New Sonata!

[hyunelan2]

http://www.clubtuscani.com/club_board/data/board_main/1089991283/200407161523172062.jpg

http://www.clubtuscani.com/club_board/data/board_main/1089991283/200407161523172064.jpg

Spy pics found on SS.

[NorthernYankee]

That is sweet...I likes a lot.

--NY

[Jlivan]

That is sharp looking! I wonder what year they will bring that out?

[JacksonJ]

Kind of looks like an Acura 3.2 TL to me...

[hyunelan2]

I think it's slated for the 06 model year, due out late next summer, the same time as the 7-passenger Santa Fe. I think I like it alot. Now let's hope they put some power into it, and it'll be my XD replacement in ~07 or 08.

[Blackknight04]

I would have to see the back but you can tell the Hyundai's design department takes style ques from other manufacturers. It looks like a cross between a Lexus IS 300 and an Acura TL or TSX. Still a great improvement in my opinion though.

[hyunelan2]

Did some more research, here's what I found
The enginesThey area 2.4L 4 cyl making roughly 160 hp. and a 3.3L all aluminum V6 running in the 215-230 hp. range. Expect more torque than HP. I believe the 4cyl. will retain the 5 manual and 4 speed auto. I don't know about the V6 stick, but if you look at the older spy pics, the test cars have the Tib's 6-speed in them. Auto trans. should be a 5-speed auto.


http://www.wickedweb.org/images/vwvortex/sonata_0729_b.jpg

http://www.wickedweb.org/images/vwvortex/sonata_0729.jpg

[Blackknight04]

Yeah, based on those pics I would say that this car has "We are really trying to kick Honda's ***!" written all over it. From the back it looks like the current body style Accord.

[SWortham]

The styling is nice. It has the overall shape of a Passat, the headlights of an Acura, and the taillights of an Accord. Looks very good.

[hyunelan2]

And for any non-believers that this is actually the new sonata, here's your definative proof:

http://www.nitrousworld.com/pictures/special1090998906.jpg

[Blackknight04]

That's not definitive proof. I can draw that well in photoshop. Haha. JFWY

[evil247]

2.4l 160 hp 4 cyl same output as the Scion TC. and the badges made me laugh because I saw N2o and immediately thought nitrous. Now that would be cool factory installed nitrous.

[hyunelan2]

I also thought N2O - Nitrous! when I read that. Those are the Koread badging though, got it from BobaeDream. I really hope they come through with that 3.3L at 215-230 HP for the U.S. cars. That'll make me like the car even more.

[Steve]

Yeah, there's no way the North American version will have a 2.0L. Is that 2.4L mentioned the new Theta engine jointly produced with DaimlerChrysler?

[Blackknight04]

If DaimlerChrysler is involved in Hyundai I hope it's the Daimler part and not the Chrysler part because anything that is manufactured by Chrysler is total ****!

[Leviathant]

Hard to tell. I know Dodge has been selling Accents (Vernas) as Dodge Vernas in Mexico, among other places.

That car looks real sharp. I only really found the Elantras and Tiburons to be stylish, none of the other cars had really struck me before. The new Accent was a step in the right direction, but the new-new Accent and especially this Sonata look really sharp.

[SWortham]

That car looks real sharp. I only really found the Elantras and Tiburons to be stylish, none of the other cars had really struck me before.

My thoughts exactly. Hyundai had a bubbly theme for awhile. I hate bubbles.

The XD and the 03+ Tiburons were the exception. If this Sonata is any indication of what is to come, I think Hyundai styling might become much better across the board in the not too distant future.

[2BIT]

Definitely a nice ride. A hell of alot better looking than the current ones. Now we need to at least get that 2.4 in the Elantra!!

[jameswing]

thats 1000 times better than the current ones. I hate the front of them

[Elkane7533]

Look. Dual Muffler. That's hot.

That 2.4L I-4 probably is the global engine Hyundai developed for Mitsu and DaimlerChrysler. Good Potential written all over that engine.

I guess N20 means they're selling 2.0L I-4 also in Korea and Europe. Hopefully not in US.

I like the front a lot, but I don't like how the wheelbase of the car is way too short for the total length of the car.

Everyone says Hyundai copies from everyone. Well, I say Lexus LS looks like Mercedes S-Class, Caddilac CTS is the new 5-series, and Ford's upcoming Fusion Sedan's got a sheetmetal transplant from VW Passat. I say stop trying to convince yourself that Hyundai is the only one copying.

