2010 Hyundai Sonata

L.A. Auto Show

L.A. Auto Show
The 2010 Hyundai Sonata will be the automaker's first hybrid-powered vehicle in the U.S. (photos by Bob Gurr).

South Korea's largest automaker made news in L.A. by confirming its first U.S.-market hybrid vehicle. Based on the next-generation Sonata midsize sedan, it's due by late 2009, likely as a 2010 model. A notable innovation is a new lithium-polymer battery pack that Hyundai claims is superior to the lithium-ion (LI) cells being adopted for other hybrids. This battery, developed by Hyundai and supplier LG Chem, replaces liquid electrolyte in cylindrical housings with a gel-like substance in oblong aluminum casings. Hyundai says this construction not only saves space but packs twice the energy of comparable LI cells. It also runs cooler and is thus safer. The polymer battery is part of a "Hybrid Blue Drive" system that allows running on any combination of electric- and gas-engine power.

The engine itself is new too. Called "Theta Turbo GDI," it's a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with gasoline direct injection. The only transmission to be offered is a 6-speed automatic without the usual power-sapping torque converter. Battery charging will be done in the usual hybrid way, but Hyundai says plug-in capability will be added later on.

Also announced at L.A. were the 2009 Hyundai Accent Blue and Elantra Blue. Following similar moves by other brands, each is optimized for fuel economy via low-friction tires, retuned engines, revised gearing, and subtle styling tweaks to reduce gas-eating air drag. Both models should be available by next summer.

Hyundai HED-5 i-mode Concept

L.A. Auto Show

L.A. Auto Show
The HED-5 i-mode concept hailed from Hyundai's European design center.

Finally, Hyundai trotted out a nifty crossover concept, the HED-5 i-mode. We think it's the first vehicle from Hyundai's European design center to be shown in America. We don't know what "i-mode" means, though it probably has nothing to do with music players. No matter. Hyundai says it's looking to sell something like this here a few years from now, perhaps as a hybrid.

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