In April, Hyundai confirmed it would introduce a performance-oriented Sonata sometime in 2020. The model was supposed to yield over 275 horsepower, leaving many wondering if it would hail from the brand’s N Division. Hyundai later said it would actually be supplying an N-Line car, placing it a step below the fully fledged N. But this turned out to be good news — because it leaves room for a more powerful Sonata in the lineup.
While the vehicle’s existence is still speculative, albeit probable, Korean Car Blog reports that a midsize N is actually in development. It claims the Sonata N will be be released next fall, with the N-Line debuting at this year’s LA Auto Show.
According to leaks intercepted by KCB, the Sonata N will apparently utilize a 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder and a wet dual-clutch transmission with eight speeds. Based on the information provided, output should be in the ballpark of 300 horsepower and 311 ft-lb of torque.
From the Korean Car Blog:
The specification of the Sonata N’s 2.5 T-GDi engine will be similar to the SmartStream G2.5 FR T-GDi engine, which was recently unveiled at the 2019 Hyundai Kia Motors Powertrain Conference.
It has a maximum output of 304 horsepower [sic] and a maximum torque of 43.0kgm, and uses dual injection that uses both port injection and direct injection.
In particular, the company focused on thermal management compared to existing turbo engines by applying an electric CVVT system, a continuously variable oil pump, and a water-cooled intercooler.
The spec sheet actually had it at 304 PS (not horsepower), but it doesn’t make much difference in this instance, especially since Hyundai hasn’t confirmed anything. It also creates a bit of confusion due to earlier (conflicting) rumors suggesting the N-Line Sonata might also make of use a turbocharged 2.5-liter motor. Since the automaker never officially clarified which performance sedan it was talking about, it may have been hinting at the existence of a full-blown N the whole time.
Base models are slated to get a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter making 191 hp and 181 foot-pounds, with an optional turbocharged 1.6-liter four (180 horsepower, 195 pound-feet) for uplevel trims.
We figured N-Line Sonatas would only make a bit more power, choosing instead to place greater emphasis on handling, but Hyundai engineers have been pretty explicit that the vehicle’s goal was 275 hp. Considering there’s already a model with exactly that much oomph (the Veloster N with Performance Pack), maybe Hyundai will slot in its 2.0-liter turbo. But now we’re just guessing.
Fortunately, we won’t have to wait long before this all comes together. The 2020 Sonata N-Line is rumored to debut in Los Angeles later this month. Assuming KBC is right about the N, expect to see it Q3 of next year.
[Images: Hyundai]
Because the Fusion Sport—which genuinely was a solid effort—did so well.
This seems like one of those things no one will buy. The midsize sedan market is shrinking, and so I’m surprised Hyundai sees fit to offer a niche performance one. Then again, it’s alive and well in South Korea, so maybe they’re going to justify the development costs for that market, and then bring it here as a low-volume afterthought to prop up the brand.
Some would argue that’s what is being done with the K900.
“Korea buys ’em, it doesn’t cost us that much to bring it to the United States.” – Business Case in a Nutshell
Used K900s are so cheap here in coastal SoCal that it makes me wary. Way more car than I need, but if the cost of ownership is reasonable they seem like a screaming deal.
Make sure you can live with the very Korean chauffeur market suspension tuning first. They are nautical in a way that I thought we wouldn’t see any more after the non-police Panthers disappeared.
Parts and service on those things can be expensive, so imagine insurance prices are the same.
the Sonata N will apparently utilize a 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder (yaaaaayyyy) and a wet dual-clutch transmission with eight speeds (booooooooo). Based on the information provided, output should be in the ballpark of 300 horsepower and 311 ft-lb of torque. (Yaaaaaaaaayyyy!)
Motor Trend came out with an article a couple weeks ago calling for an Accord Type-R with a similar 2.0T to the one in the Civic Type-R! Same space as this piece.
That is a nice looking sedan. The rear reminds me of a Regal Sportback.
Give that it’s a real trunk, that opening is going to be TINY.
Color me surprised that the “depressed catfish” styling actually looks good to some people.
The rear photo looks like a cross between a Lincoln and a Honda. Well, not a cross so much as taking part of both and strangely putting them together.
True if that is a trunk it is small if it is a hatch it would be a much better choice. Still a nice looking sedan.
This is one butt-ugly car. My god.
Why copy that horrible Honda rear end design.
And…Hyundai has transitioned back to being the uglier of the two marques.
I might be in the minority but after going on Hyundai’s site and watching the video on the 2020 Hyundai Sonata it is a much better looking car than the Honda Civic. I think that this car will sell but as all sedans it is in a tough market.
I’m partial to the styling. I hope it does well in Europe and China at least, so development will continue. Maybe turn that motor around and use in G70, base G90s?
I’m pretty sure the next gen G70 – if not refresh – will come with this 2.5T and a 3.5T replacing the current 2.0T and 3.3TT. as usual, wait for bd2 to comment on this as s/he’s the authority on all things hyundai here.
Sonata turbo AWD with at lease 330 hp and torque would be prefect!
I’m glad I didn’t wait out for the N line and jumped on the Honda 20.t.