The South Korean firm has no problem admitting that the car's tune-up is inspired by Ferrari, Mercedes and Porsche models.
Krafcik told Autonews that September "looks fantastic [for Hyundai]. The industry looks decent -- I wouldn't say great -- but I think we're going to be fine." That's because the two latest Hyundai models to arrive have been the well received Sonata and the crisp Tucson.
The Sonata 2.0T, as the car is officially named, is powered by a new 2.0-liter Theta II twin-scroll turbocharged gasoline direct-injection (GDI) engine that produces 274 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 269 lb-ft of torque from 1800-4500 rpm with regular fuel.
The newest member of the Sonata family features a series of unique styling cues that set it apart from its conventional brethren. These include a new fascia with a small upper grille and a gaping-mouth (Peugeot-like) lower grille, revised headlamps and a redesigned bumper.
At the back, there's a reshaped bumper with sharp creases at the corners and revised tail lights. The so-called 'eco-spoke' alloys and beefier rocker panels round off the exterior tweaks that are said to help reduce the drag coefficient from the standard Sonata's 0.28 to 0.25.
Interior changes are limited to the unique trim and color choices, and the Hybrid Technology Display featured on a 4.2-inch LCD screen located between the odometer and tachometer.
Either way, the compact-size four-door saloon looks like a mini-Sonata sharing the same "Fluidic Sculpture" design with its larger brethren. Apparently, Hyundai has learned its German lessons well - and by that we mean the "one design fits all size mantra".
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The HBD's power mill is rumored to be the Sonata's 2.4 liter unit (usually making a naturally-aspirated 198 horsepower) hooked up to a hybrid system that uses LG Chem's air-cooled lithium polymer batteries. Why are they so speacial?
Hyundai confirmed that a production model based on the styling of this concept study will hit European showrooms sometime in 2011 offering the South Korean brand a new fighter in the D-segment that includes models like the Ford Mondeo, VW Passat, Toyota Avensis and Opel Insignia (Buick Regal). Hit the break for the videos.
Furthermore, with an overall length of 4,780mm, 1,850mm width, 1,420mm height and a 2,800mm wheelbase, the i-flow is almost identical in size to the latest generation Sonata (4,820mm long, 1,835mm wide and 1,470mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,795mm), so it wouldn't make much sense for the Koreans to sell both models in Europe.
The i-flow or HED-7, is the seventh Hyundai concept car to be born in the firm's Russelsheim studio in Germany.
Hyundai said that the mid-size sedan's styling is an evolution of the company's so-called 'fluidic sculpture' design language adding that the car is also distinguished by its "unique proportions" with the long tail and the short front overhang, features which are said to have been inspired by Chrysler's Cab-Forward design aerodynamic motives.
The European penned i-Flow features all the typical design cues of the new Hyundai style with the company claiming a drag coefficient of only 0.25Cd.
The cause: front door lock mechanisms are screwing up. When front passengers try to open their door from inside the car while also holding the lock button (I assume it's like trying to lock the doors as you're trying to get out of the car... weird), the inside door handle / latch mechanism sticks in the "pulled" or open position; this prevents the door from being able to properly shut.
"We are very excited to be launching the all-new i45 mid-sized sedan in Australia in the coming months, said Oliver Mann, Hyundai Motor Company Australia's Marketing Director. "Already breaking records in South Korea and receiving awards in the U.S., i45 is going to make a considerable impact in the competitive Australian mid-sized segment."
Hyundai did not release any details on the powertrain choices for Australian customers.
In the U.S., the Sonata is currently offered only with a 198HP/200HP 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline unit with direct-injection, but the South Korean brand is planning to extend the range with a 2.0-liter Theta II turbocharged GDI gasoline engine as well as a 2.4-liter Hybrid Blue Drive model featuring the firm's lithium polymer battery pack, with both models expected to be unveiled at the New York Auto Show at the end of March.
US-Spec 2011 Hyundai Sonata
Penned at the Hyundai's European design headquarters in Rüsselsheim, Germany, the i-flow is said to preview the look of the South Korean firm's upcoming D-segment mid-size saloon contender that will go against the likes of the Ford Mondeo, Opel Insignia, Citroen C5 and Toyota Avensis.
