Hyundai's Upcoming Sedan Might Be a Stylish Nod to Its 1980s Heritage | Carscoops

      A well-known midsize sedan is making a comeback with a refreshed appearance, eliminating pure gasoline engines, and incorporating design elements reminiscent of its 1980s origins.

      Reportedly, Hyundai is developing a ninth-generation Sonata sedan.

      The design is said to combine the 'Art of Steel' aesthetic with inspiration from the 1980s Sonata.

      The traditional gas-only engines will be replaced with hybrid options.

      While the sedan market, particularly in mainstream segments, has declined, it is still alive, and Hyundai appears committed to maintaining it.

      Despite earlier speculation that the Sonata might be discontinued in favor of the more compact and budget-friendly Elantra, recent reports from South Korea indicate that Hyundai is actively working on a new ninth-generation model of the longstanding midsize sedan.

      Instead of retiring the nameplate, Hyundai seems set to take it in a new direction. Reports suggest that the upcoming Sonata will look both forward and backward, incorporating the 'Art of Steel' design language seen in the upcoming Hyundai Nexo and drawing inspiration from the first-generation Sonata of the mid-1980s.

      Reflecting on its heritage could prove beneficial for Hyundai, as the current eighth-generation Sonata has faced criticism for its unconventional design since its introduction in 2019. Although it underwent a significant refresh in 2023, the design remains divisive.

      A Shift Towards Sharp Angles

      However, don’t anticipate a complete retro revival. If the report holds true, the next Sonata is likely to merge futuristic design with nods to its legacy, similar to how Hyundai approached the Ioniq 5 and the N Vision 74 concept coupe. Both models drew influence from the 1970s Pony, especially the angular Pony Coupe designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, without fully leaning into nostalgia.

      For the Sonata, this might result in a more angular silhouette featuring sharper lines. The Korean Car Blog indicates that the next-gen model may echo the boxy shape of the original, updated with contemporary surfaces.

      One detail under consideration is a continuous black body line encircling the car’s exterior, a visual signature that could help differentiate it in a diminishing segment.

      No More Gas-Only Option

      Regarding powertrains, the new model is expected to eliminate the gas-only option, instead being available solely as a traditional hybrid and a plug-in hybrid in select markets. It remains unclear if Hyundai will develop new hybrid and PHEV systems specifically for the Sonata or utilize technology from existing models.

      Regardless, including a sportier variant could be advantageous. The current Sonata N Line, featuring a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 290 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, stands out in the midsize segment.

      Matching or exceeding these specs with an electrified configuration could help Hyundai retain enthusiasts during this transitional phase.

      Sonata’s Sales Struggles in America

      Sales figures are notably declining; in the U.S., Sonata deliveries have decreased by 12 percent year-over-year, dropping from 61,701 units sold from January to November in 2024 to 54,238 during the same timeframe this year.

      November was particularly disappointing, with sales plummeting 42 percent to just over 4,000 vehicles. Hyundai will be relying on the next generation to revitalize the nameplate.

      Source: The Korean Car Blog