2011 Hyundai Sonata YF Video Galore with Presentation and Promotional Films

Yesterday, we brought you news and a high-resolution photo album of Hyundai's spanking new 2011 Sonata YF that was presented in its home market of South Korea. And now we have the first videos of the fancy-looking (at least for a mainstream model) mid-size sedan that marks a significant departure style-wise from the previous generations of the Sonata. Whereas the KDM model gets a 165HP 2.0-liter gasoline engine, the North American variant, which will be produced at Hyundai's plant in Alabama from early 2010, will be offered at launch with a 2.4-liter direct-injection four-cylinder unit.

Aside from the two-minute long promotional film, we've also added clips from the official presentation of the new Sonata that took place in Seoul. For more detailed information on the Korean firm's Toyota Camry-fighting saloon check out our previous post here.

2011 Hyundai Sonata Officially Revealed: First High-Res Photos and Details

Who would have imagined a few years back that there would be so much interest in a new generation of the Hyundai Sonata that it would be totally justified for us to stay up until the early morning hours to write a post on the car... But times change, GM went in and out of bankruptcy protection, the Fiat Group acquired Chrysler and surprise, surprise, Hyundai overtook the Ford Group in the first half of the year to become the world's fourth largest automaker. So there you have it. But let's wind back back to the Sonata. After more leaks than a New Orleans levy, the Korean maker formally introduced the four-door sedan in its home market today.

"The Sonata will set a new standard for world class mid-size sedans with state-of-the-art technology, superior build quality and emotional design," said Euisun Chung, Hyundai's Vice Chairman at the launching ceremony for the car in Seoul. "The new Sonata will raise Hyundai's brand values."

It might not be an Alfa Romeo, but compared to its dull and unimaginative predecessors, we'd say that the sixth-generation Sonata makes a huge step (call that a leap) forward in terms of design. Some will even claim that it clearly adopts styling cues from the so-called four-door coupe segment such as the swooping roofline and the stubby rear end, and they're probably right.

The Sonata also boasts a fresh interior with a contemporary styling that's in line with the Korean firm's latest products such as the new Tucson / ix35 SUV that was revealed at this week's Frankfurt Motor Show.

Size-wise the Sonata is 4,820mm long, 1,835mm wide and 1,470mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,795mm making it a little longer and wider but slightly lower than the outgoing model.

The Sonata, which may be sold under a different name in some regions (e.g. i40 in Europe), will be offered at launch in its home market with a 2.0-liter Theta II MPi gasoline engine with 165HP and an LPG version that makes 144HP. Both engines are paired to a new six-speed automatic transmission.

Hyundai said that it plans to add 2.4 liter Theta II GDI gasoline engine to the range in January next year. This engine will be offered as standard on the U.S. market model.

All versions of the Sonata will be equipped with a standard Vehicle Dynamic Control with Hill-start Assist Control and Brake Assist System functions. Other highlights include an available three-piece panoramic sunroof and a new Parking Guide System (PGS) that allows the driver to avoid obstacles during parallel parking or when driving in reverse - or so the company claims.

Hyundai said that it began developing the new Sonata in 2005 under the codename YF with the project costing a total of 450 billion won (US$ 372 million) to go from concept to production.

The company plans to sell 60,000 units of the new Sonata in Korea this year. With the addition of production in its U.S. plant in Alabama plant in early 2010 and in China the following year, Hyundai expects that number to raise to 450,000 units annually worldwide from 2011.

In South Korea, the new Sonata's prices range from 21.3 million Won to 25.95 million Won (US$17,600 to US$21,450).

Update: Click here to check out the video story on the new Hyundai Sonata

Subtly Facelifted 2010 Kia Optima - Magentis Launched in South Korea

It's only been a year or so since Kia gave the Optima, which is called Lotze in South Korea and Magentis in Europe, a mid-life makeover, but Hyundai's subsidiary has just announced the domestic market launch of a subtly revised 2010 model year. The new looks aren't so obvious as the exterior styling changes are limited to a new mesh grille, dark headlamps, new LED tail lights, black treatment for the lower part of the rear bumper and newly designed 17-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, Kia makes word of new trim and color options as well as additional features. There are no mechanical upgrades as the South Korean market Lotze will continue to be offered with the same four-cylinder engine lineup as before that includes a 2.0-liter unit with 163-horsepower and a 2.4-liter with 179-horsepower.

The refreshed Lotze is available for order in its home market, but it is unclear if or when the updated version of the Optima and Magentis models will make their way to North America and Europe respectively.

Kumho Fortis: Tyre Maker Present All-Electric SUV Concept Study

While Kumho has no intentions of jumping into the car-making business as of yet, the Korean tyre manufacturer decided to make use of the skills of its in-house designer and former Fiat Advanced Design employee, Rob Dolton, to demonstrate what tomorrow's SUVs could be like. The result is the Fortis, a three-door crossover with a fully-electric drivetrain that comprises of four 100hp chassis-mounted motors, one for each wheel.

The designer claims that the system provides ultimate off-road traction, ESP and hill descent, while the motor configuration allows for easy transition between 4WD, 2WD, FWD and RWD. The electric motors are powered by a Lithium ion battery pack that can be recharged at home, work or at a recharge station.

As you would expect from a concept that was created by a tyre maker, the Fortis boasts ground-breaking tyre technology. In particular, the tread pattern can (theoretically speaking) be adjusted at will to provide optimum performance for both on and off-road.

According to Kumho, the tyre threads feature special metal biters that optimize off-road performance when employed, while for on-road use, the tyre cavity is inflated thus expanding the rubber areas to cover the metal biters.

Dolton also found a way to make use of used tyres as the vehicle's bumper sections, doors, bonnet, front wings and rear hatch are all manufactured from recycled tyre rubber.

2010 Kia Cee'd Facelift: First Official Photo

Here's the first official photo of the updated 2010 Kia Cee'd facelift that made its way into the internet ahead of the compact hatchback's premiere at this fall's Frankfurt Motor Show. As anticipated, the Cee'd features a new fascia inspired by Kia's latest production and concept cars likes the Forte and KND-5 sedans. The cosmetic tidy-up includes the Korean firm's signature grille surround flanked by a pair of reshaped headlamps, plus a new bumper and hood design.

Furthermore, Kia's VW Golf contender also features restyled exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals while our spy shots suggest minor updates at the rear including a new set of tail lamps and quite possibly, a redesigned bumper.

As many of you might remember, a couple of weeks ago we showed you a trio of leaked shots of the 2010 Cee'd's dashboard which has been upgraded with new controls for the air-condition and audio system on the center console, a restyled steering wheel and updated gauges on the instrument panel.

Via: Automarket & Kia-World