Hyundai working on dedicated hybrid model for 2012, plug-in version for 2013

June 28, 2010October 29, 2011 Omar Rana Green News, Hybrids, Green News, Hydrogen, hydrogen fuel-cells, Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Besides the upcoming 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, the Korean automaker has quite a lot more planned for its ‘green’ lineup. According to the guys at Inside Line, Hyundai plans on introducing a hybrid-electric vehicle on a dedicated platform in 2012 (think Toyota Prius). Following that, Hyundai has plans for a plug-in hybrid version in 2013 (think Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid).

Reports say that both models will be fitted with a lithium-polymer battery pack.

Hyundai is also planning on a 247-hp 3.0L V6 turbo-diesel for the U.S. market for the Veracruz SUV. The company is also working on offering a 274-hp turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder gasoline engine in the next-generation Santa Fe.

What else? Hyundai is also working on bringing a hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle to the market on a testing basis in 2012.

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.