It looks like Hyundai has reconsidered developing a performance Sonata variant – as a well-camouflaged Sonata with recognizable N-design markings was spotted testing in South Korea.
Taken by Korean Car Blog of the prototype shows red side skirts, red brake calipers, and single exhaust tips on either side of the car, suggesting this could in fact be an N variant.
According to the news agency, in 2019, head of N at Hyundai Motor Group, Albert Biermann said the Sonata and Tuscon N-Line models were not ready to receive the full N treatment.
In the same year, a Hyundai spokesman said Korean Car Blog, “I don’t see it happening in the future; That was not our intention with Sonata.”
In 2022, Korean store ChosunA source inside Hyundai said the company at the time was not working on the next-generation Sonata.
Source says Chosun that it was an open secret within the company that the Sonata would be discontinued when Hyundai made way for its electric vehicle production line.
Chosun reports that the brand hasn’t ruled out an electric Sonata, but says that’s not a priority.
“We cannot rule out an electric Sonata, but we are prioritizing developing a compact electric vehicle over a less common midsize car,” said the insider.
innovation Sonata to debut earlier this yearonly a few years after a new generation was released.
Its relatively drastically updated styling is an adoption of the brand’s ‘Sensuvious Sportiness’ design language, which closely resembles star and the latest generation by Kona special front.
Its front end is made up of an LED light bar that Hyundai calls ‘Seamless Horizontal Lights’ and features separate dual headlight clusters on either side of the front bumper.
At the rear, Hyundai has echoed the full-width light bar, which it claims underlines the Sonata’s “high-tech image”.
Inside, the Sonata’s cockpit features dual 12.3-inch screens in a curved housing – a first for the brand.
The evolution of digitized HVAC controls retains knobs for temperature control, though other functions shift to a Genesis-style touchscreen display that Hyundai says “enhances the high-tech vibe.”
Hyundai offers only one variant locally, the top-of-the-line N Line, powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine – power output is yet to be confirmed but is expected to stay the same. Korean store Auto post last year’s report Hyundai will transfer the mechanics.
Sonata N-Line 2023 is powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine manufacture 213kW power and 422Nm of torque.
It is likely that the Sonata N will have some form of incremental output based on Hyundai’s current N Line and N line outputs.
It is worth noting that the Sonata N Line is currently the most powerful internal combustion engine model bearing the N badge in Hyundai’s lineup.
Hyundai recently revealed the ionq 5 N it’s the brand’s first electrified N model with dual-motor four-wheel drive The drivetrain produces a total system output of 448kW And 740Nm.
Currently, the brand offers three models with the N badge in Australia.
While a next generation Kona WOMEN still unconfirmed, the upcoming model offers a 2.0 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine manufacture 206kW And 392Nm.
The smallest performance model in Hyundai’s lineup, the i20Nprovided by a 1.6 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine manufacture 150kW And 275Nm.
Total i30N range currently offers a 2.0 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine manufacture 206kW And 392Nm.
hyundai is currently testing its update i30 N hot hatch, but the brand has yet to confirm whether there will be any powertrain changes.
The Sonata first debuted in 1985, this car took the crown for the brand’s lowest-running nameplate. A front-wheel drive system later appeared in 1989.
Hyundai has sold 9.17 million Sonatas globally since its launch. In recent years, the company has struggled with the model in markets such as the US, China and the local South Korean market.
As of the end of June, Hyundai had sold 163 units in Australia, down 49.9% year-on-year. It is one of the best selling cars in its segment with Volkswagen Passat (412), Mazda6 (891) and Skoda Octavia (740) all outsold sedans.
