2020 Hyundai Sonata Rumored to Get Two Sportier Versions

Ahead of the official sales of the 2020 Hyundai Sonata, the South Korean automaker is already finding itself in the middle of rumors claiming its N Division is planning to launch a sportier version of the model. What was supposed to be an N-Line model is now reportedly being released as a fully-fledged N model in addition to the N-Line version, according to reports.

Even more exciting is that consumers wouldn’t have to wait long for the Sonata N-Line because Hyundai is said to reveal it at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show this November. The Sonata N, however, won’t be arriving until the third quarter of the upcoming model year. But if recently leaked documents are to be believed, the N model is sure to be worth the wait.

Based on reports, the Hyundai Sonata N will run on a new 2.5T-GDi engine paired to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission in an all-wheel-drive setup. With this engine, the model is expected to generate 304 ps, which roughly translates to 300 horsepower. If this turns out to be true, the Sonata N will be one of the fastest vehicles in the mid-size sedan segment in the United States.

For that amount of power to be possible with the rumored engine, Hyundai devised better thermal management compared to the turbo engines used on previous models, which also include a new continuously variable oil pump (CVVT) as well as a water-cooled intercooler.

Reports talk about the Sonata N and there are no details on the powertrain that will be used on the N-Line. But it would be no surprise if the company decides to go with the same 1.6-liter engine that makes 180 horsepower and is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The only difference might be the addition of a sportier suspension and other handling components.

Aside from the rumored Sonata N-Line, Hyundai is also producing N-Line versions of its other models such as the Elantra N-Line.