Hyundai is all set to stir up the family sedan segment with the stylish, powerful and efficient 2011 Sonata. The latest in Hyundai’s new lineup of products, the Sonata gets a coupe-like shape reminiscent of the Volkswagen CC. And that’s a very big compliment to be sure. The car is one of just a few Hyundai products to be designed in the United States at the company’s California Design Center.

Under the hood, there’s a direct-injection version of Hyundai’s Theta II 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 198-hp (or 200-hp in the SE trim level with a dual-exhaust setup). Torque is rated at 186 ft-lbs. In total, that’s 25 more horsepower and 18 more ft-lbs of torque than the old 4-cylinder. In fact, with improved 4-cylinder performance and the fact that only 10 percent of previous generation Sonata buyers opted for the V6, Hyundai hasn’t announced any plans to offer a V6 model and probably won’t.

The car’s fuel-economy rating is set at 23/35 mpg (city/highway), which Hyundai says will make it the most fuel-efficient (non-hybrid) mid-size sedan on the marker. Although, to be truthful, the 2011 sonata, like its predecessor, is so roomy inside that it is technically classified as a full-size sedan.

The direct-injection powerlant isn’t the only reason for the improved fuel-economy, however, as the 2011 Sonata also gets a new six-speed automatic transmission (which will find it’s way into the Tucson, as well as the next Santa Fe and Azera). Not only does the extra gear help for improved highway fuel mileage but the unit weights 26 lbs less, is more compact and uses 62 fewer parts.

On top of all this, Hyundia says the high compression 2.4-liter engine will deliver full power on regular 87 octane pump gas.

A few vehicle highlights include trunk pulls for the rear seats to fold down and the option of heated rear seats. Hyundai is also eager to point out that despite the car’s slowing roofline it has the same amount of rear headroom as the previous generation car, which is more than any other car in its class except the Honda Accord.

Hyundai will offer the Sonata in three trim levels, GLS, SE (Sport) and Limited (luxury). SE models will get the dual-exhaust pipes with the 200-hp rating, as well as paddle shifters, tighter steering and larger sway bars to help deliver improved handling.

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata is set to go on sale in January. Pricing has not yet been released.

GALLERY: 2011 Hyundai Sonata

All future Hyundai products are likely to get direct injection technology, boosting both fuel economy and performance and allowing for smaller and lighter displacement engines to take the place of larger units.

The news comes from Hyundai Motor America’s top engineer John Juriga, who made the comments during a technical presentation at Hyundai’s North American Engineering facility in Michigan.

Juriga said the technology is likely to roll out across the product lineup over time, to V6 and even V8 engines. He likened it to the change from carburetors to fuel-injection and said that while new alternative-fuel engines will be coming, over the next 5 to 10 years the internal combustion engine will remain dominant and so there will be a focus on improving it.

When asked if future Hyundais will get a combination of direct injection and turbochargers, Juriga didn’t confirm anything but did say that the two technologies were, “made for each other.”

Hyundai has just announced its first direct-injection engine, a 200-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder that gets 35-mpg highway and will debut on the new 2011 Sonata (above).

Hyundai Motor America has confirmed the introduction of the company’s first direct-injection gasoline engine will debut in the 2011 Sonata.

Called the 2.4 GDI Theta II, the engine will make 200-hp at 6300 rpm and 186 ft-lbs of torque at 4250 rpm in the SE model. Hyundai has also confirmed that despite the engine’s 11.3 compression ratio it will get full power on regular 87 octane gas. A GLS model will make slightly less power, with 198-hp on call.

In total, this is an increase of 25-hp and 18 ft-lbs of torque over the old 2.4-liter motor.

Along with DI technology, the GDI Theta II will also get a six-speed automatic transmission that is more compact, has 62 fewer moving parts and weighs about 20 lbs less.

The result is what Hyundai believes will be best-in-class fuel economy of 23 and 35 mpg.

Hyundai won’t be offering the all-new 2011 Sonata with a V6 engine, opting instead to go the four-cylinder route. It’s not clear if the automaker plans to offer two different four-cylinders, but this week in South Korea, Hyundai did take the wraps off of the company’s first direct-injection engine, a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder.

Using direct injection technology to get added power and reduced fuel consumption, the 2.4-liter four-banger makes an impressive 198-hp and 184 ft-lbs of torque. In comparison, the old 2.4-liter motor made 175-hp and 168 ft-lbs of torque.

No fuel-economy numbers have been announced, but with the old engine achieving 22/32 mpg, this new motor should get closer to 24/35 mpg.

It’s entirely possible that this will be the only engine Hyundai will offer for the Sonata (until the hybrid model is announced), however, there is a possibility of a smaller, less powerful 4-cylinder, as well as a turbocharged version that would make V6-like power. A more powerful option isn’t a sure thing, however, as V6 versions of mid-size sedans like the Sonata, Accord or Camry, make up a small fraction of a model’s overall sales.

We expect to hear more about the new 2011 Sonata and this engine at the LA Auto Show in early December.

