This Year Alone, 5 Models Launched... Hyundai Motors Marks the First Year of Popularizing High-Performance 'N'

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] Hyundai Motor Company is set to consecutively unveil high-performance 'N' lineups this year and introduce 'Fun to Drive' to the public. Following the launch of the Veloster N Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) model in the first half of the year, Hyundai plans to release a total of five N models, including the Sonata N Line, Avante N Line, Kona N, and Tucson N in the second half. This strategy appears to aim at enhancing brand value through high-performance models amid the unavoidable impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) on major global automakers.

According to industry sources on the 3rd, Hyundai Motor Company surprised the global market on the 28th of last month by unveiling teaser images and videos of the high-performance 'N Line' model of the new 7th generation Avante.

The Avante N Line is a performance vehicle positioned between the existing sports version 'Avante Sports' and the upcoming high-performance 'Avante N' model. The powertrain is expected to feature an upgraded turbo engine to deliver the distinctive high-performance driving sensation characteristic of the N Line. According to some foreign media, the 7th generation Avante N Line will combine the 1.6ℓ turbo engine found in the 'i30 N' with a 7-speed DCT. This engine produces a maximum output of 204 horsepower and a peak torque of 27.0 kgf·m.

The industry anticipates that full-scale production of the Avante N Line will commence after June, and there is also high expectation for the release of the 'Avante N' model, which will surpass the N Line.

Alongside the Avante N Line, the vehicle drawing the most attention is the Kona N. The Kona N is a high-performance compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) that will compete with leading models worldwide. It is reported that the Kona N will share its powertrain with the Veloster N and i30 N. Expected to feature a 2.0ℓ gasoline turbo engine producing 275 horsepower and 35.9 kg·m of torque, paired with an 8-speed wet DCT, the Kona N is also anticipated to have finely tuned settings suitable for a compact SUV.

The high-performance model of the popular domestic compact SUV Tucson is also generating excitement. The Tucson N Line was already launched in the European market last year. Since a complete redesign of the Tucson is scheduled for this year, there is considerable interest in the expected performance of the N model. The new Tucson will apply Hyundai's latest 3rd generation platform, and its powertrain is expected to be the same as that of the Kona N.

The mid-May debut of the mid-performance Sonata N Line is expected to serve as a catalyst for popularizing high-performance vehicles alongside the Avante N Line. As a mid-performance model applying N options in a package form, adding N Lines to the Sonata and Avante symbolizes the popularization of the N brand among general customers. The Sonata N Line is expected to be equipped with the latest 4-cylinder 2.5ℓ gasoline turbo engine producing 290 horsepower and 42.8 kg·m of torque. The transmission will be an 8-speed DCT, and semi-bucket seats will be installed to enable a sportier driving experience.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.