Report: Hyundai Officially Debuts 200-hp Direct-Injection Four-Cylinder for 2011 Sonata

Hyundai Motor America has confirmed the introduction of the company’s first direct-injection gasoline engine will debut in the 2011 Sonata.

Called the 2.4 GDI Theta II, the engine will make 200-hp at 6300 rpm and 186 ft-lbs of torque at 4250 rpm in the SE model. Hyundai has also confirmed that despite the engine’s 11.3 compression ratio it will get full power on regular 87 octane gas. A GLS model will make slightly less power, with 198-hp on call.

In total, this is an increase of 25-hp and 18 ft-lbs of torque over the old 2.4-liter motor.

Along with DI technology, the GDI Theta II will also get a six-speed automatic transmission that is more compact, has 62 fewer moving parts and weighs about 20 lbs less.

The result is what Hyundai believes will be best-in-class fuel economy of 23 and 35 mpg.