[SuperGLS]

Hahahahaha, where have you kids (that's not used to put people down by any means, so nobody get mad, ha) been? I've been posting pics of the NF Sonata since way back in the day. Sure these new (well, new a couple weeks ago now) are a little clearer, so I guess that's something. I figured nobody was interested, now I know.

Now on to what matters. It is a great looking car and will definately sell. As for a release date, it's hard to say, some people were saying that it could show up as soon as the end of this year, but I think that's a bit early. The 2.4l making 160'ish HP might be the Theta in it's most powerful (non-boosted form) form, as it is suppose to range from 1.8l-2.4l. The V6 is going to be an all new engine as well. Oh, and yeah, the Theta is the engine they are working on with DC and Mistu. I think I've covered it all.

Picture (http://www.kiacarman.com/vboard_pic/content.asp?id=1650&tbl_name=vboard_pic)

Here is more related news from the newest NF Sonata Post at HP:

All models will feature an all-new five-speed auto with Shiftronic. The 2.4-L four-cylinder engine should have 162 hp and 164 lb-ft of torque, and has specs incredibly similar to Honda's 2.4-L engine. VDC will be available across the board, as will power-adjustable pedals, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel and 17" wheels. There will also probably be a 2.0-L version that won't come here. Specs on the V6 are forthcoming.

(in mm)
Length 4810
Width 1825
Height 1450
Track(fron/rear) 1540/1530
Wheelbase 2740
fuel tank capacity 65 liter

Tire for F24S trim => P215/50R17
N20, F24 => P205/60R16

Engine:
Theta 2.4L(2,354cc)
Max. HP =>165 ps at 5700 RPM
Max. torque => 22.7 kg.m at 4000 RPM

Theta 2.0L(1,998cc)
Max. HP => 145 ps at 6000 RPM
Max. torque => 19.3 kg.m at 4500 RPM

[Elkane7533]

Ha I knew somehow you were gonna say that. Still, these are the most detailed pics so far.

[Blackknight04]

good point. I guess one day all cars will look the same. haha

[04Elantra]

that looks cool...can't wait to see how all the models look in a year or two.

[SWortham]

I was just looking at the lines on the car again, and the fender flares are a really nice touch even if they are subtle. And the car would look quite a bit better lowered with Eibach's to give it that Bimmer-esque look.

[hyunelan2]

More recently found pictures (thanks SS)

http://kr.dcinside4.imagesearch.yahoo.com/zb40/data/car/0445_autospy.jpg

Psst. for those of you who wern't in a fraternity or sorority, that's a THETA on the engine.

[Steve]

I like the gauges.

[Jlivan]

The new sonata look like a Honda Accord from the back end

[jameswing]

Whats that middle switch? Cruise?

whats VDC?

It looks a lot better than the current one.

[hyunelan2]

The middle one looks like electronic pedal-height adjustment. I'm not sure what VDC stands for? I could make a few guesses, but that's all they'd be - guesses.

[jbird88]

Vanerial Diseases Control V.D.C. ;)

[SuperGLS]

I saw the pic at another site (probably where SS/Nogo gets them from) last night. It's good stuff. And yeah, I definaly think that's pedal adjustment, as it was mentioned somewhere before that it would have that feature. Good stuff.

[only1db]

they have speakers in the back doors no fair!!

[hyunelan2]

More pics and video... (once again thanks to SS). I think there's an ample amount of stuff on the Sonata now, I won't post more.

http://kr.dcinside4.imagesearch.yahoo.com/zb40/data/car/81/1093363082_NF3.jpg

http://kr.dcinside4.imagesearch.yahoo.com/zb40/data/car/4f/1093363136_NF4.jpg

http://kr.dcinside4.imagesearch.yahoo.com/zb40/data/car/NF5.jpg

http://kr.dcinside4.imagesearch.yahoo.com/zb40/data/car/NF6.jpg



Flash Presentation:
http://sonata.hyundai-motor.com/images/teaser_main.swf


First Commercial:
http://211.189.173.11/sonata/cf/images/pre.avi

[HatchetMan]

A 6spd manual from Tib mated to that 3.3L and I would take one in a heartbeat. I love the styling, combining the best aspects from cars much more expensive. Oh, it better stay Hyundai affordable too. It also better be closer to that 230hp range than that 215hp range, seeing the others are at like 240hp range.

