Judging from these renderings, it looks like the Hyundai Sonata is about to undergo a pretty serious design renovation soon.
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Hyundai Motor Group revealed two different sketches on its Facebook page yesterday. Each sketch shows four different Sonatas: the drawings on the left depict a facelifted model while the right two drawings show older versions of the car. Curiously, the leftmost Sonata pictured in the teaser receives a "turbo" badge, hinting at a possible new trim level for the midsizer.
The new hexagonal grille takes after the design of other new Hyundai products, including the 2018 Accent and 2018 Elantra GT. Along with a dramatic hood design, the facelifted Sonata also features a sleek back end that looks like it belongs on a sport coupe.
Hyundai introduced a new Sonata for the 2015 model year, so it's due for a refresh any minute now on our shores. It's likely the Sonata will receive at least some of the same engine choices, which consist of a 2.4-liter four-cylinder producing 185 hp, a 1.6-liter turbo-four with 178 hp, and a 2.0-liter turbo-four with 245 hp. Traditional hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions are also available.
The Sonata continues to be Hyundai's second best-selling product here, behind only the Elantra. While the sedan remains a solid option, Hyundai will have to resolve issues with refinement and driving dynamics before the Sonata becomes a top choice in the midsize segment.
Source: Hyundai Motor Group via Facebook
When I tell people I write about cars, the most common reply I receive is “Really?” I guess I never strike people as a car type as I drive down the freeway in the right lane going 60 mph in my old SUV. My gripes about driving in city traffic and fast drivers don’t help my case, either. For a time, the only cars I liked were old cars. Not old as in "classic" or "vintage," but as in well-worn. My first appreciation of cars came when I drove a very old Ford pickup. It wasn't perfect: I used a booster seat to reach the gas pedal, and the turn signal once fell off in my hand as I was learning to drive. But the thing I valued most was the memories. It took several years for me to truly become a "car person." Being a long-time writer and an avid reader has helped me develop a healthy curiosity and a desire to know how things work. This has made cars one of the most fascinating points of study for me because they are such intricate machines. I am interested in how cars can reach 200 mph, how they can run on hydrogen, and how they can drive and park on their own. I also enjoy learning how cars can solve problems whether it be in the form of reducing pollution, minimizing traffic, or helping people stay connected on the road. Yes, maybe I’m not a gearhead. Perhaps I’m a car nerd. Either way, I very much enjoy writing about cars and helping people stay in tune with the automotive industry. I wouldn't want to be writing about anything else. And don’t get me wrong: I know how to drool over a hot car. I am fascinated by the Tesla Model S, awed by the Lamborghini Veneno, and am hopelessly obsessed with the Audi R8.
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