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The Exodus of Fluidic Sculpture 2.0.
What It Is: A pair of bound, gagged, and bagged 2015 Hyundai Sonatas undergoing testing in the snowy Arctic wasteland of southeastern Michigan. Although systematically covered up, we can see a similar horizon-like roofline as the outgoing model’s and a leveled beltline and grille treatment reminiscent of the recently debuted 2015 Genesis’s—although we expect the Sonata’s mouth to be slightly less upright and proud. The new Sonata will be the second Hyundai model to receive the brand’s new Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language.
Why It Matters: The mid-size sedan segment has changed an awful lot since the Sonata placed fourth in a six-car comparison test two years ago. Models from Ford, Honda, Mazda, and Nissan have jumped to the top of the pile, leaving Hyundai’s second-bestselling model in their wake. Yet Sonata sales remained strong, trailing only the Accord, Altima, Camry, and Fusion last year. As such, Hyundai finds itself in a position to establish the Sonata as a genuine threat to the established order of family sedans.
Top: 2015 Hyundai Sonata (spy photo).
Bottom: 2014 Hyundai Sonata.
Platform: The 2015 Sonata, code-named LF, should make use of a highly modified version of its current platform. Hyundai executives and engineers have told us that the focus of the brand’s development has shifted from offering buyers content to providing them with improved ride comfort and dynamic capabilities.
Powertrain: The 200-hp, 2.0-liter turbo four of the current Sonata is expected to carry over to the new model. We’re hearing that the base, 190-hp, naturally aspirated 2.4-liter four-banger is not long for this world. Logic dictates that the 201-hp, turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder serving in the Veloster Turbo should step up to mid-size responsibilities. Should this happen, we’d expect an increase in output from the 2.0-liter to make room for the 1.6.
Competition: Chevrolet Malibu, Chrysler 200, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Kia Optima, Mazda 6, Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry, Volkswagen Passat.
Estimated Arrival and Price: The 2015 Hyundai Sonata will make its debut at this year’s New York auto show in April before going on sale later in the year. Considering the competitive nature of the mid-size sedan segment, prices shouldn’t increase much, if at all, from the current car’s $22,260 sticker.
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