The N-Line performance model will be available for purchase in Fall 2020.
The 2020 Hyundai Sonata makes a significant departure from its predecessor. The package includes dramatic styling and a new platform that supports the car. There will also be a future performance variant. But don’t expect a Sonata N halo model.
Today’s first test drive of the production-ready Sonata N was conducted by Hyundai product planners. They confirmed that the Sonata N-Line model will be available and also extinguished any possibility of a full-leaded Sonata N. A product planner was asked if a Sonata N with a higher range of horsepower is possible. He said, “I don’t see it happening in future. That’s not our intention when we make the Sonata.”
The Sonata N-Line will instead carry the performance mantle. It will be available for purchase next fall. We actually got to see an early prototype today, which was still in camouflage at our event. Although we cannot yet speak about the car’s drive, Hyundai has confirmed certain details.
Sonata N-Line will feature a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 290 horsepower (216 Kilowatts), and 310 pound-feet torque. This engine is paired to an eight speed wet dual-clutch transmission, the same unit found on the Veloster N hot-hatchback. This powertrain is only available to the Sonata N-Line for the foreseeable future. The photos also show that the N-Line has a quad exhaust system and larger 19-inch wheels than the standard car. The car doesn’t have an all-wheel drive or a limited slip differential. Active torque vectoring ensures that power is only sent to the front wheels.
Hyundai clearly intends to add more cache to its N nameplate. may even be working on a production-ready midengine car in not too distant future. It is likely that the Sonata N-Line will be the basis for many upcoming N-Line models. We know how wonderful a full N variant is to drive – Veloster N, we love you. But we cannot help but think of what we would have done with a Sonata N.