The Hyundai Sonata will be introducing its first-ever hybrid model shortly to its major showrooms and the campaign for this is supposed to kick start on Hyundai Sun Bowl Broadcast on December 31 on CBS.

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As expected, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid broke cover at the ongoing New York Auto Show and Hyundai was understandably excited about the unveiling. As per the company sources, the Sonata Hybrid is more powerful than the Ford Fusion, Lexus HS250h, Nissan Altima, and even the Toyota Camry. Hyundai was however clear in the stating that its fuel efficiency is not as good as the Ford Fusion Hybrid though the other three hybrid commuters fall short of the standard the Sonata sets. Sonata Hybrid features a combination of an all-aluminum 2.4-liter engine that churns 169hp and a 40hp electric motor. The combination is mated to a new six-speed automatic transmission.

Hyundai is keen to extend its green bandwagon and it will be at the New York Auto Show revealing its 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. A teaser image of the Hybrid automobile has been revealed by Hyundai and it gives us a glimpse of the distinctive looking front fascia.

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid will be a far cry from its non-hybrid version in terms of design. The front will feature a new-large mouthed grille, new headlamps and a sporty looking bumper with bigger air-intakes.

The Sonata Hybrid is supposed to feature the Blue Drive hybrid system and in its case, the combination will involve a 2.4 liter, 4-cylinder petrol engine, and a 30 kW electric motor with 205 Nm (151 lb-ft) of torque. The combo will be mated to a six-speed automatic transmission while the motor alone will be powered by lithium-polymer batteries.

Look for the 2011 Sonata Hybrid unveiling at New York on March 31.

Hyundai Sonata which will be sold as the i40 in Europe has been through a series of photo leaks and there is more to add to that phenomenon with a fresh set of images coming from a Korean Forum. The evident styling here makes us realize that the i40 will try to compete as a sedan and a coupe model but that will depend on what is under the hood as well.

The speculation is that the model will come with a 2.4L Theta II engine assisted by GDI technology to produce 200hp. There will also be a 2.0L gasoline variant powering the Sonata. As far as the Koreans and Europeans are concerned, there will be a third option available to them- a 2.2 L ‘R’ diesel variant capable of churning out 204 whilst complying with Euro 5 emission standards. The North Americans might get luckier with a 250hp Lambda V6 Sonata. The i40 will debut in September and the Koreans might be able to purchase it in October. As far as North America and Europe is concerned, it will arrive in 2010.

Here is the latest set of spy shots of the Hyundai Sonata which reveals a lot about the interior of the car. Incidentally the spy shots were clicked when Hyundai was doing its own photoshoot for the promotional materials. Apparently the secret for well-lit interior shots has been revealed and that requires the roof to be taken off. Visibly enough, the cabin is more elegant and refined. A close proximity with the styling of the big and luxurious German brands can also be established especially if you look at the rear trunk and tail lights. A Sonata Hybrid is also in the wings which will be powered by Hybrid Blue Drive Architecture introduced by Hyundai last year. [via hyundai-blog.com]