Hyundai Sonata Hybrid record setter

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid record setter 

Hyundai Senior powertrain engineer Dean Schlingmann took a ride in this modified Sonata on September 25, 2019 at the Bonneville Salt Flats and ran a top speed of 164.669 miles per hour (MPH), compared to the previous record set in 2016 by a Hyundai Ioniq prototype at 157.825 MPH.

The Sonata in a unique wrap appeared at the Hyundai booth at the 2019 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) in Las Vegas in early November. The Sonata was slightly modified from stock, as it rode narrow Goodyear Eagle™ Land Speed D2956 28 x 4.5-15 tires inflated to 70 PSI mounted on Vision Rally 55 race wheels with Mooneyes™ Moon disc covers.

For the record run, Sonata received an FIA-specification chromoly cage, Sparco seats and harnesses, KW Suspensions strut/shock/spring package, a custom front valance, custom-made high-speed brakes and Simpson parachute. Power train modifications included a Nitrous Express setup, custom header and Injen Technology 3-inch stainless exhaust system, and new engine software to work with the nitrous system and the VP™ MS109 unleaded highly oxygenated race fuel.  

All photos by the author.