[carbonman]

its like the TL and Passat got together and had a bastard child.
Interior is kinda boring compared to others in its class

[jameswing]

That looks good, I want one now.

[hyunelan2]

Normally I think I'm a gray/black interior type person... but I really like the 2-tone tan. I agree that the interior lines are a little boring, but the exterior more than compensates for it. Still very anxious to see tested performance numbers. Oh well, not like I'm buying another car anytime soon... but my father wants one right now!

[DocRxGLS]

Man, I did not think as many people were interested in this either. Everytime I do something new to my car, I drop by my dealer when I go to make a deposit at my bank. The parts manager has an Elantra too, so we get along really well (since I share the wealth of knowledge).

Anyway, about 2 or 3 months ago, he said that Hyundai had a prototype one of these Sonotas and was traveling through our area (E. TN), and something went wrong with the electrical system on this prototype. Since they were the closest dealership, they got a call that they would be bringing this car by to do some repairs. The car had all those secretive bras, and body camoflauges things on when it was brought to them. The corporate people had to leave and either eat / make some calls / get a room, etc (something that got them away from the place for a while) and they told our dealership, that nothing was to be touched on the car.

The parts manager and my salesman were like, screw that! And they got a nice long look at it, and as quoted by many here, looked like a TL in the front with the tail resembling the last model Accords. They also mentioned the 3.3. Just thought I would share the story with everyone. Too bad no one had a digital camera at work! :ssst:

[exsailor]

I'm guessing VDC would be "Video Display Consol", looking at the pics. :ssst:

[hyunelan2]

VDC= Vehicle Dynamic Control. (It's in a caption under one of the pics above - pointing to a wheel).

[Gman]

Should release in Korea in the next few months or first of the year and We (USA) should see it this spring as a 2005.5 or early 2006.

[jameswing]

I saw that and figured that everyone else would also and put it togeather.

It's got a lot of little goodies inside also, Nav, DVD?, Backup camera?, backup sensors, digital climate control, wee just need to find out what Vehicle Dynamic Control is now.

[SuperGLS]

This thread is always one day late, haha. I've been following the HP thread on this one, anyway. It's really nice looking, just like I've been saying all along (since the first two spy pics that came out last year).

About the interior stuff... chances are there will be no DVD/Nav in the North American models, so it'll be interesting to see what they do with that spot, although I'd love to see it come with all the KDM stuff. Also, Hyundai likes to change the wheels when they bring cars over to North America, so those might change as well, but I like those.

I bet VDC is similar to VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) that Lexus uses on some of their cars. We'll see.

[mbv2001]

i really lov the car but i want a nav in it
and lil more power from the v6
and the price has 2 b right also

[felixr]

im sorry . . but come ON hyundai!!!!!! 160 hp???????????????????????????? 210-230??????????????????????????come OOOONNNNNNNN!!!! yeah for hyundai thats like WOW INCREDIBLE!! but i mean we have always been behind in the HP department . . i mean come on! accord is 240 STOCK! from factory! and we are still talking mid 100's and low 200's at best!? i will no doubt look into it in 06/07 and if it rides well and FEELS fast and quiet then i would love it . . but i mean . . its like hyundai is 2-4 years behind everyone else who is giving their cars more power. . is it just me?

sorry if you guys already have this but here are some more pics i found:
http://carspyshots.proboards2.com/index.cgi?board=new&action=display&num=1093518772

[SuperGLS]

By the way, the official page is open at the Korean Hyundai site now, enjoy.
Here is the press release on the Hyundai International site: http://worldwide.hyundai-motor.com/intro/news/index2.html

[2BIT]

I would trade my Elantra for that.... :cool:

Of course I would trade my Elantra for a Limited Edition V6 6 speed Tib too, but there is that money factor......... :D

[krnsmartguy]

haha just saw a commercial for the new sonata a korean channel looks nice =D

[hyunelan2]

I know we were talking about price before... using Xe.com to convert the Korean Won to U.S. Dollars, here are the prices of the cars in Korea:

N20 (2.0L) - $14,141
F24S (top of line) - $21,745

Those are prices of the KDM models and features, but I would guess that's a basis for imagining the price of the NF Sonata will be similar to that of the current EF Sonata.

