Desert Drifting a Sonata: Knowing When to Stop is a Sign of Wisdom...

What happens when you live in / near the desert and have a bunch of money to waste? Cars get destroyed, that's what. Here's a small clip of somebody taking their Hyundai Sonata out for a little slideways action and utterly shredding the rear passenger side. I'd venture to say it's totaled, considering the rear wheels aren't meant to be pushed up into the wheel well like that.

Also, how fast do you have to be going to launch the spare tire out of the trunk? If anyone knows what event this was or what specifically was going on (other than putting that poor white Sonata into a mound of dirt), give us a shout.

By Phil Alex

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2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0-liter Turbo with 274HP Priced from $24,865

The newest member of the 2011 Sonata family, the 2.0 Turbo model, will soon be hitting dealer lots across the States so Hyundai released pricing, which starts at $24,865 MSRP for the Sonata SE 2.0T and $27,765 for the Sonata Limited 2.0T, including a destination charge of $720.

The new 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit combines direct-injection tech with a twin-scroll turbocharger for a maximum output of 274 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 269 lb-ft of torque from 1750-4500 rpm with regular fuel, while delivering 22 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. The force-fed four-banger is hooked up to a standard 6-speed automatic with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.

The base Sonata SE 2.0T comes equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, a sportier tuned suspension and steering system, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, fog lights CD/MP3 audio system with iPod/USB and Aux input jacks, traction control and automatic air conditioning as standard.

The Limited model deletes the sportier tuned suspension and steering system but adds several features including power tilt and slide sunroof, leather seats, and heated front seats with heated rear seat bottom cushions. More details on the equipment grades in the list below.

[From Hyundai press release]:

Sonata SE 2.0T

2.0L Turbo GDI 4-cylinder engine
6-speed automatic with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters
18-inch Hyper Silver alloy wheels with performance tires
Sport-tuned suspension and steering
Dark chrome front grille
Chrome exterior door handles
Proximity entry with push button start
SE leather bolster/cloth insert sport seats
Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
Front fog lights / dual exhaust
Dual automatic temperature control
ESC/TCS/ABS/TPMS
Front active head restraints
Front, front seat side and curtain airbags
Chrome window belt-line moldings
Tilt and telescopic steering wheel with cruise, audio and phone controls
Metalgrain interior accents
AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 with iPod/USB and Aux input jacks
Remote keyless entry and alarm
Immobilizer
Power windows, locks, heated mirrors
Advanced trip computer with custom settings
Active ECO System
Integrated Bluetooth with phonebook transfer
Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
Solar control glass

Navigation and Sunroof Package

Power tilt and slide sunroof
Navigation system with high-resolution touch-screen display
Dimension premium speakers, subwoofer/external amplifier

Sonata Limited 2.0T

Replaces/Adds/Deletes SE 2.0T equipment:

Power tilt and slide sunroof
Side mirror turn signal indicators
Leather seating surfaces
Heated front seats with heated rear seat bottom cushions
Floor console mounted rear vents
Premium door sill plates / "Limited" badge
In-dash 6-disc CD-changer
HD Radio technology with multicasting
Dimension premium speakers, subwoofer/external amplifier
Unique interior accents (Piano Black or Woodgrain)
Auto-dimming mirror/HomeLink/compass
Deletes sport-tuned suspension and steering

Navigation Package

Navigation system with high-resolution touch-screen display
Rear backup camera
Infinity premium speakers, subwoofer/external amplifier
Deletes 6-disc CD-changer and HD Radio Technology

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SEMA: Hyundai Teases Tricked Out 2011 Sonata Turbo, Says it's Inspired by Ferrari, Mercedes and Porsche

Hoping to build some hype around the new 2011 Sonata 2.0-liter Turbo before it arrives in showrooms later this year, Hyundai has teamed up with RIDES and 0-60 magazines to trick out the 274-horsepower-strong saloon for the SEMA show, which will take place in Las Vegas this November.

The South Korean firm has no problem admitting that the car's tune-up is inspired by Ferrari, Mercedes and Porsche models.

In particular, Hyundai says the SEMA Show Sonata's exterior modifications will be "modest and tasteful, using influences from the four-door Brabus Mercedes CLS Rocket sport coupe", adding that the interior design has been inspired by the Ferrari F430 "with strategically placed stitched leather throughout and carbon fiber trim accents." No word where Porsche fits in the tune.

Other upgrades will include 20-inch concave monobloc wheels, a matte pearl white paint and a slew of carbon fiber components including the roof, grill, interior trim, side mirrors and rear diffuser, plus turbo and intake enhancements, and a quad tip dual exhaust.

Expect more teaser shots to be released within the next few weeks.

Hyundai to Recall Nearly 140,000 2011MY Sonata Sedans

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced that Hyundai is recalling certain 2011MY Sonata sedans over a potential issue with the steering system that could result in a total loss or reduction in steering capability. The recall affects all Sonatas manufactured from December 11, 2009, through September 10, 2010.

Here's how the government safety agency describes the problem with the Sonata's steering system:

"On some of these vehicles the steering column intermediate shaft universal joint connections may have been either improperly assembled or insufficiently tightened. Improper assembly or insufficient tightening of the connections could result in a complete separation or compromised attachment of the connections, such that the driver could experience a loss of, or reduction in, steering capability increasing the risk of a crash."

Hyundai said dealers will inspect the steering column intermediate shaft universal joint connections for proper assembly and torque, adding that the company will also update the power steering software free of charge.

The safety recall for the 2011 Sonata is expected to start in early October 2010. For more information, owners may contact Hyundai's customer assistance center at 1-800-633-5151.