New Hyundai i40 Sedan Bows at Barcelona Motor Show, gets 177HP 2.0-liter Engine

This is Hyundai’s all-new i40 sedan and it was unwrapped today at the 2011 Barcelona Motor Show. It follows the presentation of the i40 station wagon showcased at the 2011 Geneva Salon in March, and it’s Hyundai’s submission in the highly competitive D-segment in Europe with rivals such as the Citroen C5 and the Volkswagen Passat.
In terms of design, Hyundai’s newcomer may look very similar to the latest Elantra sold in North America and other parts of the world. However, measuring 4.74 meters (186.6-in.) in length, the i40 approximately 380 mm or 15-inches longer than the compact sedan. Europe’s equivalent of the Sonata rides on a wheelbase of 2.77-meters, with Hyundai claiming it offers best-in-class room for front head, shoulder and leg. The Korean carmaker also boasts that the i40 will provide passengers with "the most comfortable ride available in the D-segment".

New Hyundai i45 gets a Smaller Engine in Australia

The Australian market version of Hyundai’s Sonata mid-size sedan, called i45, has received a smaller displacement engine that becomes the new entry point for the range. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivers a maximum output of 121kW (162HP) at 6,200 rpm and a peak torque of 198Nm at 4,600 rpm, and is mated to either 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmissions.

Hyundai 2011 Hyundai Sonata / i40 photos

Hyundai has released their all new 2011 Hyundai Sonata / i40. The 2011 Sonata is now expected to come with the i40 moniker in Europe. Part of the conversion of most Hyundai models to a numerical naming system in order to make Hyundai more, well, European.

What can be said about the styling? Well, it certainly aims to compete as a sedan/coupe, given its Mercedes CLS-like design. It will be up to consumers and critics to decide whether the design matches or merely mimics the Sonata/i40's European competition.

Under the hood will be the 2.4 liter Theta II engine with GDI (direct-injection) technology expected to churn out about 200 hp. A 2.0 liter petrol/gasoline engine will also be available in the Sonata range.



For Europe and Korea there will also be a 2.2 liter 'R' diesel with an impressive 204 hp that meets Euro 5 emissions standards. The North American market may see a Lambda V6 Sonata with about 250 hp.

Transmissions available will be a 6-speed manual or automatic. Hyundai will also be offering a slew of premium-level options including a panoramic glass roof, stop-start technology and paddle shifts on the steering wheel.

The new Sonata is scheduled to debut on September 10th. It goes on sale in Korea in October and will be released in the North American and European markets early in 2010.