[SuperGLS]

I've read that it will be a little bit more than the current EF, mainly due to the new engines, overall bigness, and since they will be made here in the U.S.

Keep in mind that chances are we won't get the 2.0l and instead we'll have the 2.4l Theta as the base model and the 3.3l V6 as the top of the line. This 3.3l (and maybe 3.5l) V6 should help Hyundai compete better in both the Midsize Sedan (Sonata) segment as well as the XG (possibly to be called the "Dimension") segment. We'll see.

[evil247]

The redesigned Hyundai Sonata will go on sale in March in the United States with a bigger optional V6, the company said here last week.

The engine will displace 3.3 liters vs. 2.7 liters in the current model.

The base inline-four engine, a new powerplant developed by Hyundai Motor Co., Mitsubishi Motors Corp. and DaimlerChrysler AG, will stay at 2.4 liters.

"Hyundai has already started trial production (in early June) of the Sonata in the Alabama plant by assembling two or three Sonatas a day," said CEO Kim Dong Jin. "Hyundai will produce a total of 300,000 units of the Sonata and Santa Fe SUV a year in the Alabama plant." The new plant is in Montgomery, Ala.
In 2003, the company sold 183,608 units of the two vehicles in the United States - 82,330 Sonatas and 101,278 Santa Fes.

Hyundai expects the Sonata to challenge the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord in the heart of the mid-sized car market. "We have benchmarked Camry and Accord for the Sonata's design, cabin size, performance and interior," said Hyundai Motor spokesman Oles Gadacz.

The company will launch the redesigned Sonata in Europe in November. It will be shipped from South Korea. A diesel engine is planned for Europe in 2006, Gadacz said.

In South Korea, Hyundai will offer two inline-four engines, 2.0 liters and 2.4 liters.

Same info just worded different.

New Pic

http://autoweek.com/images/news/100769

[Freval]

http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/421563537/8.jpg

:multiples Now this is Bad! :)

http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/421563537/2.jpg

http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/421563537/3.jpg

http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/421563537/4.jpg

[mbv2001]

So thses will be out march 2005 or march 2006?

[TNT4ME]

That front end says "Audi A6" all the way. My neighbor has one out front. This could be it's twin from the front. Very nice, and the wife is already talking "Can we get that?" I think there is a Sonata in my future.

Tinted, Rims, that's it.

[RonnieSan]

Wow... they are definitely trying to compete with the Passat. Looks strikingly similar.

[mbv2001]

i have a question
does anyone know if the new sonata will offer heated leather seats?

[SuperGLS]

They should. In some "Special Edition" 2004's they have the heated seats, and I imagine that in the NF they will definately be an option.

Hopefully in about 7 months we'll be able go for test drives.

[Cyberz XD]

I think it looks really good and to the hood looks better, and the Head lights look sik also i just wish they would go all out on are cars as well as they did on the sonata.

[mbv2001]

thanx super
im going to wait in see if i can get one of those sonata when they come out
i want everything it 'heated seats" and an aftermarket remote stater would go hand in hand ........so i plan on staying with hyundai and doesnt hurt mom gets discounts with them and GM cars :cool:

[Wil]

I saw the new Sonata at the Milwaukee Auto Show this afternoon. You couldn't get in it, but it looked pretty nice. The interior looked especially nice - very attractive dash layout. I was a little surprised with the exterior styling, however. It looks a lot more "generic" when you see it in person. Still, I think this will become a major player in its class.

Wil

[mbv2001]

I have a crazy question thought I'd just put it here since its about the sonata
I'm really thinking about getting the new sonata....I would like to know since the navi system and flip screen audio won't be in the us think thst dreamku get me that system and all the extras I would need? And I know it won't be a dvd for the navi I can deal with that but ever think hyundai will have a navi out in us?

[mbv2001]

here a new pic if someone hasnt seen it already

http://www.bobaedream.com/boar...nt=nf

[ilanpro]

you cant link to bobaedream

[mbv2001]

oppsss here it is

[andyny]

This car is no secret, it comes out in about a month. You might even get one for free in June.

www.hyundaisonata.com

[Gearcat]

Hyundai Motor America has announced pricing for the all-new 2006 Sonata, Hyundai's best-selling model. The first 2006 Sonata rolled off the production line in March at Hyundai's all-new manufacturing plant in Montgomery, Ala. The 2006 Hyundai Sonata is an all-new vehicle featuring refined and sophisticated styling, all-new powertrains, class-leading standard safety features including six airbags and segment-first standard Electronic Stability Control, and an interior package so roomy its U.S. government size classification is "large car," slotting it a class above Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. "We're proud of the value equation we've engineered into the all-new Sonata, with pricing that is $2000 to $4000 below comparably equipped mid-size competitors," said Robert F. Cosmai, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor America.

