The next-generation Hyundai Sonata is just around the corner for Malaysians looking to get a new D-segment sedan. Being fully-imported from Korea, the Sonata won’t be the most inexpensive car in its segment. In fact, it’ll go up against the Camry, which also comes with a 2.5-litre engine and a 6-speed conventional automatic. However, the new Sonata does come with a lot of tech that’s both tangible and behind-the-scenes.
We thought we’d highlight the chassis of this new Sonata, to give you an idea of how much effort was put into it.
Here’s what Hyundai engineers have to say about their ‘3rd-Generation Platform’.
PRESS RELEASE
Platform development is the first step in developing a new automobile. When models are selected for mass production, the schedules are also set. Platform development precedes that selection, and also includes the legal and regulatory aspects, as well as plans to implement new technologies.
The starting point for the 3rd-Generation Platform was to prepare for the development of the multi load path structure (MLPS) chassis in anticipation of safety regulations and market trends. In the 3rd-Generation Platform development process, there were many requirements to be met at company and industry level. They included newly developed engines and decreased weight of the vehicle to reflect policies on fuel-economy, as well as collision safety standards to meet relevant regulations, as well as a need to expand on the company’s roster of eco-friendly automobiles. As a result, the development process had to account for vehicles types from sedans, SUVs, MPVs, from pre-development stages, as well as considering for the manufacturing and performance of each type.
The MLPS implemented in the 3rd-Generation Platform’s engine room distributes the force of impact.
Can you tell us more about the engine-room’s Multi Load Path Structure?
Engineering researchers refer to the multi-frame engine-room structure as the Multiple Load Path Structure, or MLPS. In a typical collision situation, the side members take the brunt of the collision force. Side members are the structural supports on either side of the bonnet’s engine room. MLPS organically distributes that collision force into the front side members into the subframe, fender apron, and the overall chassis to better brace the impact, absorbing and dispersing it via various paths.
You said that the 3rd-Generation Platform was modular. Which parts or components specifically were modularized?
The underbody is the modularized part of the platform. This underbody platform is divided into four modules: front side member, dash, center floor, and rear floor. The criteria for modularizing units of the body platform module include not only the main functions of the module but also the compatibility with the car class and specifications, as well as manufacturing efficiency. For example, the rear floor module consists of components that support passenger occupancy, loading space configuration, rear impact, and noise reduction against road surface.
What are some highlights of the 3rd Generation Platform?
We are very proud of the autonomous function’s Redundancy System. It secures additional resources in preparation against electric or electronic system malfunctions. Specifically, the redundancies were implemented on the chassis’ steering and braking system. This includes the autonomous driving controls too.
The 3rd Generation Platform’s steering system features sensor redundancies for greater stability, and full redundancy applies from autonomous driving level 4. Hyundai Motor Group’s autonomous driving roadmap dictates double or triple redundancies for the steering system, for sensors, motor coil, ECU, power, and communications.
What was the most difficult aspect of developing the 3rd Generation Platform?
It took years of burning the midnight oil, researching and testing the 3rd Generation Platform. Developing the MLPS, hybrid system, meeting design and performance specifications as well as the company’s heightened eco-friendly expectations, all those required close communications with the top brass and the hands-on team at the plant. Through that process, we were able to see our ideas and goals develop into outstanding machines competitive on the world stage, and we are very proud to put the 3rd Generation Platform out there.
A well-developed platform can be an amazing canvas upon which an automobile is created but developing such a platform demands a great deal of effort and time. Platform development team at Hyundai Motor Group is proud to put forth a product of countless hours of intense, inspired work. Get behind the steering wheel of the 8th Generation Sonata which features 3rd Generation Platform. It doesn’t take a seasoned driver to notice a difference.
