to 119 meters on the 2015 model.
The B-pillars are hot stamped and
are part of a multi-strength tailored
blank that makes up the inner body
side ring. Not surprisingly, torsional
rigidity is up 41%, and bending rigidity
increased 31%. According to Hyundai,
the competitor that comes closest in
these measures is VW's U.S.-built
Passat. Despite being in the LF Sonata's
secondary competitive set (the Chevy
Malibu, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord,
Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry make
up the primary set of competitors), the
Passat was studied for its combination
of solidity and premium feel.
The suspension story is one of—you
guessed it—refnement. MacPherson
struts remain up front, though the
t q The Sonata Sport 2.0T highlights
Hyundai's second generation "Fluidic
Sculpture" exterior design language, and
a more sophisticated interior that draws
from the Genesis sedan. Now that the
family look has been established and
accepted, refned sophistication is the
image Hyundai wants to project.
AD&P; > October 2014 > FEATURE > Sharper Focus for the Hyundai Sonata > Christopher A. Sawyer
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