2006 Hyundai Sonata Manufacturer Suggested Retail Pricing:

Sonata GL 4-cyl, 5-speed manual $17,895
Sonata GL 4-cyl, 4-speed SHIFTRONIC A/T $18,795
Sonata GLS 4-cyl, 4-speed SHIFTRONIC A/T $19,395
Sonata GLS 3.3-liter V6, 5-speed SHIFTRONIC A/T $20,895
Sonata LX 3.3-liter V6, 5-speed SHIFTRONIC A/T $22,895

The destination charge is $600.

[SuperGLS]

That's good news.

Top of the line Accord (without Nav) is $26,850.

Top of the line Camry looks to be in the $25-27,000 range.

This should prove interesting.

[GTsmokeya]

I wonder if the 4 banger is gonna have enough power to move the sonata around, comftorably. I mean I dont doubt the V6 but hyundai's current 2.4L with 138hp sucks it really does, so even if the new one pushes out 160hp and the car is 200lbs heavier I just dont know about the power I will have to test drive and see, gas mileage should be goood though.

GTsmokeya
and the pricing looks good!

[BobMs_wht2k2]

I wonder if the 4 banger is gonna have enough power to move the sonata around, comftorably. I mean I dont doubt the V6 but hyundai's current 2.4L with 138hp sucks it really does, so even if the new one pushes out 160hp and the car is 200lbs heavier I just dont know about the power I will have to test drive and see, gas mileage should be goood though.

GTsmokeya
and the pricing looks good!

I don't remember the 4banger sucking. I thought it did alright. It was no V8 Camaro, but it was respectable. At least I thought it was.

[02xdGLS]

i agree with bombz and current 4 bangers aren't 2.4l. more like 2.0L displacement. i'm sure that was a little mistake but i thought i'd point it out.
and 200lb really isn't all that much. just an extra adult in your car. i think current elantras with 138bhp does pretty well with not just one but many passengers.
but i agree though. thoe are just numbers. a test drive will prove the car.

[hyunelan2]

I might have skipped a post or two here, but for clarification the new sonata 4 banger will have the 2.4 Theta engine. Not the current crappy 2.4 that Hyundai put in some of them.

[02xdGLS]

ahh i thought gtsmokeya was comparing egt to the new sonata.
my mistake about the engine. didn't know current sonata had 2.4 l 4 bangers. oops.

and yes, hyunelan2.
that and lambda engines are what we all are waiting for. or.. at leas i am. :D

[cclngthr]

I got to ride in the new 06 Sonata on Sunday with Equus. This had the 3.3 liter Lambda engine and 5 speed SHIFTRONIC automatic in it. Goes like a bastard too. 237 hp.

I also went to a tech class on the new Sonata, and this is an example of what I learned about it.

Sonata GL 4-cyl, 5-speed manual $17,895
Sonata GL 4-cyl, 4-speed SHIFTRONIC A/T $18,795
Sonata GLS 4-cyl, 4-speed SHIFTRONIC A/T $19,395
Sonata GLS 3.3-liter V6, 5-speed SHIFTRONIC A/T $20,895
Sonata LX 3.3-liter V6, 5-speed SHIFTRONIC A/T $22,895

The destination charge is $600.

Engine
Oil changes are going to be a problem. Using an aftermarket filter or the wrong viscosity oil will make the engine do odd stuff. The filter on the Theta is a regular looking one that mounts like the GM does. However, the OE one has a certain thing in it that is designed to work well with these engines. The Lambda filter is on TOP of the engine and is not a regular filter. It is an element. This, to me is similar to the early 50's oil filters, except those can use *** wipe (toilet paper rolls) instead. The CVVT unit is very particular with the oiling, which is why the specific weight must be used. There is no timing belt. 2 chains are used, 1 for the oil pump and the other for the cams on the I4 and 3 chains for the V6. Timing those is real easy. Not only the sprockets have marks, but the chains also have marks. On the V6, the intake manifold is plastic. The I4 manifold takes well to porting. The valve guides and cams are a different design. The oil pump is a 2 stage unit. The emissions control systems are also finicky. The o2 sensors are accepting a narrow range in heat and fuel/air mixture. If the exhaust is too cold, it will throw a code. The fuel injectors are a totally different design where a small disk turns to make the spray of fuel very fine. Getting these dirty is hard, but they hate caustic chemicals. Additives are banned on these units. The V6 already has equal length headers.

