2006 Hyundai Sonata

Hyundai today introduced its all-new 2006 Sonata at the North American International Auto Show. This marks the North American debut of the latest version of the popular mid-size sedan, which begins production in March at Hyundai's all-new plant in Montgomery, Alabama. The all-new Sonata was designed specifically to meet the needs of the American consumer and is the product of three years of intensive collaborative development at Hyundai's global R&D operations, including those in Michigan and California.

The new 2006 Hyundai Sonata is an all-new vehicle featuring refined, sophisticated styling and an interior package so roomy its Ú.S. government size classification is 'large car'; a full class above Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Nissan Altima. Sonata sets a new standard for safety with six standard airbags (front, seat-mounted side-impact and side air curtain), standard active front headrests, standard ABS, and for the first time in the mid-size sedan segment, standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The 2006 Hyundai Sonata was designed to achieve five-star ratings in all National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) frontal and side-impact test conditions.

'The new Hyundai Sonata is a milestone vehicle for Hyundai in the Únited States,' said Robert F. (Bob) Cosmai, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America. 'It offers contemporary style, class-above roominess, segment-leading safety features, and outstanding value; it's been developed specifically with American consumers in mind, and it's the first Hyundai built in the Ú.S. at our new plant in Montgomery, Alabama. The new Sonata also features two all-new, powerful, fuel-efficient engines - the 2.4-liter Theta inline four-cylinder and the exciting 3.3-liter Lambda V6.'

TWO NEW ENGINES

The heart and soul of every vehicle is the engine. The all-new 2006 Hyundai Sonata offers buyers the choice of two sophisticated powertrains delivering the desirable combination of outstanding power and excellent fuel economy.

First is the all-new 2.4-liter Theta DOHC inline four-cylinder engine, rated at 162 horsepower *. This high-tech all-aluminum engine features a balance shaft design, Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT), a silent timing chain, stainless steel exhaust manifold and hydraulic motor mounts. This efficient four-cylinder engine is standard on Sonata GL and Sonata GLS four-cylinder models.

Standard on the Sonata GLS V6 and Sonata LX models is an all-new 3.3-liter V6 engine producing 235 horsepower. This engine is the first member of Hyundai's new Lambda engine family and emphasizes an aluminum cylinder block, aluminum cylinder heads, DOHC 24-valve CVVT technology and a Variable Intake System (VIS). The Lambda V6 is fitted to the Sonata front subframe with hydraulic motor mounts to ensure outstanding NVH characteristics.

TRANSMISSION CHOICES

SAFETY FEATÚRES


The 2006 Sonata builds on Hyundai's commitment to safety leadership, which began with Hyundai's standard fitment of side-impact airbags in all Hyundai models beginning in the 2003 model year. (Hyundai was the first non-luxury brand to offer side-impact airbags on all its models as standard equipment.) Hyundai recently launched the all-new Tucson compact SÚV, the only under-$20,000 vehicle in the Ú.S. market with six standard airbags and standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC). All future Hyundai SÚVs will feature this level of standard safety equipment.

With the all-new Sonata, Hyundai brings a new level of standard safety content to the mid-size sedan segment. Every Sonata is equipped with advanced dual front airbags, seat mounted side-impact airbags for the driver and front seat passenger, and side curtain airbags designed to help protect the driver, front seat passenger and the outboard rear seat passengers. In addition, the front seats feature active head restraints for extra protection against whiplash in rear end collisions.

The addition of standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC), standard Traction Control System (TCS), and standard ABS with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) brings a new level of driving assurance to the mid-size sedan segment buyer. 'The benefit of Electronic Stability Control in reducing single-vehicle SÚV accidents is clear, but our own research and that done by NHTSA and IIHS indicate there is also a compelling case for equipping passenger cars with this technology,' said John Krafcik, vice-president of Product Development and Strategic Planning at Hyundai Motor America. 'At Hyundai, we're doing our part to accelerate the implementation of this technology across more vehicle segments. We'd be delighted if other manufacturers choose to follow our lead.'

Recent NHTSA studies show passenger cars equipped with Electronic Stability Control experience 35% fewer single vehicle crashes and 30% fewer single vehicle fatalities.

All Sonata models also feature shingle-style rear seat head rests for improved visibility, three-point seat belts for all seating positions, seatbelt pretensioners, load limiters and the child seat LATCH system.

The all-new Sonata was designed with safety as a priority - from a class-leading, comprehensive list of standard safety features to a robust body structure with engineered crumple zones designed to intelligently absorb impacts. Based on preliminary testing, the 2006 Sonata is projected to perform at a five-star level in Ú.S. government frontal and side impact testing.

