By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com
For 2013, Hyundai Sonata Hybrid increases fuel efficiency and operate in all electric modes more often and for longer periods of time, with an advanced version of the brand’s Hybrid Blue Drive architecture. The improved architecture optimizes electric only driving with a higher output 35 kW electric motor, a more powerful 47 kW Lithium Polymer battery pack and an optimized hybrid operating strategy. These upgrades are paired with a 2.4-liter Theta II four cylinder engine that now runs on a more efficient Atkinson cycle and an enhanced transmission to generate 199 combined net horsepower.
Using a higher output 35 kW electric motor and the more powerful 47 kW Lithium Polymer battery packs, the Hybrid Blue Drive powertrain maximizes electric only driving. The improved operating system takes advantage of newly developed driving pattern detection and engine on/off optimization logic. The availability of more battery energy allows for greater flexibility in running the gasoline engine at optimum efficiency. Better kinetic energy recovery and increased charging efficiency powers the Sonata Hybrid in all electric modes more often and for longer periods of time, increasing fuel economy.
The improved efficiency of the battery pack is the key to recovering more kinetic energy from braking and charging from the engine, when needed, to help propel the vehicle. The newly optimized system allows the battery to store more usable energy. As the upgraded battery stores more energy, engineers also increased the output on the electric traction motor from 30 kW to 35 kW. The increased energy pulled into the system is used for higher torque output in electric drive mode before the system has to start the internal combustion engine. The 2013 Sonata Hybrid can now sustain all electric modes longer than the previous system. The higher output electric motor is also essential to improving energy capture during regenerative braking.
The hybrid starter generator is primarily used to improve clutch engagement when synchronizing engine to transmission speed. The primary traction motor is coupled to the transmission and cannot be used to charge the hybrid battery when the car is stationary. If the battery state of charge is low and the car is stationary, the HSG will automatically restart the engine, which then charges the Lithium Polymer battery pack.
When the driver releases the brake and presses the accelerator, the Sonata Hybrid will pull away smoothly in electric drive mode with the clutch still disengaged. In this mode, the Sonata will briefly behave like a series hybrid. Once the car is in motion and torque demand increases, the clutch will engage and send engine tractive effort through the transmission again.
The body of the 2013 Sonata Hybrid remains unchanged, but it still features the unique exterior that sets it apart from other Sonatas. The combination of a re-shaped front and rear fascias with a deeper air dam, extended rocker panels and lower drag wheels allow air to flow around the body with less resistance.
The ability to easily slip through the air, combined with low rolling resistance tires and the reduced friction in the newly optimized Hybrid Blue Drive powertrain, significantly reduces the amount of energy required to maintain highway speeds. The result is the remarkable highway fuel efficiency of the Sonata Hybrid.
In addition, the sleek design, combined with Hyundai’s expertise in interior packaging, delivers class-leading interior comfort, functionality and practicality. A sleek roofline typically compromises headroom and interior volume, but at 120.2 cubic feet, the Sonata has more interior volume than many of its key competitors.
The Sonata Hybrid also features a state of the art braking package. The package includes four-wheel disc brakes with integrated regenerative braking and an Anti-Lock Braking System including Brake Assist, which provides maximum braking force when a panic stop is detected, and Electronic Brake-force Distribution to automatically adjust the braking force to front and rear axles based on the vehicle loading conditions.
Hyundai Blue Link combines safety, service and infotainment features to simplify owners’ lives and reduce distracted driving. Blue Link brings seamless connectivity directly into the car with technology like voice text messaging, POI web search download, turn-by-turn navigation, and monthly vehicle reporting. Hyundai Blue Link telematics is standard on the Sonata with up to a one-year complimentary trial period. Blue Link can be easily accessed from the buttons on the rearview mirror, the web and via a smart phone.
The 2013 Sonata Hybrid comes with Hyundai’s Hybrid Lifetime Battery Warranty. Hyundai Lifetime Hybrid Battery Warranty ensures that if the Sonata Hybrid lithium-polymer battery ever needs replacement, Hyundai will replace the battery and cover recycling costs for the old battery pack free-of-charge to the original owner.
The manufacturer’s suggested starting retail price is $30,550.00, the one I drove included the Panoramic Sunroof Package, carpeted floor mats and I-Pod cable, and it came in at $32,490.00 including destination charge, the EPA fuel economy estimates 36 MPG city and 40 MPG highway. mlezcano@carsntravel.com
