Photo: Auto Post Korea
This is a picture of the next-generation Hyundai Sonata. I was taken while the model was undergoing testing in South Korea, and the sporty looks are not coincidental.
We barely got used to the Sonata facelift's looks, and now a brand new generation is on its way. How soon should we expect it? Production will start on the 15th of March 2019, and the Korean market unveiling will happen somewhere around that time.
This particular prototype features gold paint reminiscent of the VW Arteon, black wheels and the body cladding of an N-Line package. That's just for show, but according to Auto Post Korea, a Sonata N has already been approved for development.
Hyundai's blossoming N division already has two models, the i30 N hot hatch and its more American-oriented cousin, the Veloster N. Both use the same 2-liter turbo engine, and it's being reported that so will the Sonata N. This will result in two flavors of hot sedan with 250 and 275 HP.
That's not exactly mind-blowing, considering what a real sports sedan delivers. However, the Sonata N only competes with turbo versions of the Arteon or Honda Accord.
Still, we find it unusual that the powertrain will be quite close to a Kia GT model, the Optima GT. That's why we give credit to another rumor which states the new Theta-3 2.5-liter turbo will offer nearer to 300 ponies. Near-premium cars with manual gearboxes don't work, so the Sonata N should pack an 8-speed auto or even the twin-clutch unit that's supposedly under development for the Veloster and i30.
The Sonata prototype was also spotted at the Nurburgring, in much heavier camouflage we might add. That's because this nameplate will make a European market return, replacing the i40. The transition could take another year but will include a wagon version of the Sonata, much like Kia chose to have one for the Optima.
This particular prototype features gold paint reminiscent of the VW Arteon, black wheels and the body cladding of an N-Line package. That's just for show, but according to Auto Post Korea, a Sonata N has already been approved for development.
Hyundai's blossoming N division already has two models, the i30 N hot hatch and its more American-oriented cousin, the Veloster N. Both use the same 2-liter turbo engine, and it's being reported that so will the Sonata N. This will result in two flavors of hot sedan with 250 and 275 HP.
That's not exactly mind-blowing, considering what a real sports sedan delivers. However, the Sonata N only competes with turbo versions of the Arteon or Honda Accord.
Still, we find it unusual that the powertrain will be quite close to a Kia GT model, the Optima GT. That's why we give credit to another rumor which states the new Theta-3 2.5-liter turbo will offer nearer to 300 ponies. Near-premium cars with manual gearboxes don't work, so the Sonata N should pack an 8-speed auto or even the twin-clutch unit that's supposedly under development for the Veloster and i30.
The Sonata prototype was also spotted at the Nurburgring, in much heavier camouflage we might add. That's because this nameplate will make a European market return, replacing the i40. The transition could take another year but will include a wagon version of the Sonata, much like Kia chose to have one for the Optima.
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