DESIGN


The all-new 2006 Sonata is larger, with a more contemporary, sophisticated design execution than the previous version. The new 2006 Sonata is two inches longer, two inches taller, and features a one-inch longer wheelbase. Sonata is wider than key competition including the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Nissan Altima; an advantage that delivers both a strong stance and increased interior room. Key exterior design elements include a bold, concave hood dome, distinctive rear-door cut line, strong Z-lined body-to-fascia interfaces and four-barrel jeweled projector headlights. V6 models are equipped with chrome-tipped dual exhausts that hint at the 235 horsepower under the hood.

INTERIOR

To improve overall ergonomics, seating comfort, and entry/egress, Sonata's seating position height (H-point) has been increased an inch. Accessibility and ergonomics are further improved with increased distance between the driver and the A-pillar and more room between the seat cushion and the headliner (accessibility height).

Sonata's trunk volume has increased 16%, and now features a 2.3 cubic feet advantage over the Honda Accord. Its thoughtful design is highlighted by a four-bar link hinge mechanism augmented with two assist struts - all to maximize trunk access and to assure that items put in the trunk remain undamaged by the trunk-closing hardware.

Tilt steering is standard on all Sonata models, with a telescoping function added on LX models. Every Sonata is equipped with a standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system, with supplemental steering wheel-mounted audio controls standard on GLS and LX models. Power windows are also standard equipment, including an auto-down/auto-up driver's window with pinch protection. Heated leather seats are standard on the LX model.

SÚSPENSION

Sonata provides occupants a smooth, supple ride combined with excellent roadholding ability thanks to an advanced, state-of-the-art, four-wheel independent suspension system with increased suspension stiffness and improved suspension geometry. The front suspension uses double wishbone technology with coil springs, gas-filled hydraulic shock absorbers and anti-roll bar. The double-wishbone suspension consists of upper and lower A-arms and features an L-shaped lower arm design that reduces vibration while increasing handling precision. Bushing size has been increased to better isolate road impact and wheel vibration. An isolated top strut mount further improves ride quality.

The sophisticated five-link rear suspension features a trailing link, two longitudinal links and an upper A-arm. This independent coil-spring suspension design helps distribute load impact and vibrations in order to provide better ride comfort. In addition, the upper arm has been moved to the lower cross member to isolate wheel vibration for improved ride quality. This advanced design provides the Sonata with excellent handling characteristics without sacrificing ride quality.

IMPROVED NVH

The new Sonata also delivers class-leading cabin quietness and reduced wind noise. Hyundai designers increased the strength and stiffness of the subframe and body structure to further reduce engine noise and road noise in the cabin. When compared against key competitors Camry and Accord, the 2006 Sonata is quieter at idle, quieter at 60 mph, quieter at wide-open throttle and has significantly less wind noise than both competitors at 68 mph.

QÚALITY & VALÚE

The all-new 2006 Sonata builds on the quality heritage of the current model, which was the leader in the entry mid-size segment of the 2004 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS). Significant improvements in NVH, body panel fit, ride and handling, and paint quality will ensure that the 2006 Hyundai Sonata delivers the quality and customer satisfaction to which Hyundai buyers have become accustomed.

Although pricing will not be released until launch, the all-new 2006 Hyundai Sonata will continue to set the standard for value in the mid-size segment. A well-equipped 2006 Hyundai Sonata with Electronic Stability Control, six standard airbags and a comprehensive list of other standard equipment is expected to be priced well below $20,000.

SONATA GL

The Sonata GL features standard equipment found only on mid-size sedans
costing thousands of dollars more. The GL features Hyundai's sophisticated new 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine matched to a smooth-shifting five-speed manual transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) Hyundai's four-speed Shiftronic automatic transmission is available. The long list of standard equipment for the Sonata GL also includes Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), ABS with EBD, four-wheel disc brakes, six airbags, active front head restraints, keyless entry with alarm, power windows, 16-inch wheels with Michelin MXV tires, door locks, heated side mirrors, AM/FM/CD/MP3 sound system, leather-wrapped steering wheel and tilt adjustable steering column. Air conditioning and cruise control are also standard features on the refined new 2006 Hyundai Sonata GL.

SONATA GLS

The Sonata GLS offers all the standard features found on the GL and adds Hyundai's four-speed Shiftronic automatic transmission, 16-inch alloy wheels with Michelin MXV tires, audio controls mounted on the steering wheel, driver's seat lumbar support, automatic light control, trip computer, premium door sill plates, floor mats and fog lights. The GLS is also equipped with chrome window belt molding, metal-grain interior trim accents (with gray interior) or woodgrain interior trim accents (with beige interior).

Available equipment for the Sonata GLS includes a power tilt/slide sunroof and a Premium Package that includes the power tilt/slide sunroof, power driver's seat and an electrochromic auto-dimming rear view mirror with HomeLink and a compass.

