The all-new 2011 Hyundai Sonata makes its world debut at the 2009 L.A. Motor Show. Of course the car has already been revealed in Korea, but this one right here is the American model, the one that soon will take the markets by storm everywhere around the globe! It was set to premier at Detroit Autoshow in 2010, but plans are changed as the production will start in December 2009 at Hyundai’s U.S. plant in Alabama with retail sales beginning in January 2010, as a 2011 model.

Hyundai has built the new Sonata from scratch. In fact it only shares its badge with the previous model, apart fom that every thing else is new and amazing about this car. It features a four-door coupe shape and, inspired by its bigger brother Genesis, it tends to be more luxurious and classy.

It is based on Hyundai’s “Fluidic Sculpture” design language, by which all vehicles in the current range will be revolutionized in a period of 24 months. It has already started by introduction the new Tucson, and will include seven other models as well.

The sophisticated look continues inside where Hyundai has created an upscale ambiance thanks to a flow-through center console and instrument panel. These flowing surfaces complement the exterior design and wrap around the driver and passengers.

New Hyundai Sonata will also get the firm’s all new powerplant, the theta II GDI 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with a Gasoline Direct-Injection (GDI) fuel delivery system. It delivers 198 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque, while promising 23 mpg city/35 mpg highway fuel economy while equipped with the six-speed SHIFTRONIC gearbox. With the manual box it’ll do 23 mpg city/34 mpg highway.

Some of the advance technologies used in this engine include Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) on both camshafts and a Variable Induction System (VIS) for better engine breathing. Next year, Hyundai will add a 2.0-liter Theta II turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine and a 2.4-liter Hybrid Blue Drive model featuring Hyundai’s breakthrough lithium polymer battery pack. Details about these powertrains will be announced at the 2010 New York Auto Show.

The new Sonata uses four-wheel independent MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension controlled by coil springs, fade-resistant gas-charged dampers and stabilizer bars. This setup promises fine handling with no compromise on comfort.

The Hyundai Sonata SE is an even more exciting and willing partner for drivers who prefer sportier ride and handling dynamics. The sport-tuned suspension features stiffer springs and larger stabilizer bars, resulting in a 20 percent increase in roll stiffness. Unique SE dampers, including monotube shocks in the rear are used to control the more aggressive suspension. Low profile 18-inch tires round out the unique chassis components of the Hyundai Sonata SE.

With the new model, the engineers have gone to enormous length to make sure the body is as light and as rigid as possible. Hyundai Sonata is rich in ultra-high-strength steel, leading to world-class body rigidity. The 2011 Hyundai Sonata is 25 percent stiffer in torsion and 19 percent stiffer in bending rigidity than its predecessor, yet it is lighter than many midsize sedans, also offering more interior room.

The car also pays great attention to safety with features like the tough body structure, advanced airbag technology and Electronic Stability Control (ESC). It also has a high performanec braking system including four-wheel disc brakes and an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) including Brake Assist, which provides maximum braking force when a panic stop is detected, and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) to automatically adjust the braking force to front and rear axles based on the vehicle loading conditions.

Hyundai 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. It is definitely aiming for five star crash safety rating!

New Hyundai Sonata is also very feature rich, specially when it comes to in-car entertainment! It can be had with a top-notch Infinity AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system with touch-screen navigation that includes a 400-watt external amplifier, dedicated Dual Voice Coil (DVC) subwoofer, eight-channels and nine Infinity speakers.

Touch-screen navigation is available on all trim levels and includes a high-resolution screen. This system provides new features including Bluetooth streaming audio capability. This easy-to-use unit can be controlled via 6.5-inch WVGA touchscreen or voice-activation by headliner-mounted microphone.

The system features 8GB of flash memory and comes matched with a sound system that plays compact discs, accesses digital music files via Bluetooth streaming audio or allows driver and passenger to access their personal listening devices through the iPod/USB/auxiliary inputs. Bluetooth audio wirelessly streams music from select mobile phones to the head unit. Also, with a Bluetooth-enabled phone one can look up a local restaurant and call for reservations before plotting the route. The XM Satellite Radio interface is also integrated into the navigation unit and features channel logos, real-time NavTraffic and XM Data services such as WX Satellite Weather®, XM Stock Ticker and XM Sports Ticker. The system is also updateable via the USB.