New Sonata (spypics)

[otting]

from autobild.de

Koreanische E-Klasse: Hyundai ist nahezu ungetarnt mit dem Nachfolger des Elantra auf Testtour. Das neue Mittelklasse-Modell fuhr den Fotografen bei Hitzetests in Arizona vor die Kameralinse. Insider werten das als untrügliches Zeichen dafür, dass ...... die Richtung XG 350 schielende Limousine auf dem Genfer Salon ...... im März 2004 vorgestellt wird. Der Wagen wirkt deutlich ausgewogener und erwachsener als das ...aktuelle Modell. Basismotor wird wieder ein Zweiliter-Vierzylinder, darüber rangieren Sechszylinder mit 2,7 und 3,0 Liter (178 und 200 PS). An einem 130 PS starken Common-Rail-Diesel ...... werde hartnäckig gearbeitet, heißt es. Wann er kommt, steht aber noch nicht fest. Dazugelernt hat Hyundai auch beim Interieur: schlicht, aber wertig



[Edited by Cottonmouth on Nov 11, 2003 4:54 AM]

[stickshift]

A (very) rough translation:

[body]Korean e-class: Hyundai is almost (ungetarnt) with the successor of the Elantra on test route. The new middle class model drove the photographers with heat tests into Arizona before the camera lens. Insider rate as unfailing indication for the fact that...... the direction XG 350 squinting sedan on that Geneva salon...... in March 2004 one introduces. The car works noticeably more balanced and adults than that...current model. Basis engine becomes again a two-litre four-cylinder, over it maneuvers six cylinder with 2,7 and 3,0 litres (178 and 200 HP). To 130 HP strong Common Rail Diesel...... one work persistent, it means. When he comes, is not certain however. In addition-learned Hyundai also with the Interieur: simply, but wertig[/body]

So from the looks of this, it'll be shown at the Geneva, Switzerland auto show next March... the design is influenced by the XG350... the Beta is still the base engine, with an optional V6 (wow!) and a common rail diesel (not for North America I wouldn't think)... not certain when it will go on sale.

The bit about a 3.0 V6 is interesting... if that translated right, maybe it means Hyundai is adding a 3.0 to its engine line-up... or replacing the 2.7 with the 3.0.

Maybe? Who knows? Cool pics though.

[ONLY1DB]

it says midlevel sedan....is it the new sonata??? they just redid the elantra for 04. weird.aranoid:

[stickshift]

Well, that's a good point... the car looks a little big for an Elantra, and you're right.. Hyundai did just freshen up the Elantra for '04, so I can't see it being redesigned completely for another couple years.
Also, in the interior pic, there's a screen in the dash, like for a NAV system or something. I really can't see the Elantra having that... I mean, the VW is the same "class" as the Elantra, but priced way higher, and even it doesn't have a NAV system as far as I know.
Based on that, that car above has to be a Sonata.

[jonotibbo]

That is the new Sonata. Looks really nice.

[SPIKE]

I was going to say look @ all the other new "sonata" spy pics and see the comparisons

[faraco3]

Look at the shifter it is the same one the Tib GT has with the 6 speed. Yes i want one

[Kemper]

Looks like an Impala front end and Maxima back end! Can't wait to see where they're going with this one...

[Edited by Kemper on Nov 6, 2003 7:04 PM]

[dijabutia]

well the german says 200hp for the 3 liter, a nice change
id say its definately a sonata.... WAY too nice to be an elantra
it doenst really look like the previous new pics, looks totally different... unless they did some super job hiding its face
that in deck navigation is hardcore... hyundai is going for the big dogs now

[Edited by dijabutia on Nov 6, 2003 7:57 PM]

[SuperGLS]

Yeah, that IS the new Sonata, the first of those pics has been posted before (maybe not on here, but I'm pretty sure).