CHICAGO, Feb. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Hyundai  unveiled a re upped look on it’s Sonata!! I mean its redesigned 2018 Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid models. All at the Chicago Auto Show. Nothing big. I mean it’s only the largest in the U.S.A.!

2018 Sonata Hybrid/Plug-in Hybrid Highlights

The new Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid feature a comprehensive exterior and interior redesign. Also on safety, suspension and new and improved infotainment and connectivity features. In addition, the 2018 Hybrid and Plug-in will be produced in Asan, Korea. That’s with Hybrid availability in the first quarter of 2018. Finally and Plug-in availability in the second quarter of 2018.

The new Sonata exterior design conveys a new appearance from every vantage point, including new wheel designs. On the inside, a new instrument panel center stack, steering wheel, available audio/video navigation system, wireless phone charging and new rear USB charge port further enhance the interior experience.

HYBRID POWERTRAIN

The heart of the 2018 Sonata Hybrid is a 2.0-liter Nu GDI four-cylinder engine coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission that houses a powerful 38 kW electric motor and clutch where the torque converter would normally be found. Sonata Hybrid’s Transmission-Mounted Electrical Device (TMED) delivers the same responsive, engaging driving characteristics Sonata owners expect while improving fuel economy through the use of a larger electric motor.

This innovative transmission uses an electric oil pump, which helps improve efficiency. It is possible for Sonata Hybrid to operate solely on electric power at speeds up to 75 mph. All by decoupling the gasoline engine from the rest of the drivetrain.

Sonata Hybrid’s Nu engine produces 154 horsepower and 140 lb. ft. of torque. The electric motor produces also 38 kW (51 horsepower) and 151 lb. ft. of torque. The Hybrid system net power is 193 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. Also the Sonata Hybrid SE has preliminary internal estimates of 39 mpg in the city. Furthermore, 45 mpg on the highway and 42 mpg combined. The Sonata Hybrid’s total range is also estimated at more than 650 miles. That’s under typical driving conditions.

The lithium-ion polymer battery pack capacity is 1.76 kWh. Furthermore and the battery pack fits under the trunk floor. All which allows for a flat trunk floor as well as available 60/40 split-folding rear seats. The Sonata Hybrid offers 13.3 cu. ft. of cargo volume. For that’s thanks to the compact battery pack dimensions and efficient design. Locating the battery pack beneath the trunk floor. For it helps improve cargo volume and total interior volume with 106.1 cu. ft.  Also, the most in its segment.

PLUG-IN HYBRID POWERTRAIN

Although the Sonata Plug-in Hybrid is very technologically advanced. For it drives similarly to the regular Sonata Hybrid  That’s with the additional benefit of extended all-electric range. A 9.8 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack, more than five times larger than the Sonata Hybrid’s battery. For it gives the Sonata Plug-in Hybrid an EPA-estimated all-electric range of up to 27 miles. So it can recharge in less than three hours with a level-two charger. It also offers the best of both worlds by providing the power delivery of a hybrid gasoline engine. So that’s perfect for long trips. All with the additional benefit of environmentally-friendly all-electric range for commuting. As a result, many consumers will be able to complete their daily commute without using a single drop of fuel. Finally and total estimated range is an impressive 590 miles.

The Sonata Plug-in Hybrid uses a six-speed automatic transmission with Hyundai’s Transmission-Mounted Electrical Device (TMED), a 50 kW electric motor, in place of a torque converter. The 50 kW electric motor is 32 percent more powerful than the motor used in Sonata Hybrid and allows EV operation at higher engine load and speed. A 2.0-liter Nu four-cylinder GDI engine coupled with the electric motor allows the Sonata Plug-in Hybrid to operate just like the Sonata Hybrid once the onboard battery charge is depleted. The Sonata Plug-in Nu engine produces 154 horsepower and 140 lb. ft. of torque and the total system output is 202 horsepower at 6,000 rpm.

SAFETY FEATURES

2018 Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in come standard with seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag. Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Stability Management, Traction Control, ABS and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System with individual tire pressure display and a rearview camera are also standard. LED headlamps are optional and LED taillights and DRLs are standard.

Hyundai engineers implemented many active safety technologies for the Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in to assist drivers and help prevent accidents. No longer reserved for luxury cars, advanced safety technologies, such as Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert is standard. Available advanced safety features include Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist and Automatic High Beam Assist.

The Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in advanced Blind Spot Detection system is designed to alert drivers of an approaching vehicle in the next lane if the turn signal is activated. Drivers are first alerted of a vehicle in the blind spot by warning lights in the side mirrors. When the turn signal is activated, the Lane Change Assist system determines the closing speed of any vehicle in the adjacent lane to determine if the lane change is safe. If the system determines the vehicle in the other lane is closing too quickly, it sounds an audible alarm to warn the driver that the lane change is unsafe. The Lane Keep Assist uses a forward-facing camera to recognize lane markers. If the system detects the vehicle is headed outside the lane markers, a warning on the instrument cluster illuminates and an audible sound alerts the driver.

Rear Cross-traffic Alert (RCTA) is another standard feature that uses advanced technologies from the Blind Spot Detection system. RCTA scans the areas to each side of the Sonata. For that’s when drivers are backing out of parking spaces. If the system detects another vehicle is approaching from the side, game over. Because the Sonata driver is given an audible alert. This system is another tool. One that helps Sonata drivers benefit from active safety technologies.

