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It seems Hyundai has reconsidered growing a efficiency Sonata variant – as a closely disguised Sonata sporting recognisable N design cues has been spied testing in Korea.
Pictures by Korean Automotive Weblog of the prototype present crimson facet skirts, crimson brake calipers, and two single exhaust tips about both facet of the automobile, suggesting that is might in truth be an N variant.
In response to the information outlet, in 2019 head of N at Hyundai Motor Group, Albert Biermann mentioned the Sonata and Tuscon N-Line fashions weren’t prepared for the total N therapy.
In the identical 12 months, a spokesperson from Hyundai advised Korean Automotive Weblog, “I don’t see it taking place sooner or later; that’s not our intention with the Sonata”.
In 2022, Korean outlet Chosun, reported a supply inside Hyundai claiming the corporate on the time wasn’t engaged on a next-generation Sonata.
Sources advised Chosun that it’s an open secret within the firm that the Sonata will probably be discontinued as Hyundai makes room on its manufacturing traces for its electrical autos.
Chosun reported that the model hadn’t dominated out an electrical Sonata, however mentioned it isn’t a precedence.
“We will’t rule out an electrical Sonata, however we’re prioritising the event of a compact electrical automobile moderately than a much less standard midsize car,” mentioned the insider.
The facelifted Sonata debuted earlier this 12 months, solely a pair years after a brand new era was launched.
Its comparatively aggressive up to date styling is a tackle the model’s ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design language, which intently echoes the Staria and latest-generation Kona’s distinctive entrance ends.
Its entrance facia is made up of an LED mild bar Hyundai calls the ‘Seamless Horizon Lamp’, and options twin separated headlight clusters on both facet of the entrance bumper.
On the rear, Hyundai has repeated the full-width mild bar which it claims emphasises Sonata’s “high-tech picture”.
Inside, the Sonata’s cockpit options twin 12.3-inch shows in a curved housing – which is a primary for the model.
A growth of the digitised HVAC controls retains rotary dials for adjusting the temperature, although different features transfer to a Genesis-style contact panel show which Hyundai says “boosts the high-tech vibe”.
Hyundai affords just one variant regionally which is the flagship N Line, powered by a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine – energy outputs are but to be confirmed however anticipated to remain the identical. Korean outlet Auto Put up reported final 12 months Hyundai will carryover mechanicals.
The 2023 Sonata N-Line is powered by a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine which produces 213kW of energy and 422Nm of torque.
It’s doubtless the Sonata N would function some type of elevated outputs primarily based on Hyundai’s present N Line and N vary outputs.
It’s value noting the Sonata N Line is at the moment probably the most highly effective internal-combustion car carrying an N badge inside Hyundai’s vary.
Hyundai just lately revealed the Ioniq 5 N which is the model’s first electrified N mannequin which has a dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain which produces complete system output of 448kW and 740Nm.
At present the model provide three fashions with an N badge in Australia.
Whereas a next-generation Kona N is but to be confirmed, the outgoing mannequin affords a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 206kW and 392Nm.
The smallest efficiency mannequin in Hyundai’s line up, the i20 N, is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine which produces 150kW and 275Nm.
All the i30 N vary at the moment affords a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 206kW and 392Nm.
Hyundai is at the moment testing its up to date i30 N sizzling hatch, however the model is but to verify if there will probably be any powertrain modifications.
The Sonata first debuted in 1985, which earns it the crown for the model’s lowest working identify plate. A front-wheel drive powertrain later arrived in 1989.
Hyundai has bought 9.17 million Sonatas globally since its debut. In recent times the corporate has struggled with the mannequin in markets just like the US, China, and its native Korean market.
Hyundai has bought 163 examples to the tip of June in Australia, which is a 49.9 per cent lower year-on-year. It’s one of many lowest promoting autos inside its phase with the Volkswagen Passat (412), Mazda 6 (891) and Skoda Octavia (740) all outselling the sedan.
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