Optima: Cheapest hybrid sedan yet?

Kia's killer hybrids?

If all goes as expected, the Hyundai Sonata hybrid should be the most cost-effective hybrid sedan available when it goes on sale later this year, but that reign probably won't last long.

Next year, Hyundai will also roll out the Kia Optima hybrid, which we assume will use the same hybrid drive as the Sonata hybrid. However, based on current Optima and Sonata pricing, that should make the Otpima hybrid even cheaper and more cost-effective than the Sonata hybrid.

Up next for Hyundai, a cheaper, more cost-effective Toyota Prius competitor?

Hyundai Sonata hybrid fuel economy revealed

But what about the price?

The new Hyundai Sonata hybrid will offer the same .25 drag co-efficient as the Toyota Prius, which will probably make the Sonata hybrid the most highway fuel efficient hybrid sedan on the market. While the EPA has not provided official fuel economy estimates, Hyundai claims the Sonata hybrid will achieve 37 mpg city and 39 mpg highway.

With its 169-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and a 40.2-hp electric motor, the Sonata hybrid will offer a total output 209 hp.

Of course the real story regarding the Sonata hybrid is its lithium-polymer battery technology, making the Sonata hybrid the first full hybrid to use lithium instead of NiMH technology.

Unfortunately, the cost of the Sonata hybrid has not yet been revealed. Nonetheless, based on the conventional Sonata's cheaper costs, many are expecting the Sonata hybrid to be cheaper than both the Toyota Camry hybrid and the Ford Fusion hybrid when it goes on sale later this year.

Hyundai Sonata hybrid heading to NY Auto Show

More than just a powertrain this time

Hyundai will show off the Sonata hybrid next week at the NY Auto Show.

In recent months Hyundai has claimed that its hybrid cars will offer "practical solutions" for consumers. Can't wait to find out just how practical the Sonata hybrid will be compared to the Ford Fusion and Toyota Camry hybrids.

Hyundai hybrids: Everything in place for greatness

In a class of its own?

I've been very excited about the potential of Hyundai hybrid cars ever since Hyundai announced its lithium-polymer powered Hybrid Blue Drive at the 2008 LA Auto Show. According to many experts, Hyundai's lithium-polymer technology might give Hyundai an edge in lithium battery production.

And, now that the Hyundai Sonata hybrid is just months away from hitting US dealerships, my excitement is beginning to percolate.

In recent weeks we've learned that the new Sonata is cheaper and lighter than all other vehicles in its class. Moreover, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has now given the Sonata its Top Safety Pick. What more could you want?

A hybrid version with class leading fuel economy at the lowest price in its class, of course.

Recently, Hyundai admitted that although they were late to the hybrid game, they were quickly ramping up their efforts. If Hyundai can offer the new Sonata hybrid for less than the Toyota Camry hybrid while matching or topping the fuel economy of the Ford Fusion hybrid, I'll be a believer - not just in Hyundai's hybrid plans, but their plans for plug-in hybrid leadership as well.

Hyundai Sonata hybrid: Cheaper than Fusion and Camry hybrids?

Hyundai's upcoming Hybrid Blue Drive

Today, Hyundai released pricing on the 2011 Sonata. While the Sonata hybrid was not on the list, the conventional Sonata is priced lower than the competition, especially at the premium trim levels.

Since most hybrids include many premium trim level components, Hyundai Sonata hybrid pricing might undercut both the Toyota Camry hybrid and the Ford Fusion hybrid.

Hyundai had a pretty good 2009 and 2010 is expected to be even better, especially in light of Toyota's recall problems. Topping the year off with a Sonata hybrid that is cheaper and more cost-effective than the competition would be some pretty sweet icing on the cake.

Hyundai's "practical hybrid solutions" near

The Blue Will hybrid concept

No, it doesn't look like a Hyundai. And some out right hate the face of this vehicle.

