Hyundai says its lineup will average a minimum of 50 mpg by 2025
Hyundai Motor America announced today that it plans to maintain its leadership and achieve a fleet average fuel economy (CAFE) rating of at least 50 miles per gallon by 2025 for its lineup of passenger cars and light duty trucks. Now we understand that 2025 is still 15 years away but it’s still a bold statement from the Korean automaker.
“Current National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regulations require automakers to achieve a CAFE rating of 35.5 mpg by 2016,” the automaker said in a statement. “Before those rules were enacted last year, Hyundai had already announced its own plan to reach 35 mpg by 2015.”
“We”re committed to setting the pace in this industry on fuel economy, and we”re inspired by the possibilities that our advanced Blue Drive technologies afford,” said John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America president and CEO. “Getting to 50 mpg and beyond seems like a huge leap, but by making this commitment and aligning our R&D initiatives now, we know we can get there.”
Hyundai plans on introducing a hybrid version of the Sonata early next year. Currently, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata is the first mid-size family sedan to offer only 4-cylinder engines (besides the Buick Regal).
Refresher: The 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is powered by a 2.4L Theta II engine making 169-hp at 6,000 rpm and 156 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm. The engine is mated to an electric motor that makes an additional 40.2-hp and 151.2 lb-ft of torque. Working together side-by-side, both units develop a total of 209-hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid can also operate in EV-only mode at speeds of up to 62 mph.
2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid:
– By: Omar Rana