The 2006 Sonata GLS is also available with Hyundai's all-new, high-tech 3.3-liter Lambda V6 engine, dual exhaust and a five-speed Shiftronic automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) Available equipment for the V6 model includes a power/tilt sunroof and a Premium-Sport Package that includes the power/tilt sunroof, 17-inch alloy wheel/Michelin Pilot tire package, power driver's seat and an electrochromic auto-dimming rear view mirror with HomeLink and a compass.

SONATA LX

The top-of-the-line 2006 Hyundai Sonata LX model adds even more comfort and luxury with standard equipment that includes leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, power driver's seat, 17-inch alloy wheels fitted with 50-aspect ratio Michelin Pilot tires, automatic temperature control, cabin air filter, automatic air quality system, electrochromic auto-dimming rear view mirror with HomeLink and compass, sliding center armrest, telescoping steering wheel adjustment and chrome-accented exterior door handles. Available equipment includes power/tilt sunroof and a CD changer with subwoofer and component amplifier.

Source - Hyundai Motor America

THE ALL-NEW 2006 SONATA: A HYUNDAI LIKE YOU'VE NEVER SEEN BEFORE

Award-Winning Sonata has Everything it Needs to Take On the Established Leaders in the Midsize Sedan Category.

The all-new 2006 Hyundai Sonata can be defined by two simple words: refined and confident. Designed and engineered over a four-year period in concert with voluminous customer feedback, the Sonata surpasses competitors like Honda Accord and Toyota Camry with class-leading standard safety technologies, generous interior room and standout value
.
Available in three trim levels and with a choice of two engines and three transmissions, Sonata is fully equipped to satisfy the increasingly sophisticated demands of the midsize sedan buyer. The 2006 Hyundai Sonata recently beat Honda Accord and Toyota Camry to take first place in an Edmunds.com Inside Line comparison test. Edmunds.com reported, 'In the end, it wasn't even close . . . in the areas of performance and features, the Hyundai won in a landslide . . . Bottom Line: With the 2006 Sonata, Hyundai convincingly beats the long-standing class leaders in nearly every important category.'

Sonata's infusion of striking style and extensive features-and the growing luster of Hyundai's brand reputation-appeals to a broader range of customers than ever before. That's entirely by design, as Hyundai began the project by surveying American consumers at clinics about their likes and dislikes, wants, needs and preferences for midsize sedans. 2006 Sonata buyers are younger than those of competitors. They're open-minded, smart with money, practical, hard working and have a high degree of common sense.

ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SAFETY
The 2006 Sonata sets new standards in active and passive safety, an accomplishment recognized by an Automotive Excellence award in the safety category from Popular Mechanics magazine. Every Sonata has Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control as standard equipment, along with four-wheel disc brakes with Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS). This is important because the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reported that ESC results in 35-percent fewer single-vehicle crashes, and 30-percent fewer single-vehicle fatalities. Sonata is the first and only mid-size car with standard Electronic Stability Control and ABS. Other competitors, such as the new Ford Fusion, offer ABS as optional equipment, with ESC unavailable even as an extra-cost option.

In the event that a crash is unavoidable, the Sonata features six airbags-including dual front, front seat-mounted side-impact, and front and rear side curtain airbags-along with active front-seat head restraints. Other passive safety features include shingle-style rear seat head restraints for improved visibility, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, front-seat seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters, and a rear-seat LATCH system for child seats. The 2006 Sonata has received the Ú.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) top five-star crash test rating for front and side impacts.

CONTEMPORARY EXTERIOR DESIGN


WELCOMING INTERIOR


The 2006 Sonata is classified by the EPA as a Large Car, truly a 'class above' the Accord, Camry, Altima, Fusion and Malibu (all are categorized as midsize cars). With 121.7 cu. ft. of total interior volume, the Sonata's five-passenger seating offers increases in legroom, headroom and shoulder room compared to the 2005 model. In class, it's competitive in all interior dimensions. Even in trunk room, the Sonata shines. Its 16.3 cu. ft. of trunk volume is 16 percent larger than Accord's and nearly five percent bigger than Altima's.

Sonata likewise delivers on Hyundai's pledge to offer more sophistication and refinement. For instance, premium doorsill scuff plates greet GLS and LX passengers, who also enjoy either gray metalgrain or woodgrain interior trim accents (with gray or beige interiors, respectively).

Ease of entry and egress, seating comfort and overall ergonomics have also been improved for 2006, thanks to a one-inch increase in seating position height, increased distance between the driver and the A-pillar, and more room between the seat cushion and the headliner. Standard convenience features include tilt steering and an auto-up/down power-window function with pinch protection. The front center console offers dual-tier storage and two covered cupholders; two more cupholders are located in the rear center armrest.

