Hyundai Motor Company Unveils First High-Performance SUV 'Kona N' for the First Time

Hyundai Motor Company held the 'Hyundai N Day' event online on Tuesday, the 27th, where it unveiled the 'Kona N' for the first time in the world.

Photo by Hyundai Motor Company

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] Hyundai Motor Company held the Hyundai N Day online event on the 27th and unveiled the world's first high-performance sports utility vehicle (SUV) model, the 'Kona N.' Hyundai expects that by adding an SUV model with practicality to the existing N brand lineup, it will expand the range of choices for customers pursuing high performance.

The Kona N is equipped with a 2.0ℓ turbo GDI engine. It features a 52mm turbine wheel, which is 5mm larger in diameter than before, and a turbine flow area increased by 2.5㎟ to 12.5㎟. Additionally, improvements in the shape and material of the cylinder block have simultaneously enhanced the engine's performance and durability. Notably, unlike previous engines that reached maximum output at around 6000rpm, the Kona N's engine maintains maximum output from approximately 5500rpm, applying Hyundai's first flat power characteristic. This allows the Kona N's potential to be widely utilized during acceleration phases.

The Kona N boasts improved performance with an enhanced engine and an 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT), delivering a maximum output of 280 horsepower and maximum torque of 40 kgf·m, which is 5 horsepower and 4 kgf·m higher than the Veloster N. Furthermore, by activating the N Green Shift (NGS), which temporarily increases turbo boost pressure to enhance output, power can be raised up to 290 horsepower. The top speed is 240 km/h, and the zero-to-100 km/h acceleration time is just 5.5 seconds.

High-performance specialized features such as ▲N Green Shift (NGS) ▲N Power Shift (NPS) ▲N Track Sense Shift (NTS) ▲Active Variable Exhaust System ▲Launch Control are applied as standard to maximize driving enjoyment.

N-exclusive Graphic Interface Enhances Driving Fun

Kona N Interior Design

Photo by Hyundai Motor Company

The 10-inch display and Head-Up Display (HUD) applied to the Kona N are equipped with an N-exclusive graphic interface that provides driving enjoyment. The Kona N's instrument cluster departs from the conventional design of two circles for RPM and speedometer, offering a one-circle design that simultaneously displays ▲RPM ▲speedometer ▲gear position ▲shift indicator. The remaining space on the instrument cluster shows high-performance specialized information such as ▲oil temperature ▲coolant temperature ▲torque ▲turbo pressure, allowing drivers to directly monitor the vehicle's subtle changes.

Considering the characteristics of customers choosing the Kona N, new high-performance exclusive infotainment features have been added. The 'Lap Time Measurement Device' records the time taken to complete one lap on a race track, and the 'N Track Map' function tracks and records the driver's trajectory on the circuit, enabling drivers to confidently tackle race tracks without professional equipment.

In addition to high-performance exclusive specifications, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) have been extensively applied. Hyundai has equipped the Kona N with standard features such as ▲Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) ▲Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) ▲Lane Following Assist (LFA), and for the first time in an N model, applied ▲Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) ▲Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) ▲Smart Cruise Control (SCC).

'Dynamic N Brand' Robust Interior and Exterior Design Applied

Rear Exterior Design of Kona N

Photo by Hyundai Motor Company

The front of the Kona N features a dedicated radiator grille with the N logo emphasizing high-performance image, along with a dark chrome Hyundai logo, giving the N model a strong impression.

On the sides, the N-exclusive performance wheels, which are larger than the standard model, and 235/40R19 UHP tires, combined with body-color cladding, maximize the Kona's aggressive stance. In particular, the body-color cladding accentuates the Kona N's dynamic proportions and abundant volume.

Designed with aerodynamics in mind, the ▲front lip spoiler ▲double wing-type rear spoiler ▲side sill molding enhance the Kona N's grip and improve high-speed stability.

The interior of the Kona N reflects N-exclusive detailed elements to create an optimal driving environment. It is equipped with ▲N-exclusive seats ▲steering wheel ▲gear knob ▲handbrake ▲metal pedals, all featuring the N-exclusive Performance Blue color accent. Especially, the N-exclusive seats, made with suede material and side bolsters for lateral support, firmly hold the driver in place.

Introduction of New Brand Slogan 'Never just drive'... Announcement of N Brand Strategy and Vision

Til Vattenberg, Head of N Brand Management Motorsports Division at Hyundai Motor Company, Thomas Schimiera, Head of Customer Experience Division at Hyundai Motor Company, Albert Biermann, Head of Research and Development Division at Hyundai Motor Group, and Simon Rossby, Executive Director in charge of Hyundai Styling, are taking a commemorative photo in front of the Kona N after the Hyundai N Day event.

Photo by Hyundai Motor Company

At the event, along with the unveiling of the Kona N, Hyundai introduced the new N brand slogan 'Never just drive.' Hyundai expressed the joy felt in every driving moment through the N brand film and explained that the philosophy is to pursue driving pleasure unchanged even as automotive power sources evolve with the advent of electric and hydrogen fuel technologies.

Based on technology accumulated through world-class motorsport stages such as the WRC (World Rally Championship), Hyundai launched the high-performance N brand and has continuously expanded the high-performance N lineup from the i30 N in 2017, Veloster N in 2018, to the Kona N unveiled today.

Thomas Schemera, Vice President and Head of Hyundai Motor Customer Experience Division, said, "Since the launch of the high-performance hydrogen fuel cell concept car '2025 Vision GT' in 2015, N has developed with the goal of realizing a vision of sustainable performance. We are also considering high-performance models powered by electricity, hydrogen fuel, or a combination of both technologies. By actively utilizing the RM project, which is a concept of a rolling lab, we will continuously refine high-performance technologies and lead the future high-performance electrification market."

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