Transmissions:

The trans used are not an overdrive unit. they are a direct drive (less wear and heat and the output shaft spins the same speed as the input shaft at top gear) and the manual has 3 shafts, where it can be converted from a 5 speed to a 6 and 7 speed tranny easily. The shiftronic 4 and 5 speeds are available. They also have a tall gearing; at 60-70 mph, the rpms are about 15-1700 with the torque converter locked up.
ABS unit

The TCS/SCS uses a sensor under the car, at the steering wheel and each wheel to figure out what it should do. If the one under the car conflicts with the rest, it will also throw a code. Typically, this means different tires are used that are not designed similarly as the Michelin's. Performance tires will do this as well as bigger rims. In a crash, if the sensor under the car is not recalibrated (by the scan tool), it will throw a code. (what this means for me, I either must have the scan tool to recalibrate the dang thing or take it to the dealer to do this). ABS is standard equipment.

Other stuff

On the interior, leather is used as well as butt warmers. 6 air bags and a similar system that is used on the 04-05 Elantras. I sat in the car in the front seat on 2 consecutive trips and since I weigh less than 110 pounds, the airbag did its trick by lighting up the airbag and turning down the passenger side unit. 8 speakers are available, In-dash 6 cd cd changer or DVD-GPS system. Since the radio is also controlled (monitored) by the BCM, all presets are saved in the ECU and can be saved by the scan tool and reflashed into a new deck if necessary. Speakers are mounted with rivets because the unit they are attached to (which holds the internals of the doors and is easily removed for access to the window regulator) is very thin. Fatmat and dynamat CANNOT be put on this. It must be put on the outer skin of the door from the inside by removing the window and the whole assembly. Removing the window is easy. There are 2 pinch clamps on the regulator that can be loosened to remove the window.

Electronics

On the electrical end of things, instead of the ground switches used now, the positive side gets the controls. The BCM controls the fuse box, alarm (which has an intrusion feature), engine, tranny, radio, ABS/TCS/SCS, radio, and other electrical devises. Any splices might make the engine not start or lack power (and make everything go into a fault mode). The gas pedal is electrical instead of cable operated, and has its own sensor. This BCM is like a black box on airplanes. It is theoretically possible that a cop or insurance company can use the scan tool to determine how the car was driven before an accident. There are going to be 8 options for the dealer to enable for customers; 1 is a audible warning when the alarm is armed. The key also will be able to disarm the alarm by unlocking the drivers door twice (only the drivers door has the key lock); and there is a red LED blinking on the dash. When the ignition is turned on, the BCM tests everything to see if things are operational.

[hyunelan2]

Great post! Goofy elecrical scares me a little, but my next car is not going to be a mod car, like the Elantra. Don't like the thing about aftermarket rims/tires being a PITA either.

Not to take this too far off topic, but do you have similar information on the Azera?

[02xdGLS]

wow. great info. sounds like hyundai is really moving up. can't wait to see on on road.

[cclngthr]

All of the new Hyundais will have a similar BCM configuation the Sonata gets. I know the Azera will have the 3.8 liter V6 with the 5 speed shiftronic tranny (only option that I know of). I think the new Tib will get a much needed engine update and lots of power.

The Sonata in the pic has a 8 speaker sound system with an in-dash 6 disc CD changer, and the deck already has the RCA plugs in the back for an external amp, but the trick is not to tap into the cars wiring harness.

The airbag system operates similarly as the 04-05 Elantra system. I weigh 95 pounds and the car did its trick and tripped the light because my weight is under the 110 pound minimum weight limit. It turned the passenger airbag down like it is supposed to.

[hyunelan2]

Here's a question showing my lack of complete engine knowledge.

It was said above the the 3.3L Lambda V6 uses a plastic intake manifold. What is that going to mean for 'us.' Obviously it can't be ported, but does the plastic really work better than the metal manifolds, other than just weighing less?

