At one time, we were of the thought that a hybrid, any hybrid vehicle, was only suited to around town driving along an urban drive corridor, rather than a cross country trek. Leave that to the diesels or more traditional vehicles, we said.
That was until we came across the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. With Hyundai Hybrid styling finally catching up to the newly (2015) introduced seventh-generation Sonata, all Sonata models are on the same page.

What is it?
The 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is the updated (Fluidic Sculpture 2.0) version of the sedan that was last available in the body of the 2014 version, that was first on the scene with its “Fluidic Sculpture” design ethos. Following some revised facial and side work, (think of going to your plastic surgeon for a mild off-season tune-up) the Sonata can now boast of a drag coefficient of 0.24 Cd in the wind tunnel, which puts it right up there with the Tesla Model S for lowest Cd in the class.

The Sonata Hybrid uses the Hyundai Nu 2.0 gas direct-injection engine, which produces 154 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque. That gas-burning engine interfaces with a Transmission-Mounted Electrical Device, (TMED) which is a fancy way of saying an electric motor and clutch assembly. It joins the six-speed automatic transmission (no CVT) and manages a combined 193 horsepower.

Observant readers will discover the 2.0-liter gas engine replaces the old Theta II 2.4-liter multiport-injected four-cylinder engine. Before any power users raise a ruckus, Hyundai engineers claim the smaller engine yields more than 10-percent efficiency over the outgoing mill. The EPA says to look for 39 city/43 highway with a 41 mpg average from this powertrain.

Regenerative and hydraulic braking are part of the mix, and combine to stop the car and replenish the battery as needed. It is coupled with the new ECO-foot guide system that pauses to learn your driving style, which may range from economical, normal or aggressive, and then adjusts to how heavy your foot may really be.

The 2016 Sonata Hybrid can be had in three available trim levels ranging from the base SE model to the middle-road Limited and the high-zoot Limited / Ultimate package as ours was. That Ultimate kit includes such niceties as Smart Cruise control, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, a panoramic sunroof, navigation, and an Infinity audio system.

In addition to the standard version Hyundai Sonata, the portfolio also includes a Plug-in Hybrid Sonata (PHEV). While the standard Hybrid version will be available everywhere, the Plug-in model will initially be sold in the 10 states that have Zero Emissions legislation. They are California, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island and Vermont.

Regardless of which flavor of Sonata you choose, the vehicle continues to benefit from Hyundai’s 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain and lifetime battery warranties. In some cases, it might also benefit from state and federal rebates.

What’s it up against?
Everything. The Toyota Camry Hybrid, Ford’s Fusion Hybrid, Honda’s Accord Hybrid, Chevrolet’s Malibu Hybrid, and even its corporate cousin, the Kia Optima Hybrid. And that doesn’t even scratch the surface of the ranks of more traditional gas-engined versions of these same cars.

How does it look?
The new-for-2016 Hybrids include updating of the front fascia and grille area to now include moveable flaps and shutters, as well as an air curtain style of tuning of the front-end to sweep airflow outside the front wheels and over the hood for improved aerodynamics. New Hybrid-specific alloy wheels do their part to prevent wind drag from excessively-stylized rims, while a trunklid spoiler and improved rear fascia, which is an inch longer than the one found on the standard Sonata, is now part of the mix to improve downforce and trim the Sonata’s aero profile.

In addition to utilizing the Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language found on the 2015 Sonata, the hybrid also gets to take advantage of the newer model’s unibody, which went from 21-percent to more than 50-percent use of advanced high strength steel.

And the inside?
One of the quieter vehicles on the road, the 2016 Sonata benefits from the use of acoustic glass and extra sound-deadening material to truly offer a sense of solitude at the wheel. Familiarity with the interior of the standard Sonata will put you right at home in the new Hybrid version. Some unique features exist, including driving mode switches as well as gauges that cater strictly to the hybrid system. The available navigation system now includes an eight-inch touchscreen display with an array of additional apps and Apple Siri functionality.

More accommodating front seats allowed for longer stints behind the wheel. The rear seating area offered plenty of legroom, which in turn, provided adequate accommodations for those over six feet tall.

From a cargo standpoint, the Sonata hybrid betters the competition by placing batteries where the spare tire would normally be located. Sure, there are trade-offs, such as the use of an inflator kit rather than a spare, but in turn, buyers benefit by having the ability to expand cargo space via the 60:40 split of the folding rear seatbacks.

But does it go?
An extended road trip from West Palm Beach, Florida, to Savannah, Georgia, had us not knowing what to expect from our charge. We had heard horror stories about hybrid vehicles excelling in around town driving, only to fail during extra-urban excursions. This, thankfully, was not to be one of those stories.