That's OK, it's just a concept. Like some hot new BCBGMAXAZRIA meant only for Fashion Week, the styling of the Hyundai Blue Will Hybrid Concept is simply a stylistic direction, or a "perfect expression to the advanced eco-friendly technologies found beneath the skin," notes Oh Suk-Geun, executive vice president of design for Hyundai.

And, it's what's under the skin that really matters, right?

Under the Blue Will's skin is an exciting new hybrid powertrain, a lithium-polymer powered hybrid drive that mates a 100 kWh motor to Hyundai's new 152-hp 1.6L directed injected four cylinder-engine. Using lithium, Hyundai is providing a battery that is 30% lighter, 50% smaller and 10% more efficient than the NiMH batteries found in today's hybrids.

Unlike the skin, however, this new hybrid powertrain isn't just a concept.

Later this year, according to MotorTrend, a very similar hybrid powertrain will be coming to the US in the form of the Sonata hybrid as the first example of "practical hybrid solutions that will appear on the next generation of [Hyundai] vehicles."

2010: The big questions

The rubber finally hits the road

2010. Here we come.

While 2010 isn't going to be quite as significant for the hybrid market as I would have expected a few years ago, there are a few interesting stories developing:

1.) Will any hybrid, aside from the Prius, sell 50,000 units in one year?
2.) Can the Honda CR-Z hybrid reinvigorate Honda's hybrid sales?
3.) Will the Hyundai Sonata hybrid make it to America, and how will the Sonata hybrid compare to the Toyota Camry hybrid and the Ford Fusion hybrid in terms of price and fuel economy?
4.) What will be Toyota's next dedicated hybrid, and how many other hybrids will Toyota announce, debut, etc?
5.) Finally, after years of hype the Chevy Volt will go on sale. How many units will GM produce in 2010? Will there be any delays? Final pricing, options?

Hyundai planning diesel hybrids

Blue Drive or a mild hybrid powertrain?

Sometime in 2011 Hyundai plans to produce a small number of electric cars, but the automaker believes it will be at least another 5 or 6 years after before EVs are produced in any meaningful numbers. Thus, Hyundai plans on adding diesel hybrid vehicles to its hybrid portfolio, in addition to gasoline and liquefied petroleum gas hybrids.

Currently, the only officially planned hybrid for the US market is the Sonata hybrid.

Hyundai Sonata hybrid confirmed

Still on track

Despite a few rumors to the contrary, the Sonata hybrid is still proceeding according to plans from Hyundai at the LA Auto Show.

Sonata hybrid pushed back to summer of 2011

Still coming?

Not long ago I had high hopes for Hyundai's upcoming hybrid cars. Now, I'm not so sure.

Last week, Korean rumors suggested that Hyundai's hybrid program might be cancelled. While Hyundai has not confirmed those rumors, the US launch of the Sonata hybrid has been pushed back from the fall of 2010 to the summer of 2011.

Hopefully we'll find out a little more about Hyundai's hybrid plans next week at the LA Auto Show.

Hyundai to end hybrid program in favor of EVs?

Dead before launch?

Is Hyundai prepared to end its hybrid program? It's a possibility according to Korean sources.

Apparently, Hyundai isn't confident about how the future of the automobile is going to evolve, and hybrid cars are a point of contention. Consequently, Hyundai is said to be considering an EV plan much more like that of Nissan/Renault, rather than that of Toyota, especially considering Toyota's hybrid patent domination.

Yet, others within the company believe that the fuel cell vehicle is the most important goal, and fuel cell vehicles will be fuel cell hybrid vehicles.

Finish: Hyundai hybrid vehicles cancelled?

Sonata hybrid goes through the paces

Can Blue Drive give Hyundai's hybrids street cred?

Insideline has a couple of spy photos of Hyundai's Sonata hybrid going through some paces with a number of other hybrid cars, such as the Ford Fusion hybrid and the Toyota Camry hybrid. Other than the photo, however, there aren't any new details.