Also (talking out of my league now) when some uber-better-than-me tuners start talking about FI on the Lambda, will the plastic manifold be able to take it?

Just some noobie-ish questions.

Also, you said: There are going to be 8 options for the dealer to enable for customers; 1 is a audible warning when the alarm is armed.

What are some of the other 7 options?

[cclngthr]

It weighs less and does not conduct heat like metal does. I think HARD parts "could" have a manifold that is metal and can be ported.

The options are able to control different functions of the electrical systems (not engine/tranny related). a key can be able to disarm the alarm, and automatic lights. I don't have my book available so I can't remember what was said. I'll post more info later.

[mrhoaf]

Personally, there are a few things about the new Sonata that really worry me. I think the special oil requirements have to potential to be a PR nightmare for Hyundai. Let's say Joe Blow changes his own oil because the salesman forgot to tell him to tell him about the special requirement, and this kills Joe's engine. When Joe takes the car to the dealer, and the dealer refuses to replace it under warranty.... Joe's gonna be pretty pissed off. I've heard of this type of requirement on high-end cars, but do current Accords and Camrys have this requirement as well? Is the public ready for this requirement on a Hyundai? This also raises concerns for me about the engine's durability under adverse condidions if it's this picky about oil.

I'm not a dealership hater, but I'm sure some people will assume this is simply a ploy to force people to take their car to the dealership for basic maintainence. I'm hoping there is a very good reason, like they got an additional 20HP out of the engine by designing it this way... but it makes you wonder. I can see it now.... sales people telling customers that they will have to have their new Sonata maintained by the dealer or it will destroy their engine and void their warranty.....

I realize that Hyundai is attempting to move upmarket, and I don't really have a problem with that strategy, but I already am a fan of Hyundai. I'm not sure the general public is ready to think of Hyundais as the type of car that has to go to the dealer for proper maintainence.... most of us just take it there for warranty work, but have it maintained somewhere more inxpensive, convienient, trustworty, or do it ourselves.

And then there's the issue of wheels/tires giving you an error code. Lots of people like to put snow tires on their cars..... and they could get an error light for this? this is a VERY bad move, unless the computer can be reset (even if it has to be done by a tire shop or the dealer) to allow it to "learn" the new wheels/tires... that would make MUCH more sense.

[hyunelan2]

As far as oil, you just have to follow the specs. If it says you can ONLY use 10w30 non-synthetic, then don't put something else into it. The 'special' oil filters may have to be bought from the dealer, until someone like Fram starts making them as well. If Joe Blow destroys his engine because he didn't properly read the manual and specifications of the oil/filter on his own car - then I have no sympathy for him.

As for wheel/tire error codes - yea that's gay. I think there are some GM cars that simply need a code entered to adjust for wheel/tire sizing. I think time will tell how good/bad this is. I don't think you're going to have to depend on the dealer for all this stuff though. Garages/shops/oil-change-places will understand that if they want people's business, they need to stay up with technology of their vehicles. For example, you don't see many places in business that can only service non-fuel-injected cars.

[SuperGLS]

I'm not sure how much to believe yet...

But, they are suggesting that the Theta engine is capable of 300,000 miles, so if you have to use a certain oil to get it there, then that's no problem, or it shouldn't be, like Mike said. So even if you only get 200,000 miles outta the engine, that's still a good deal, I think if Hyundai markets like this, then they'll have happy customers knowing that if they spend the extra money now, it'll be good in the long run because they'd be able to keep the car longer without troubles. Thoughts?

As for the wheel/tire issue... hmmm.

[SuperGLS]

TCC Review ... nice words from them:

http://www.thecarconnection.com/Vehicle_Reviews/Sedans_and_Coupes/2006_Hyundai_Sonata.S180.A8537.html

Looks like the Navigation will show up sometime...

[Gearcat]

Crap, you beat me to it Super! I was just going to post that link. I love TCC!

[SWortham]

Edmunds review:
http://www.edmunds.com/new/2006/hyundai/sonata/100534617/roadtestarticle.html?articleId=105488

[hyunelan2]

Another review that makes me mad I still have a Santa Fe to pay for. Good stuff.

[2001GLS]

I think a Sonata LX is going to be my next car, even if I have to settle for an automatic.