2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid's Advanced Powertrain Named To Ward's 10 Best Engines List

Sixth Time a Hyundai Powertrain is Honored with the 10 Best Distinction

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Dec 10, 2015, 03:40 ET

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Dec. 10, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The technologically advanced powertrain of the 2016 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) was named to the prestigious Ward's 10 Best Engines list. This is the first time that a plug-in hybrid powertrain has made the list.

"For Hyundai's first entry into the plug-in hybrid segment, Hyundai engineers did an impeccable job blending fuel efficiency with refinement and daily usability," said Drew Winter, editor-in-chief, WardsAuto World magazine. "Transitions between all-electric and hybrid modes are completely seamless, something that drivers will undoubtedly appreciate on long journeys, and the six-speed automatic transmission gives drivers a greater sense of connection, compared with other hybrids in the segment."

The 2016 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid offers the efficiency of an alternative powertrain with a unique aerodynamic exterior design, best-in-class total interior volume, premium features and advanced safety technologies, all at an excellent value. The Sonata Plug-in Hybrid gives drivers the best of both worlds by providing the power delivery of a conventional gasoline engine, perfect for long trips, with the additional benefit of environmentally friendly all-electric range for commuting.

The vehicle is powered by Hyundai's 2.0-liter Nu four-cylinder GDI engine, which produces 154 horsepower and 140 lb. ft. of torque. Unlike other hybrids in the segment, the Sonata Plug-in Hybrid utilizes a six-speed automatic transmission with a 50 kW electric motor in place of the standard torque converter. The powerful electric motor, coupled with the automatic transmission, gives drivers a heightened sense of connection over CVT transmissions common to the hybrid segment. Lastly, the vehicle's 9.8 kWh lithium polymer battery pack provides a best-in-segment all-electric range (AER) of 27 miles, so many consumers will be able to complete their daily commute without using a single drop of fuel.

"Receiving this award demonstrates Hyundai's continued momentum as a leader in advanced powertrains," said Mike O'Brien, vice president, Corporate and Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. "We see significant potential with the Sonata PHEV as being a 'best of both worlds' zero carbon solution and this award provides a recognized platform to highlight the technological and environmental leadership of the entire Sonata family."

This is the 22nd year for Ward's 10 Best Engines, a competition created to recognize outstanding powertrain achievement, world-class technologies and those rare engines or electric propulsion systems that are so compelling that they help sell the vehicle. To be eligible, a new or significantly improved engine or propulsion system must be on sale in a production vehicle during the first quarter of 2016, with a base price capped at $61,000.

Ward's 10 Best Engines is the ultimate list that defines the industry's outstanding powertrains. Since the list began in 1995, Hyundai has been honored five times: the Tau V-8 was in 2009 (4.6-liter), 2010 (4.6-liter) and 2011 (5.0-liter); the Gamma I-4 in 2012; and the hydrogen fuel cell powertrain in 2015. The 2016 awards ceremony will take place at a banquet during the North American International Auto Show on January 13, 2016, in Detroit.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA
Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 830 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle limited warranty, Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty and five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance. Hyundai Blue Link Connected Care provides owners of Hyundai models equipped with the Blue Link telematics system with proactive safety and car care services complimentary for one year with enrollment. These services include Automatic Collision Notification, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Vehicle Diagnostic Alert, Monthly Vehicle Health Report and In-Vehicle Service Scheduling.

For more details on Hyundai Assurance, please visit www.HyundaiAssurance.com

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