Hyundai’s ongoing success in the marketplace is no doubt impressive: According to Hyundai New Mexico, the company just rang up a new record for sales in July, which was also Hyundai’s second best month ever in the U.S. But even more impressive—and a key to that sales momentum—is the sterling fuel-efficiency numbers offered across the Hyundai lineup. Hyundai has been the most efficient automaker in the U.S. since 2008, and the company doesn’t plan on that changing any time soon. In fact, the automaker has dedicated itself to offering a lineup that averages no less than 50 mpg by 2025.
“We’re committed to setting the pace in this industry on fuel economy, and we’re inspired by the possibilities that our advanced Blue Drive technologies afford,” said John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America president and CEO. “Getting to 50 mpg and beyond seems like a huge leap, but by making this commitment and aligning our R&D initiatives now, we know we can get there.”
Among the reasons for this confidence is the development of products like the 2011 Hyundai Sonata. Thanks to the diligent work of Hyundai engineers, today’s Sonata lineup relies on four-cylinder engines throughout the range, yet still offers best-in-class standard horsepower and fuel-efficiency ratings. The Hyundai Sonata GLS delivers 198 hp while still attaining an EPA line of 24 mpg city/35 mpg highway/28 mpg combined. And later this year, Hyundai will expand the Sonata lineup with both turbocharged and hybrid variants.
According to Hyundai Sonata Salisbury, the Sonata turbo will be the first Hyundai to combine forced induction and gas direct-injection technology, and it delivers a remarkable combination of performance both on the road and at the gas pumps. The numbers here? 274 hp and an EPA-estimated 34 mpg on the highway. The Sonata also will be Hyundai’s first U.S. hybrid, leveraging a new technology breakthrough to put up an EPA-estimated 37 mpg city and 39 mpg highway. The secret behind this performance is Hyundai’s proprietary full-parallel hybrid powertrain, which relies on the industry’s first lithium polymer battery pack.
“This is our simple formula for success in the automobile industry,” said Krafcik. “Rather than fighting fuel economy regulation, we encourage our Hyundai engineers to deliver more fuel efficiency, faster, accelerating the benefits to our customers, society, and the planet.”
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