Hyundai Models Set To Get Stronger, More Fuel-Efficient Fours

2009 Hyundai Santa Fe

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Hyundai will install new direct-injection four-cylinder engines in its facelifted 2010 Santa Fe and redesigned 2011 Sonata models, according to information gleaned from an official at the automaker’s Montgomery, Alabama plant by a local paper, the Montgomery Advertiser.

The new 2.2-liter direct-injection engine will reportedly make about 200 horsepower, up from 176 hp in the current Sonata.

Modern direct-injection systems spray fuel directly into the combustion chamber instead of the intake manifold, while earlier DI designs—not sold in the U.S. market—had some issues with mechanical noise, many automakers have brought the technology to market by now, though it’s still relatively rare for inexpensive models. DI designs generally achieve significantly more power and slightly better fuel economy than indirect-injection designs. One of the most common direct-injection engines in the U.S. was the 200-horsepower, 2.0T unit used in many Audi and Volkswagen products.

The Sonata is due for a major redesign for 2011, when a hybrid version of the mid-size sedan is also anticipated. We posted a spy shot of the 2011 Sonata a couple of months ago, but the model is likely to see its official introduction at this November’s Los Angeles auto show. The facelifted 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe is expected to go on sale sometime this fall, while an all-new Tucson will arrive sometime early next year.

[Montgomery Advertiser, via Autoblog]