New Hyundai Engine Boost Power and Saves Fuel

In the past, we’ve associated power with poor fuel economy. Think of all those gigantic Hummers and Range Rovers on the road taking up about as much space as a semi rig and probably getting somewhere around eight miles per gallon. Do they grumble in neutral at stoplights? Absolutely. Are they impressive and intimidating on the road? No question. Are they effective in picking up chicks? Well, that’s arguable, but the bottom line is the same—consumers aren’t accustomed to believing a car can have that power and still get decent fuel efficiency.

But it is possible, as Hyundai is proving by sticking a new kind of engine into their 2011 Sonata. It’s the automaker’s first gasoline direct-injection engine, first released in November and named the 2.4 Theta II GDI—not the catchiest moniker, but Hyundai doesn’t care if you remember what this thing is called. All they care about is replacing the V6 you’d find in a used Hyundai Sonata. Bloomington dealers in 2011 are going to have Sonatas that are 10% more efficient with these new engines. That means, compared to many of the non-DI four-cylinder engines, the new Sonata is going to bust into the 30’s in terms of miles per gallon. Experts have estimated that it could end up as high as 35mpg. At the end of the day, that’s all that matters.

Remember, though, that this new engine isn’t sacrificing power at the expense of environmental friendliness. In their press release for the new engine, Hyundai is claiming 200 horsepower with the Theta II, as well as 185 pound-feet of torque. The charge-cooling effect of direct injection means that the compression ratio is considerably higher. In layman’s terms, it’s still quite a powerful vehicle.

To locate a used Hyundai Elantra, Bloomington would just direct you to their Extreme lot and give you the pick of the litter. Same for used Sonatas, and—if you were so inclined—any of those old gas guzzlers people have purchased over the years in hopes of finding the most powerful vehicle on the road. But when it really comes down to it, the new Hyundai Sonata can give you similar power and confidence while remaining healthy for the environment. You don’t need a Hummer to get solid horsepower anymore. And the chicks? Well, chicks dig guys that make smart decisions. You don’t need an oversized SUV to do that.