Tip-in from a full stop felt like it would in any other car, especially one with a conventional (full gas power) drivetrain. Zeroing out the instantaneous mileage calculator saw the rating climb to an average of 34.3 miles per gallon after the first mile or so. It’s after that time that things get interesting. Merging into traffic on I-95 had us quickly flowing along at 80 mph. At that point, we noticed the readout steadily climbing to a high of 39.3 miles per gallon. We think skirting along at 80 mph, while sipping to the tune of nearly 40 miles per gallon is pretty okay in anyone’s book. Especially for a 3,560-pounder that can tick off a zero-to-60 mph time in a touch over eight-seconds.

Ride quality in the Sonata Hybrid was also very good, even with the low-rolling resistance tires that come as standard on this vehicle. Very little noise intrusion entered the cabin except under the most extreme conditions, such as a stretch of highway being prepared for repavement. Steering was spot on, with a rather direct feel that felt better than many other electric power assisted systems. We even managed to enjoy the adaptive cruise control, letting the system handle the acceleration and braking, except when we took matters into our own hands to pass some of the left lane leeches that refused to move out of the passing lane.

Leftlane’s bottom line
No longer a novelty, the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid shows that it is possible to own a full-sized fuel-sipper that offers the complete package of looks and efficiencies. Gone are the days when you would arrive back home after dark, just so the neighbors wouldn’t see the weirdly shaped hybrid that resided in your garage. Hyundai now joins the ranks of some other manufacturers who actually offer a hybrid you would like to be seen in.

2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid base price, $30,100. As tested, $35,765.
Includes: Ultimate Package with Panoramic sunroof, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, Auto high beam assist, Rear Parking assist, Smart Cruise Control, Electronic Parking Brake, Navigation with eight-inch display screen, Infinity Speakers with Subwoofer and 400W amplifier, HD Radio, SiriusXM Travel Link and Satellite Radio, $4,500; Carpeted Floor Mats, $125; First Aid Kit, $30; All weather floor mats, $130; Wheel Locks, $55; Destination Fee, $825.

Photos by Mark Elias.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has received the highest overall scores in Strategic Vision’s latest Total Quality Index.
Unlike the JD Power Initial Quality Study, which placed FCA brands at or near the bottom of the ranks, the TQI survey places more emphasis on customer-experience issues rather than problems. Strategic Vision claims its methods are superior, as all automakers now experience less than a half a problem per vehicle in “today’s modern and efficient” manufacturing world.

“Simply counting problems once had a place in history, but today, knowing what creates love and that which enhances the customer’s perception of quality are key to determining what is best,” said Strategic Vision president Alexander Edwards.

FCA achieved the highest corporate score for the first time in the survey’s 20-year history, with 859 points (higher is better). In close second, Volkswagen Group and General Motors both received a score of 858.

At the model level, the highest score was achieved by the MINI Cooper Roadster, followed by the Chevrolet Colorado as the first domestic leader in the standard pickup category in more than a decade. The Mazda3 sedan also received a high score, placing it atop the small-car segment.

FCA’s segment leading vehicles include the Fiat 500 and 500e, the Jeep Wrangler, and the Dodge Challenger, Charger and Durango.

“FCA has incrementally risen from one segment leader in 2010 to six segment leaders in 2015,” observed Strategic Vision senior VP Christopher Chaney. “Though at Strategic Vision we often preach about looking forward, it’s hard to not be in admiration of the turn-around achieved by FCA (Chrysler) company employees.”

Tesla Motors has introduced several updates to the Model S range, adding a bigger battery, a cheaper entry-level model and an even quicker ‘Ludicrous’ acceleration mode as an optional upgrade.
The company earlier this year replaced the 60 kWh model with the 70D, an all-wheel-drive variant with a 70 kWh pack and a $75,000 price tag. Now, buyers can opt for a single-motor version with the same battery pack for $70,000, with a range of 230 miles.

“Various purchase incentives mean the actual net price is around $60k and annual gasoline and servicing savings are around $2k,” the company notes. “These savings are captured immediately if you lease the car.”

Engineers have also developed an advanced ‘smart’ fuse for the battery. The system has its own independent battery and monitors the current at the millisecond level, firing a pyrotechnic charge to cut the battery if a short is detected.

The intelligent fuse and use of high-temperature Inconel steel for other battery-pack components allows the Model S to use 1500 Amps, up from 1300 Amps. For drivers, the extra current results in a potential 10-percent increase in performance.

If an ‘insane’ 3.1-second zero-to-60 mph sprint wasn’t quick enough for some buyers, Tesla now offers a ‘ludicrous’ mode that brings the time down to just 2.8 seconds. Drivers can expect to complete the quarter mile in 10.9 seconds, while time to 155 mph has been reduced by 20 percent.

