Hyundai ’s research and development president, Yang Woong-chul, says that unlike the more conventional Sonata hybrid set to bow next year, the plug-in variant planned for a year later will be more sport-oriented in order to attempt to steal some sales from the Toyota Prius and Chevrolet Volt .
“We’re going after Prius and the Volt with the plug-in,” he told Automotive News.
Previously, Yang had revealed to the media that the hybrid, based on the Blue-Will concept, will feature a 1.6-liter gasoline engine and 100kW electric motor that combine for 152 horsepower when mated to the standard CVT. Hyundai estimates a 38-mile range in EV-only mode and 50 to 55 mpg in standard hybrid mode.
The plug-in hybrid’s lithium ion batteries will be supplied by LG Chem, Yang revealed.
