LA 2008: Hyundai announces Blue Drive efficiency strategy, 2010 Sonata hybrid

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Hydrogen, MPG, Hyundai, LA Auto Show, Lightweight

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Hyundai has joined the “Blue is the new green movement” at the LA Auto Show, where the Korean automaker has announced its “Blue Drive” efficiency strategy. The core of the plan is meet the federally-mandated 35 mpg fleet average economy requirement by 2015 rather than the 2020 date specified in last year’s energy bill. Hyundai has been in the top three along with Honda and Toyota for CAFE performance for several years now and intends to stay at the top of the list. The company plans to use a number technologies to achieve that goal including an in-house developed hybrid drive system that will debut on the next Sonata in 2010.

We had expected to see a prototype Sonata hybrid in LA, but instead Hyundai is just showing off the drive system that will go in the redesigned car. Hybrid Blue Drive integrates a 30 kW / 151 lb-ft motor/generator into the six-speed automatic transmission. The three lowest gears of the transmission have taller ratios than the conventional gearbox so that the engine is running at lower speed. The electric motor will make up for the reduced mechanical advantage of the new ratios. Learn more about Hyundai’s plans after the jump.

Gallery: LA 2008: Hyundai Blue Drive