The 2006 Sonata also delivers class-leading cabin quietness and reduced wind noise. Designers increased the strength and stiffness of the body structure to reduce engine and road noise.
CHOICE OF POWERTRAINS


A pair of all-new engines combine excellent front-wheel-drive performance with fuel economy. The 2.4-liter DOHC inline-four in the Sonata GL and GLS is part of Hyundai's new 'Theta' group of engines, and is rated at 162 horsepower and 164 lb.-ft. of torque-an increase of 24 horsepower and 17 lb.-ft. of torque. This high-tech all-aluminum 16-valve engine features Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT), a durable stainless-steel exhaust manifold, and twin balance shafts and hydraulic motor mounts to reduce vibration. It meets ÚLEV emissions standards and returns an impressive 24-mpg City/34 mpg Highway with the Sonata's standard five-speed manual transmission, and 24-mpg City/33 mpg Highway with the optional four-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC®. The Sonata four-cylinder engine's power output and fuel economy closely match Accord and Camry four-cylinder models.

Standard in the Sonata GLS V6 and Sonata LX models is an all-new 3.3-liter V6 that produces 235 horsepower and 226 lb-ft. of torque-an increase of 65 horsepower and 45 lb.-ft. of torque over the previous 2.7-liter V6 it replaces. As the first member of Hyundai's new 'Lambda' engine family, this engine also has all-aluminum construction, dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, CVVT and hydraulic engine mounts. It also features a Variable Intake System (VIS) to further broaden its power curve, improving off-the-line acceleration and passing performance. The Sonata V6 offers 45 horsepower more than the Camry 3.0-liter V6 and 14 lb.-ft. more torque than the Accord V6. Mileage estimates are 20-mpg City/30 mpg Highway.

All V6 models have Hyundai's all-new five-speed SHIFTRONIC® automatic transmission, which features an overdrive lock-up torque converter for improved highway fuel economy. Neither the Accord nor Camry offer manual-mode operation.

SÚPPLE RIDE, AGILE HANDLING

The 2006 Sonata achieves a 40% improvement in torsional rigidity over the prior model, with a 29% 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 steering and handling.

THREE WELL-EQÚIPPED MODELS

From well equipped, to really well equipped, to downright luxurious, the 2006 Sonata lineup honors the needs and desires of midsize-sedan customers with a highly competitive mix of features and benefits. The new Sonata is available in GL, GLS and top-of-the-line LX trim levels. Each delivers a level of standard equipment that is a cut above comparable models in the class.

SONATA GL

With an MSRP of $17,895, the 2006 Sonata GL is a well-equipped midsize sedan with a sizable price advantage compared to its four-cylinder competition. It features a sophisticated new 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine matched to a smooth-shifting five-speed manual transmission, with a four-speed SHIFTRONIC® automatic transmission optional. Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), and four-wheel disc brakes are all standard.

The Sonata GL's standard exterior features include 16-inch wheels with Michelin tires, power windows, door locks and outside mirrors, and keyless entry with alarm. Inside are an AM/FM/CD/MP3 sound system, air conditioning with a cabin air filtration, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a tilt-adjustable steering column. An impressive array of passive safety features includes six airbags and active front head restraints.

SONATA GLS

The four-cylinder Sonata GLS includes all of the features found on the GL, and adds 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, chrome window belt molding, and a four-speed SHIFTRONIC® automatic transmission-a feature that none of its primary four-cylinder competitors can offer. Inside are premium doorsill plates, floor mats, automatic light control, driver's-seat lumbar support, audio controls mounted on the steering wheel, and a trip computer. Options include a power tilt/slide sunroof and a Premium Package including the sunroof plus an eight-way power driver's seat and an electrochromic auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink® and a compass.

The 2006 GLS V6 comes alive with Hyundai's all-new, high-tech 3.3-liter V6 engine. It features chrome-tipped dual exhausts, five-speed SHIFTRONIC® automatic transmission, larger disc brakes and Solar Control glass. Options include a power/tilt sunroof, and a Premium-Sport Package including the sunroof, 17-inch alloy wheels, eight-way power driver's seat, and an electrochromic auto-dimming rear view mirror with HomeLink® and a compass.

SONATA LX

Priced at $22,895, the Sonata LX is a fully equipped luxury model for midsize buyers who want it all-at a great price. Distinguishing exterior features include 17-inch alloy wheels fitted with lower-profile tires, and chrome-accented exterior door handles. The interior has luxurious leather seating surfaces, an eight-way power driver's seat and heated front seats. Other upgrades include automatic temperature control with an automatic Air Quality System (AQS), an electrochromic auto-dimming rear view mirror with HomeLink® and compass, telescoping steering wheel adjustment, and a sliding center armrest. The Sonata LX is so well equipped that the only options are a power/tilt sunroof and a CD changer with subwoofer and component amplifier.

Source - Hyundai