(September 18, 2009) Hyundai skipped the busy Frankfurt Motor Show this week, opting to unveil its sixth-generation Sonata in the company's homeland, South Korea.

The stylish new Sonata is poised to give the carmaker an upgrade in the ultra-competitive midsize-sedan segment when it hits the U.S. market in 2010, probably as a 2011 model.

Designed around Hyundai’s new “fluidic sculpture” design language, the Korean carmaker says the new Sonata is as much about technology as it is style.
“The Sonata will set a new standard for world class mid-size sedans with state-of-the-art technology, superior build quality and emotional design,” Euisun Chung, Hyundai’s Vice Chairman said.  “The new Sonata will raise Hyundai’s brand values.”

The side panels are marked by prominent lines that swoop back into the taillights. The grille, headlights and front end all have a bolder look as well.

The standard engine will be Hyundai's 2.4-liter Theta II GDI powerplant. The Sonata will be produced for the U.S. market in Alabama, and the car likely will be shown at the Detroit auto show.

The new model could position Hyundai to better compete against midsize kingpins Toyota and Honda. It looks to give the South Korean company a more premium product than the current car and follows the well-received Genesis sedan.

The Sonata will start at the equivalent of $17,600 and top out at $21,450 in South Korea. The car first launched there in 1985. The sixth-generation Sonata is the culmination of four years and $372 million in development.