Hyundai Motor Unveils Everyday Sports Car 'Avante N' for the First Time

Simultaneous Launch of Kona N and Tucson N Line

Hyundai Motor Company unveiled the Avante N, which embodies the concept of a "sports car for everyday life," for the first time on the 14th.

Photo by Hyundai Motor Company

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] Hyundai Motor Company unveiled the Avante N, which embodies the concept of a 'sports car for everyday life,' for the first time on the 14th.

Hyundai's high-performance brand N introduced the Avante N through an online digital world premiere video at 9:30 a.m. that day. The Avante N is a high-performance model of the 'All-New Avante' launched in April last year, applying a strong and dynamic driving feel on a sporty exterior. The Avante N is Hyundai's first high-performance sedan capable of both daily driving and circuit driving.

Avante N Applies Numerous High-Performance Specialized Features

To cover both daily and circuit driving, Hyundai equipped the Avante N with a 2.0T flat power engine. The turbo system installed in this engine features a turbine wheel with a diameter increased by 5 mm to 52 mm and a turbine flow area expanded by 2.5 mm² to 12.5 mm² compared to the previous model. In particular, improvements in the shape and material of the cylinder block enhanced both engine performance and durability, applying a flat power characteristic that maintains maximum output from about 5,500 rpm.

The Avante N combines the flat power engine with an 8-speed wet DCT (dual-clutch transmission), delivering a maximum output of 280 horsepower and a peak torque of 40 kgf·m. Especially, when activating N Green Shift (NGS), the turbo boost pressure increases, temporarily raising output up to 290 horsepower. The top speed is 250 km/h, and the zero-to-100 km/h acceleration time is 5.3 seconds.

Additionally, high-performance specialized features such as ▲N Corner Carving Differential (e-LSD, electronic limited-slip differential) ▲Active Variable Exhaust System ▲Launch Control are standard. For DCT models, features like ▲N Green Shift (NGS) ▲N Power Shift (NPS) ▲N Track Sense Shift (NTS) are also included as standard. Hyundai explained that the 360 mm diameter large brake discs, high-friction pads, brake air guide structure, and cooling holes for dust cover ensure best-in-class braking performance suitable for high-performance vehicles.

Functions to enhance driving pleasure were also added. The N Sound Equalizer (NSE) offers an evolved virtual engine sound, providing driving sounds representing Hyundai Motorsport, such as the TCR race car sound. It also includes an equalizer function that allows detailed adjustments by three sound ranges?Whine, Throat, and Engine Main?considering personal preferences. Furthermore, the active variable exhaust valve, which implements 'popcorn sound' and 'bang sound,' has been upgraded from a 3-stage control method to a linear control method, reducing booming noise during idling while maintaining N's overwhelming sound. Also, up to two customizable driving modes can be saved, allowing drivers to adjust seven items according to their preferences: ▲Engine ▲Steering ▲Suspension ▲Rev Matching ▲Electronic Limited Slip Differential (e-LSD) ▲Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ▲Exhaust Sound.

The Avante N's infotainment system features an N-exclusive graphic interface represented by the one-circle cluster. Through the cluster, high-performance specialized information such as ▲Oil Temperature ▲Coolant Temperature ▲Torque ▲Turbo Pressure, which are difficult to check in conventional cars, are displayed, enabling drivers to visually confirm subtle changes in the vehicle. Additionally, the high-performance exclusive infotainment function 'Lap Timer' measures the time taken to complete one lap on a race track, and the 'N Track Map' records the driver's position and trajectory on the circuit.

Moreover, Hyundai offers the 'Hyundai N Application' for domestic high-performance N customers, allowing convenient access to high-performance exclusive infotainment functions on personal smartphones and tablets. It also provides analysis functions based on ▲Lateral Acceleration (G-Force) ▲RPM ▲Output (Torque) ▲Lap Time.

The front of the Avante N features an expanded black trim area compared to the base model and a lip spoiler that runs low across the lower bumper, creating a stable stance befitting a high-performance vehicle. The side profile is enhanced by the connection of the N-exclusive red strip extending from the front bumper, completing a lower posture. The most eye-catching feature at the rear is the N-exclusive wing-type spoiler, which, together with the side skirts and rear diffuser, organizes airflow during driving to achieve optimal aerodynamic performance while emphasizing the distinctive character of a high-performance car.

Inside the Avante N, Hyundai realized the N family look by applying N brand-exclusive items such as ▲N Steering Wheel ▲N Shifter ▲N Seats ▲N Door Scuff Plates ▲Metal Pedals throughout the interior. In particular, the N seats reinforce the side bolsters to support the upper and lower body during strong lateral acceleration in sharp cornering.

Hyundai Launches Kona N and Tucson N Line Simultaneously... Exhibition and Test Drive Events Planned

On the same day, Hyundai announced the full-scale expansion of the N product lineup by launching the Avante N and Kona N simultaneously. The Avante N's selling price (based on a 3.5% individual consumption tax) is ▲MT version 32.12 million KRW ▲DCT version 33.99 million KRW. The Kona N, revealed at N Day last April, is a high-performance hot sports utility vehicle (SUV) combining practicality, priced at 34.18 million KRW.

Along with expanding the N product lineup, Hyundai also launched the Tucson N Line on the same day. The Tucson N Line features N Line-exclusive items on the interior and exterior, including ▲Radiator Grille ▲Bumper ▲Side Garnish ▲19-inch Alloy Wheels ▲Single Twin-tip Muffler ▲Rear Turn Signal Lamp Design ▲Steering Wheel ▲Suede Leather Seats ▲Black Headlining ▲Door Trim Stitch Color ▲Metal Pedals ▲Metal Door Scuff Plates, creating a sporty and dynamic presence unique to the N Line.

The Tucson N Line prices are ▲Gasoline 1.6T model Premium 30.09 million KRW, Inspiration 32.76 million KRW; ▲Diesel 2.0 model Premium 32.00 million KRW, Inspiration 34.67 million KRW; ▲Hybrid (reflecting hybrid tax benefits) 1.6T Premium 33.45 million KRW, Inspiration 36.12 million KRW.

From the 21st of this month to the 3rd of next month, Hyundai will operate an integrated brand exhibition space called 'N City Seoul' in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, where visitors can experience the Avante N, Kona N, and Tucson N Line all at once for about two weeks. Starting next month, during the peak summer vacation season, Hyundai plans to expand opportunities to experience the N brand in daily life by operating the 'N Stay Busan' test drive program linked with accommodation in the Busan area.

Thomas Schemera, Vice President and Head of Hyundai Motor's Customer Experience Division, said, "Hyundai's high-performance brand N has continuously honed itself to provide driving pleasure to customers. The Avante N, which applies numerous performance-enhancing elements, will be the optimal option for car enthusiasts who want to enjoy everything from daily driving to high-performance circuit driving."

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