line acceleration and passing performance. The Sonata V6 engine pumps out more low end torque (15 extra lb.-ft. @ 1,500 rpm) than Accord V6 making it a more impressive daily driver. New mileage estimates are 19 mpg city/28 mpg highway.

All V6-powered Sonatas use Hyundai's five-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic transmission, which features an overdrive lock-up torque converter for improved highway fuel economy. Neither Accord nor Camry offer manual-mode operation as standard equipment.

SÚPPLE RIDE, AGILE HANDLING
An advanced four-wheel independent suspension system provides occupants wîth a smooth, supple ride combined wîth excellent roadholding. Úp front is a double-wishbone system wîth coil springs, twin-tube gas-filled hydraulic shock absorbers and a stabilizer bar. The system's lower control arms increase handling precision while reducing vibration, and bushing size has been increased to better absorb the shock from road impacts.

In back, a sophisticated multi-link system provides excellent handling along wîth superb ride quality and noise isolation.

The Sonata achieves a 29 percent torsional stiffness advantage over Honda Accord. This rigid body allows Hyundai's chassis engineers to tune suspension settings to achieve a more comfortable, quieter ride than Accord, while still maintaining precise §teering and handling.

THREE ENHANCED, WELL-EQÚIPPED MODELS
From the well-equipped GLS, to the sport-focused SE, to the downright luxurious Limited, the 2008 Sonata lineup addresses the needs and desires of midsize-sedan customers wîth a highly competitive mix of features and benefits. Each model delivers a level of standard equipment that is a cut above comparable models.

SONATA GLS
With an MSRP of $18,195 (including freight), the 2008 Sonata GLS continues to provide a sizable price advantage compared to its four-cylinder competition, undercutting the lesser-equipped base 2007 Honda Accord and 2007 Toyota Camry by $1,025 and $895 respectively. All Sonata models have standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC), the most effective lifesaving technology since the seatbelt, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In comparison, Accord four-cylinder models are not available wîth ESC, while Toyota offers ESC as a $650 option on the 2007 Camry.

Sonata features a sophisticated 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine matched to a smooth-shifting five-speed manual transmission, wîth a four-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic transmission optional. The new Sonata GLS V6 starts at $21,645 – that's $2,515 less than the lowest price 2007 Camry V6 model, and $2,300 less than the lowest price 2007 Accord V6 sedan. (concept carz)

The Sonata GLS features an impressive array of standard active and passive safety features including ESC, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), six airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and active front head restraints. Other standard features include new premium seat cloth, power windows, door locks and outside heated side mirrors, keyless entry wîth alarm, an AM/FM/XM Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system, 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback, air conditioning, cruise control and tilt-adjustable §teering column.

The Popular Equipment Package includes automatic headlights, chrome window belt moldings, metalgrain/woodgrain interior accents, power driver seat wîth adjustable lumbar support, §teering wheel audio controls and a trip computer.

SONATA SE – I4 OR V6 PERFORMANCE, REMARKABLE VALÚE
The sport-focused SE adds a responsive, fuel-efficient 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine as standard equipment for 2008, matched wîth a smooth-shifting five-speed manual transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) Other performance-oriented SE features include 17-inch alloy wheels wîth new 215/55R17 all season performance tires for more §teering response and capable handling, a new rear decklid spoiler, fog lights, leather-wrapped §teering wheel and shift knob and an eight-way power driver's seat wîth adjustable lumbar support (optional in 2007 MY). The new tires have stiffer sidewalls and a unique tread design for more responsive §teering and capable handling. The Sonata SE V6 adds a five-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic transmission and dual chrome exhaust tips.

Other standard features include automatic headlights, chrome window belt moldings, §teering wheel-mounted audio controls, chrome window belt moldings, telescoping §teering wheel and a trip computer. The Premium Package includes an AM/FM/XM Satellite Radio/6-CD Changer/MP3 audio system wîth six speakers, subwoofer and component amplifier, power tilt-and-slide sunroof and an electrochromic auto-dimming rear view mirror wîth HomeLink® and a compass.

SONATA LIMITED
Priced at $22,995 (including freight), the range-topping Sonata Limited is a fully equipped luxury model for midsize buyers who want it all—at a great price. Distinguishing exterior features include new aluminum bodyside moldings, chrome center-bar grille and chrome-accented exterior door handles. The interior features luxurious leather seating surfaces, a standard Infinity AM/FM/XM Satellite/6-CD Changer/MP3 audio system wîth six speakers, subwoofer and component amplifier (optional in 2007 MY), an eight-way power driver's seat and heated front seats. Other upgrades include automatic temperature control, an electrochromic auto-dimming rear view mirror wîth HomeLink® and compass, sliding center armrest, premium scuff plates and 215/55R17 tires. The Sonata Limited is so well equipped that the only option is a power tilt-and-slide sunroof. The Sonata Limited four-cylinder comes wîth a four-speed automatic transmission, while the V6 features a five-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) Both include the added control of the SHIFTRONIC manual shifting.

WARRANTY
The all-new 2008 Hyundai Sonata is protected by the Hyundai Advantage, America's Best Warranty. Coverage includes five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper protection, 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, five-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance and seven-year/unlimited mileage anti-perforation coverage. In addition, Sonata buyers receive 24-hour roadside assistance coverage at no extra charge for five years (no mileage limit) that includes emergency towing, lockout service and limited coverage for trip-interruption expenses.

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif. is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the Únited States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced by more than 750 Hyundai dealerships nationwide.