Official release after the jump:

Ahead of their official debut at the Tokyo Auto Show, Mazda has decided to give us just a small preview of what the company’s vehicles could be powered by in the near future. Both a new gasoline and diesel engine have been announced, as well as a new transmission, all under the catchy SKY brand.

First up is a new SKY-G 2.0-liter motor, that uses direct injection to improve both torque and fuel-economy by roughly 15 percent. Mazda hasn’t officially said anything about producing the motor or what car it will find its way in to, but we’d expect to find it in the Mazda3, replacing the top-level 2.5-liter four-cylinder, making roughly the same horsepower (around 170), while getting fuel-economy closer to the base 2.0-liter’s 24/33 mpg rating.

A new SKY-DRIVE transmission will also be available, which Mazda says will help improve fuel-economy by five percent. Unfortunately, this is not a fancy dual-clutch tranny, but Mazda does say it will be faster with more engaging shifts. Still being rather secretive, Mazda has not said how many gears there will be, but we suspect the improvement in fuel economy is due to the addition of a sixth gear.

Finally, Mazda unveiled a new SKY-D diesel motor, which we can be quite certain won’t make its way to North America. It uses a two-stage turbocharger with piezo injectors and some modifications of the engine structure to deliver a 20 percent improvement in fuel economy over the current 2.2-liter diesel.

We’ll be sure to bring you updates on all of these new drivetrain options when Mazda officially unveils them at the Tokyo Auto Show on October 21st.

[Source: LeftLaneNews]

Ferrari introduced the 458 Italia, the F430 replacement, at the Frankfurt Auto Show today. Appearing on the company’s stand were two models, one in a traditional Rosso Corsa and the other in Giallo Modena Tristrato (pictured above).

Using an aluminum chassis and plenty of other light weight metals and materials the 458 Italia weighs an astonishingly low 3,043 lbs in its dry form (expect an extra 100 to 200 lbs with all fluids in place).

Combining these factors with a new 4,499cc V8 engine and a new smooth-shifting dual-clutch 7-speed transmission (that Ferrari claims is faster than the current F1 tranny), the 458 Italia can hit 62 mph in just 3.4 seconds and blast on to a top speed of 202 mph.

As expected, however, the 458 is about far more than straight line speed and so Ferrari has worked hard at applying its racing technology to improve the E-Diff differential and F1-Trac traction control systems to allow the newest prancing horse to put down 32 percent more power out of the corners.

Gallery: Ferrari 458 Italia

Official release after the jump:

Ferrari has just released photos and details of a new model that both succeeds and exceeds the incredible F430. Named the 458 Italia, this new mid-engine exotic is powered by a 4.5-liter V8 that puts out an incredible 570hp at 9000 rpm and 398 ft-lbs of torque at 6000 rpm – 80 percent of which is available at just 3250 rpm.

The new engine it a typically high compression Ferrari V8 rated at 12.5:1 and uses direct-injection technology. This means it gets better fuel economy that otherwise might be expected with a combined city/highway rating of 17.2 mpg. In comparison, the F430 only got 16 mpg on the highway.

Using an aluminum chassis and plenty of other light weight metals and materials the 458 Italia weighs an astonishingly low 3,043 lbs in its dry form (expect an extra 100 to 200 lbs with all fluids in place).

Combining these factors with a new smooth-shifting dual-clutch 7-speed transmission (that Ferrari claims is faster than the current F1 tranny), the 458 Italia can hit 62 mph in just 3.4 seconds and blast on to a top speed of 202 mph.

As expected, however, the 458 is about far more than straight line speed and so Ferrari has worked hard at applying its racing technology to improve the E-Diff differential and F1-Trac traction control systems to allow the newest prancing horse to put down 32 percent more power out of the corners.

Ferrari will officially debut the 458 Italia at the Frankfurt Auto Show this September.

GALLERY: Ferrari 458 Italia

Official release after the jump:

It appears as though Mazda will offer its RX-8 sports car with a rotary engine in the future and as the all-new second generation model is just around the corner, the Japanese automaker has been busy making improvements to the pistonless wonder.

Last October Mazda filed for a patent with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for a new twin-spark, direct-injection rotary engine, which was approved last month.

According to the patent it’s possible the new motor will be of a slightly larger displacement and we expect a little extra power. The new twin-spark direct-injection system should also help in the power department, although its main benefit will be in terms of fuel-economy.

GALLERY: Mazda Twin-Spark Rotary Patent Application

[Source: Sidelaw and US Patent and Trademark Office]

Replacing the popular Land Rover LR3 model for the 2010 year is the evolutionary LR4. Looking in many ways quite similar to the previous model, the LR4 is more refined (particularly on the inside) while still keeping all the functionality that made the LR3 so good.

“The outgoing LR3 has well over 100 international awards to its name.  But for the new LR4 we’ve found ways to improve virtually every aspect of the vehicle’s design and engineering – some subtle, some major,” says Phil Popham, Land Rover Managing  Director.

Under the hood is a new 5.0-liter V8 engine (originally designed for the latest Jaguar models). This new powerplant can be found in the 2010 Range Rover and Range Rover Sport as well, and makes 375hp and 375 ft-lbs of torque, an increase of 25 percent more power and 19 percent more torque over the outgoing 4.4-liter engine. Acceleration to 60 mph is rated at 7.5 seconds. 

