Hyundai Motor Unveils 8th Generation Facelift Sonata The Edge
OTA Update Standard on All Trims Before Launch...Pre-orders Start Next Month on 20th
Hyundai Demonstrates Electric Vehicle Automatic Charging Robot
Commercialization Targeted Within 3-4 Years
Hyundai Motor Company unveiled the facelifted model of the 8th generation Sonata, the 'Sonata The Edge.' Alongside the new Sonata, the company showcased an electric vehicle automatic charging robot and a delivery robot, presenting the future of robotics.
On the 30th, Hyundai Motor revealed the real car of the 8th generation full-change level facelift model, 'Sonata The Edge,' for the first time in the world at the '2023 Seoul Mobility Show' held at KINTEX in Goyang. The facelifted Sonata not only features a completely revamped design but also comes standard with wireless software updates across all trims, enhancing its functionality as an SDV (Software Defined Vehicle). Hyundai Motor will begin pre-orders for the Sonata The Edge starting from the 20th of next month.
Jang Jae-hoon, President of Hyundai Motor, said, "The 'Sonata The Edge,' unveiled as a real car for the first time in the world, is a vehicle with unparalleled product value." He added, "Hyundai Motor designed the Seoul Mobility Show as a space connecting the present and the future, where the company's direction can be confirmed and shared."
On the 30th, Hyundai Motor's 'Sonata The Edge' was unveiled at the '2023 Seoul Mobility Show Press Briefing' held at Kintex in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@
From Design to OTA Features: A Full-Change Level Facelifted Sonata
First, the design of the Sonata The Edge retains the sleek feel of the previous model's sports sedan. Based on Hyundai's design identity, 'Sensuous Sportiness,' it delivers a more refined and sharp exterior along with a spacious interior.
Notably, the front daytime running lights (DRL) have been reborn as a horizontal line crossing the body. The rear features 'H Light,' adding a futuristic touch. The side profile emphasizes a sporty image with a low-starting front end and a long hood that flows into a sleek fastback-like roofline.
The Sonata The Edge is the first Hyundai vehicle to feature a panoramic curved display. The digital cluster and navigation screen seamlessly extend from the center fascia, creating a clean impression.
Hyundai Motor equipped the Sonata The Edge with various advanced technologies. The wireless software update (OTA) function is standard across all trims of the facelifted Sonata. This OTA update feature allows software updates to be performed wirelessly, keeping the vehicle always up to date with the latest specifications.
Additionally, the facelifted Sonata includes various safety and convenience features to assist driving. Hyundai applied intelligent safety technologies that autonomously assess driving conditions and actively respond to prevent accidents and enhance driving convenience, such as ▲Highway Driving Assist (HDA), ▲Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC), ▲Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), ▲Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), and ▲Safe Exit Warning (SEW).
The Sonata The Edge is offered with a total of five engine lineups: ▲Gasoline 2.5 Turbo, ▲Gasoline 1.6 Turbo, ▲Gasoline 2.0, ▲Gasoline 2.0 Hybrid, and ▲LPG 2.0. The N Line will operate not only with the existing ▲Gasoline 2.5 Turbo but also with the newly added ▲Gasoline 1.6 Turbo and ▲Gasoline 2.0 engines.
Electric Vehicle Automatic Charging Robot, Commercialization in 3-4 Years... The Future of Hyundai Motor Robotics
Meanwhile, at the Seoul Mobility Show, Hyundai Motor presented a blueprint for robotics by unveiling an electric vehicle automatic charging robot and delivery robots. The electric vehicle automatic charging robot (ACR) introduced by Hyundai is a single-arm robot that handles the heavy ultra-fast charger on behalf of the user. Once charging is complete, the robot returns the charger to its original position, allowing the driver to simply park while the robot handles the charging process.
The system is expected to be available to consumers a few years from now. President Jang said, "Since standards need to be finalized, it might be possible in about 3 to 4 years," adding, "The application will also be widely usable."
The delivery robot is equipped with four PnD (Plug and Drive) modules, enabling free movement in all directions. Using autonomous mobility technology based on LiDAR and camera sensors, it calculates the optimal route to reduce delivery time.
Hyun Dong-jin, Head of Hyundai Motor Robotics Lab (Executive Director), stated, "This year, the Robotics Lab plans to expand demonstration projects not only for delivery robots and electric vehicle charging robots but also for wearable robots and service robots." He added, "We will continue to develop technologies to make robots a common presence in customers' lives."
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