CONVENIENCE FEATURES

The Sonata Hybrid delivers the convenience technology one would expect in a luxury vehicle. So it’s an incredibly efficient mid-size hybrid sedan. Hyundai’s Hands-free Smart Trunk is available. That’s as well as an electronic parking brake with automatic vehicle hold. Also an Integrated Memory System for driver’s seat and side mirrors. Moreover a segment-exclusive rear window sunshades. Furthermore ventilated front seats. Also power front seats with adjustable driver lumbar support. Finally and Smart Cruise Control featuring stop/start capability.

MULTIMEDIA TECHNOLOGY

Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in offer an eight-inch color touchscreen navigation system with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto® smartphone integration. Also iPod®/USB and auxiliary inputs. Furthermore, SiriusXM® satellite radio and Bluetooth® phone connectivity with phonebook transfer and voice-recognition. Available upgrades include a nine-speaker Infinity premium audio system with subwoofer and external Infinity® amplifier.

The available eight-inch navigation system. For it offers a map and music split-screen display. Also and the ability to record SiriusXM presets one to six. For 2018, this navigation system also adds Bird’s Eye View map. I mean in perspective capability. Switching to a preset station in the middle of your favorite song. So now it won’t be an annoyance any longer. I mean simply rewind up to 22 minutes to listen to the full song or catch up on sports broadcasts.

In addition, SiriusXM Travel Link® provides access to traffic information. Moreover sports scores and weather. Finally stock prices, fuel prices and local movie times.

AERODYNAMICS

The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in use the same functional design cues to improve the drag coefficient to an industry-leading 0.24 Cd.

NEXT-GENERATION BLUE LINK® CONNECTED CAR SYSTEM

Hyundai’s Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in Blue Link-equipped models include three years of complimentary Blue Link services. That’s with enhanced safety, diagnostic, remote and voice navigation services. In addition, Blue Link brings connectivity directly into the car. For that’s with technologies like:

1. Remote Start with Climate Control
2. Remote Door Lock/Unlock
3. Car Finder
4. Enhanced Roadside Assistance
5. and Stolen Vehicle Recovery.

Blue Link features can be accessed via buttons on the rearview mirror, the MyHyundai.com web portal, the MyHyundai with Blue Link smartphone app, the Amazon® Alexa Blue Link skill, and the Blue Link Google Assistant app. Some features can also be controlled via Android Wear™ and Apple Watch™ smartwatch apps. The latest release of the Blue Link smartphone app includes:

1. Widgets for easy access to remote features
2. Ability to send Point-of-Interest data to vehicle navigation system (if so equipped)
3. Access to Blue Link notification settings

More details on specific Blue Link-equipped vehicles available at www.hyundaibluelink.com

MYHYUNDAI with BLUE LINK® APP
Owners can manage and monitor the Sonata Plug-In Hybrid remotely. All via the Blue Link smartphone app. With the app, owners can access real-time data. That’s from their Sonata Plug-in. Also and perform specific commands like starting the engine and locking doors.

In addition, users can search for points of interest. That’s using Google with voice or text. Also and have the directions when they start their Sonata Plug-in.

For Sonata Plug-in owners who will charge at their residence. So one of the most useful features of the app is the ability to manage their Plug-in charging schedule. Owners are given vehicle charging options. All that they can select while in the car. However users can also manage them remotely via their smartphone. Immediate charge is the simplest option. For that’s as charging begins as soon as the Sonata Plug-in Hybrid is plugged-in.

A distinctive instrument cluster provides Sonata Plug-in Hybrid drivers with additional information. Especially about the vehicle’s functions. A charge indicator is located on top of the dashboard. All to make it easy to see the state of charge from outside the vehicle.

Individuals that have different electric rates at off-peak times may want to schedule the charge to reduce cost as well as reduce peak demand on the electricity grid. Users can do that with the new app based on time and date. For example, charging could be set to start at 10 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays on a weekly basis.

Connected Car Services:

1. Remote Start with Climate Control and defroster
2. Remote Lock/Unlock
3. Vehicle Diagnostics/status
4. Stolen Vehicle Recovery
5. Car Finder

Connected Plug-in Hybrid Charge Management Services:

1. Start or stop charging
2. Set-up charging schedule with days of the week and time
3. Current battery level with real-time electric and fuel range
4. Real-time fuel range
5. Plug status (in/out)
6. Charge status
7. Time left until fully charged

SONATA PLUG-IN AVAILABILITY AND TAX CREDITS

The Sonata Plug-in Hybrid will be distributed in California. Also Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York. Finally Oregon, Rhode Island and Vermont. However customers in any of the other states can custom order the vehicle at their local Hyundai dealer.

In addition,,Sonata Plug-in Hybrid buyers are currently eligible for a $4,919 federal tax credit. These tax credits reduce the amount of federal tax the purchaser is liable for, making them much more valuable+ than tax deductions. In addition, the Sonata Plug-in Hybrid is eligible for HOV-lane access in certain states.

Hyundai Motor America www.HyundaiNews.com