At the LA Auto Show Hyundai claimed that its new lithium polymer batteries were going to be a cut above of the rest of the lithium field, such as the lithium batteries powering the Chevy Volt or the plug-in Toyota Prius.

I can't wait until the real world can put this claim to the test.

A Kia hybrid closer to reality?

A Kia Forte hybrid

Kia is ramping up plans to begin selling the Kia hybrid in Korea.

The Kia Forte hybrid is built on the same liquid petroleum injected, lithium hybrid technology as Hyundai's recently launched Elantra hybrid. While none of these liquid petroleum injected hybrid vehicles will make it to America, Hyundai will sell the Sonata hybrid in America starting next year.

And if Kia hybrids follow the same roll out path as Hyundai hybrids, can a Kia hybrid for America be very far behind?

Hyundai's lithium polymer hits the real world

The power behind the new Hyundai?

Yesterday, Hyundai began selling its new Elantra hybrid, the first hybrid to use lithium polymer batteries, but only in South Korea. Nonetheless, the batteries powering these new hybrid cars could have a dramatic impact on the future of hybrids, and of Hyundai.

In terms of manufacturing, many experts believe that lithium polymer offers huge advantages compared to other lithium batteries, particularly when it comes to mass production. And today, cost-effective, reliable mass production is the key to the lithium game.

If all goes well, the new Hyundai Sonata hybrid should hit US shores late next year.

Hybrid wild card: Hyundai and its lithium polymer battery

Is the Sonata the right play?

Hyundai has yet to sell a hybrid in the US, and it's first hybrid will be the Sonata hybrid. Without a unique hybrid, can Hyundai really compete in the hybrid cars segment?

Certainly, Hyundai's debut of its Blue Drive Hybrid system at the LA Auto Show - featuring lithium polymer batteries - was extremely compelling. Still, how much will this technology cost, and without a unique hybrid offering, does lithium polymer matter?

I'm not sure, but after today's impressive jump in vehicle quality by Hyundai, I can't help but wonder if Hyundai isn't ready to kick up its entire operation a notch - an operation significantly focused on fuel economy. Hyundai has made numerous forward looking statements on CAFE, hybrids, etc. in recent years, but has this all been just talk - typical auto industry PR - or has Hyundai been preparing for this walk all along?

Hyundai might just now be finding its stride, and if Hyundai has also mastered the lithium polymer battery for hybrid cars.......well, you ain't seen nothing yet.

Hyundai Sonata hybrid due October 2010

Can lithium power the Sonata past other hybrids?

Hyundai has confirmed that it plans to begin selling the Hyundai Sonata hybrid in October of next year. More interesting, the Sonata hybrid will utilize Hyundai's Blue Drive - a lithium polymer powered hybrid drive.

In related news, the Hyundai Blue Will plug-in hybrid concept has not yet been confirmed, but there is "a very good possibility" that the Blue Will will eventually be produced.

2010: Hyundai hybrids finally come to US

Will be Hyundai's first full hybrid

In 2010, Hyundai will finally begin selling hybrid cars in the US. The Hyundai Sonata is scheduled to be the first hybrid to hit US shores.

More interesting, Hyundai plans to sell the Sonata hybrid as a lithium-powered hybrid vehicle that should increase fuel economy by 70 percent. LG Chem will provide the batteries.

Hyundai plans to sell 50,000 Sonata hybrids in the first year, but the automaker wants to quickly ramp up hybrid production to 500,000 hybrids - including other hybrid models - per year by 2018 according to AutoWeek.

Hyundai Sonata hybrid coming in 2010

Ready to take on the Camry hybrid?

InsideLine is reporting that Hyundai will debut the Sonata hybrid at the LA Auto show this coming November. In addition, Hyundai would only confirm that the Sonata hybrid would be launched by 2010, and that it will utilize a parallel hybrid drive coupled with a lithium-ion battery.