The new V8 makes use of variable camshaft timing and direct-injection technologies to deliver added performance. And thanks to a new six-speed automatic transmission, power delivery is smoother than ever before. 

The 5.0-liter engine is rated at a maximum towing capacity of 7,716 lbs.

The on-road driving dynamics of the LR4 are much improved thanks to new shocks and a lower center of gravity. Compared to the LR3, the LR4’s center of gravity is reduced by 1.65-inches up front and 2.44-inches in the rear. Highway dynamics are also improved due to the more luxurious front end design, which reduces lift on the front axle at highway speeds by as much as 50 percent. That new front fascia also features stylish LED lights.

To assist with slowing the hulking LR4 is a new set of brakes with twin-piston front calipers and 14.2-inch rotors with rear single-piston calipers with 13.8-inch rotors. 

A major area of improvement is the interior of the LR4. It has been completely reworked with a new dash, center console and new seats. 

“The new interior not only has a much more premium look and feel, it’s also gained improvement to its functionality.  The new console inclines towards the driver, the switchgear and controls fall more readily to hand, and new LED ambient lighting helps make the cabin a more pleasant and more easily used space after dark.  We’ve made the interior environment more premium too, with smoother surfaces, softer materials and close attention to critical details such as stitching,” says Gerry McGovern, Land Rover Design Director.

Other highlights on the 2010 LR4 include keyless entry with a push-button start, Tow Assist, Gradient Release Control and a Surround Camera system that uses five separate cameras to help make parking easier. 

GALLERY: 2010 Land Rover LR4

More on the Land Rover Discovery LR4 after the jump:

On Friday we brought you news that the 2010 Chevy Equinox will be priced at $1,800 less than the previous model and today we can tell you the Equinox’s sister SUV, the GMC Terrain, is set to launch at the New York Auto Show. There is no official word on pricing but you can expect the almost $2,000 in savings to be carried over to this model as well.

Much like the Chevy model, the Terrain will come with two engine options, a standard Ecotec four-cylinder and an optional V6 powerplant. Thanks to direct-injection technology, the 2.4-liter Ecotec engine is capable of powering the Terrain with 182hp and 174 ft-lbs of torque – but don’t expect stellar acceleration.

For more power, the optional V6 is a 3.0-liter unit that also receives direct-injection for a total output of 254hp and 222 ft-lbs of torque.

Both engines come with a six-speed automatic transmission for optimum fuel efficiency. Models equipped with the V6 engine are expected to get 25 mpg on the highway and 18 in the city, while four-cylinder models should achieve an impressive 30 highway mpg with a rating of 21 in the city.

These ratings are also for FWD models only, with AWD models achieving 17/24 mpg and 20/27mpg respectively.

To help the Ecotec hit that impressive 30 highway mpg rating, GM has equipped 4-cyl models with an “ECO” mode that is activated through a button on the dash. The “ECO” model will ensure the torque converter lockup speed is reduced to 1125 rpm keeping the vehicle in the highest possible gear.

While it may share much of its underpinnings with the Equinox, the Terrain has its own unique exterior, with a bold, elegant (and very masculine) new design. Helping to project that image is a big three-segment GMC grille surrounded in chrome. And while all that chrome is very truck-like it also helps this crossover exude luxury, as do the optional 19-inch wheels (with 17- or 18-inch wheels standard depending on trim model).

“We wanted to carve the GMC Terrain away from the pack and establish its identity as a powerful, fresh crossover SUV with a confident and strong stance,” said John Cafaro Jr., director of exterior design for Global Crossover Vehicles at GM. “Everything about the Terrain communicates a sense of tailored toughness and passionate craftsmanship.”

The 2010 Terrain also comes equipped with plenty of luxury amenities, with a back-up camera, OnStar and XM Satellite Radio standard. Other optional features include a power rear liftgate, Bluetooth capability, remote vehicle start, a seven-inch touch screen navigation system and a two-screen rear DVD entertainment system.

Back seat passengers will also enjoy the standard “MultiFlex” rear seat that can move up to 8-inches, providing either optimal cargo room, passenger room or a healthy balance of both

“The new Terrain brings GMC’s history of innovation and engineering excellence into a smaller, fuel-efficient package for today’s buyer,” said Susan Docherty, Buick-Pontiac-GMC vice president. “The capability attributes that make a vehicle a GMC are ingrained in Terrain, making it an appealing choice for existing traditional SUV customers who are looking for distinctive styling and increased efficiency.”

“GMC is a strong, core brand for GM and the Terrain crossover SUV is the latest example of how we’re adapting to changing market conditions,” said Docherty. “As we first demonstrated with the Acadia crossover, GMC is committed to offering the capable vehicles customers seek, with the personal technologies they expect.”

The 2010 GMC Terrain will be offered in SLT and SLE models in both FWD and AWD and will be available late this summer.

GALLERY: 2010 GMC Terrain

Official release after the jump: