The long anticipated 2011 Hyundai Sonata (to be named i40 in Europe) has finally arrived!

Ahead of its official Korean unveiling, scheduled for the first week next month, we are bringing you the very first images of a completely undisguised next-generation Sonata sedan.

The images preview Sonata’s front, side and rear-end styling, as well as provide us a sneak peak preview of Sonata’s modern cabin lay-out.

As expected, the all-new Sonata is a looker and most definitely the most appealing and attractive vehicle Hyundai has ever built!

The all-new four-door sedan embodies Hyundais so-called “fluidic” design language, which has been first introduced with ix-onic concept car in Geneva and later, just a few weeks ago as a matter of fact, with production-ready Tucson crossover.

Although no specific information on engine line-up were released so far, we have learned that a series of modern gasoline and diesel engines will be available in the new Sonata sedan, including the all-new 2.4L four-cylinder with gasoline direct injection -GDI technology and estimated output of 200 horsepower. Another four-cylinder gasoline engine under the hood of Korean-spec 2011 Sonata will be a 2.0L Theta powerplant, which will achieve 12.7 km/L (30 mpg US).

Diesel power, which will be available exclusively for Korean and European markets, and will come from Hyundai’s brand new 2.2L R-diesel engine that churns out impressive 204 horsepower ans satisfies upcoming EURO5 emission standards. According to sources close to Hyundai, 250hp+ Lambda V6 engine will also be offered, but most likely only in the US market.

All Sonatas, powered by gasoline or diesel engines, will be available either with 6-speed automatic or manual transmissions.

As is typical in the mid-size cars, Sonata will offer such luxuries as a panoramic glassroof, reversing cameras, engine start-stop button, smart navigation system and paddle shift gearbox.

The official 2011 Hyundai Sonata unveiling is scheduled for September 10th, with Korean sales beginning in October, while US and European sales is expected to commence in the first half of 2010.

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