January 12, 2010 -  Just last month Hyundai announced that all 2011 Sonatas would come with 4-cylinder engines, and now, so does the second model produced in Montgomery, Ala.

Montgomery Advertiser
By Cosby Woodruff • January 12, 2010

Hyundai continued its shift to smaller, more fuel-efficient engines Monday as it introduced the first Santa Fe with a 4-cylinder engine at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Just last month Hyundai announced that all 2011 Sonatas would come with 4-cylinder engines, and now, so does the second model produced in Montgomery.

The plant has been producing and stockpiling the 2010 Santa Fe since November. Most of the changes are minor and cosmetic, but the new engine is a significant move for the company.

According to Hyundai, the 2.4-liter Theta II engine provides better fuel economy and quicker acceleration than the 2.7-liter V6 it replaces. Santa Fe models also will offer a 3.5-liter V6 option, but it has been re-tuned to return better mileage and more power.

Both engines are made in Montgomery.

The 4-cylinder engine delivers 175 horsepower and is matched to a standard 6-speed manual transmission. In addition, Hyundai offers a 6-speed automatic option, and it is expected to be the more popular of the two transmissions.

All Santa Fe models with automatic transmissions will have an "eco indicator" light to show drivers when their habits are contributing to improved fuel economy.

Robert Burns, spokesman for Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, confirmed the emphasis on smaller engines. Montgomery's 6-cylinder plant is in no danger of reduced production, he said, because Hyundai is shipping the engines to the Kia plant in West Point, Ga.

Kia is putting the engine in its Sorento, a vehicle similar to the Santa Fe.

Burns said later in the year Hyundai will begin using automatic transmissions made at the Kia plant in its vehicles. Now, all transmission for Montgomery-made vehicles are imported.

Hyundai said it will start selling the new Santa Fe immediately.

Burns said the new engine packages are for Santa Fes sold in the United States and Canada.

Hyundai also used the car show to display its hybrid technology. While the company only showed a concept car, it did announce that the powertrain contains technology that will be available later this year in the 2011 Sonata BlueDrive hybrid.