“Model S just got quicker and is now the fastest-accelerating sedan on the road,” the company wrote in a Twitter post.

The extra performance carries a $10,000 upgrade cost for new buyers. Existing P85D sedans can receive the new fuse and pack modifications for $5,000 plus installation labor.

For buyers more interested in range, Tesla has also added a 90 kWh variant to the lineup. The extra 5 kWh of battery capacity is said to stretch the 85D’s range to almost 300 miles at highway speeds of 65 mph. Official range is set at 270 miles.

“Existing owners can also purchase the pack upgrade, but I wouldn’t recommend doing so unless your usage is on the edge of current range,” the company said. “On average, we expect to increase pack capacity by roughly 5% per year. Better to wait until you have more time on your existing pack and there is a larger accumulated pack energy difference.”

Aside from the existing models, the EV maker suggests it is just two months away from delivering the first Model X units and just over two years from shipping the Model 3.

BMW has confirmed plans to unveil two world-premier concepts next month at the 2015 Monterey Car Week in California.
The company has not announced further details, but at least one of the concepts will presumably be an M model. A teaser rendering accompanying the announcement shows an F1-inspired steering wheel with red and blue stitching, while M division R&D exec Dirk Haecker is listed among the press conference speakers.

Previous reports suggest the M4 GTS is one of the mystery models. The upgraded production M4 is expected to receive the same water-injection system that was previewed earlier this year in the MotoGP safety car. It is expected to be lighter and more powerful than the standard coupe, potentially with a six-figure price tag.

BMW enthusiasts are also waiting patiently for the company to finally reveal the new M2. The lightweight performance coupe is rumored to be significantly more powerful than the M235i, with up to 374 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque from its turbocharged 3.0-liter straight six.

The company has also promised to introduce a new M model that takes inspiration from the iconic E30 M3. Speculation suggests the throwback variant will likely arrive as a special-edition M2 package, however specific details remain unclear.

The mystery concepts will be formally introduced on August 13.

Ferrari has issued a recall for several different models to fix an airbag problem.
The company discovered a manufacturing issue that led to improper assembly of the driver’s side airbag. In some cases, the leather on the airbag cover may not have been properly glued. The Takata-supplied airbags also may have been installed with the cushion rotated out of proper position.

“In the event of a crash, the deployment of the driver’s air bag in a rotated orientation increases the risk of injury,” the recall documents warn.

Ferrari’s internal investigation and dummy tests suggest injury risk is only elevated when both conditions are present simultaneously, however the recall was still approved “out of an abundance of caution.”

The issue affects the 2015 Ferrari 458 Italia, 458 Spider, 458 Speciale, California T, FF, F12 Berlinetta and LaFerrari, including a grand total of 814 units produced from December 2014 through April 2015.

Service technicians will install a new airbag module to resolve the defect.

After buying Polestar outright, Volvo is already preparing to deliver on its promise of expanded availability.
The Swedish automaker has announced that 265 Polestar models will be imported to the US for the 2016 model year. The allocation includes 159 performance-tuned S60 sedans, along with 106 examples of the V60 Polestar wagon.

Just 120 Polestar units were brought into the US for the 2015 model year, including 40 sedans and 80 wagons. All were reserved before the company even announced pricing.

The latest Polestar models feature over 70 upgrades and modifications, improving both performance and handling. Changes include Brembo brakes, revised suspension and 20-inch wheels.

The six-cylinder engine has been outfitted with a new twin-scroll turbocharger, bringing output up to 345 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Volvo suggests the additional power is good for a zero-to-60 mph sprint in 4.7 seconds for the sedan or 4.8 seconds for the wagon.

The 2016 model year introduces two new colors — Ice White and Bright Silver — alongside the existing Black Sapphire and Rebel Blue (pictured) paint schemes.

The 2016 Polestar models will begin arriving in US showrooms later this summer.

Koenigsegg is reportedly considering a downmarket push for its high-performance technology.
The company has been focused on building more extreme hypercars that push the limits, both in performance and price tags, however founder Christian von Koenigsegg is open to the possibility of helping improve more affordable models.

“Within our company there could be room to start utilizing all the technological developments we have created, and trickle them down into more normal cars,” the executive told CarThrottle in a recent interview.

The company founder is cautious of diluting the brand, so any mass-market vehicles outfitted with Koenigsegg technology will not bear the same branding.

“I think the brand Koenigsegg should stay in this rarified area and make these extreme machines and keep on pushing the limit,” he said.

Introduced in Geneva, the Regera (pictured) will be the company’s next flagship to raise the bar. It pairs a direct-drive V8 engine with three electric motors, good for a combined output of over 1,500 horsepower and 1,475 lb-ft of torque. The company suggests drivers will be able to reach 249 mph from a standstill in just 20 seconds.

Image by Ronan Glon.