SEOUL — #hyundai Motor Company today unveiled the all-new #konan as well as its high-performance philosophy and ambition for sustainable driving fun at #hyundai N Day, a digital showcase dedicated to introducing Hyundai’s N Brand.
KONA N is not only the latest addition to Hyundai’s growing high-performance N lineup but is also the first N model with an #suv body style. It offers a winning combination of versatility, spirited acceleration, agility and racetrack readiness.
Through the showcase, the company also shared N brand’s high-performance philosophy and introduced a new brand claim while also hinting at future N models in the pipeline. #hyundai also highlighted its commitment to sustainable e-performance, giving a glimpse of the future direction for motorsport initiatives and how it will serve as a basis for upcoming N models.
“We are thrilled to share the mindset, spirit and vision of the N brand to be a leader in the high-performance category powered by traditional internal combustion engines as well as our proven industry-leading battery electric and fuel cell electric vehicle technologies,” said Thomas Schemera, Executive Vice President and Head of Customer Experience Division at #hyundai Motor Company. “Our continuously growing and more balanced N portfolio will open new high-performance options, delivering the ‘grin factor’ no matter what the propulsion technology or body type may be.”
Powerful, agile performance
With technology inspired by motorsports, the N brand excels at delivering driving enthusiasm by providing racetrack capabilities and ‘corner rascal’ ride and handling in everyday sports cars. The all-new #konan #suv unveiled at #hyundai N Day is no exception.
“KONA N is a true hot #suv with the performance level of a hot hatch. It breaks the rule that SUVs are less fun to drive. As an N model, it goes beyond the limits of an ordinary #suv,” said #albertbiermann, President and Head of R&D Division at #hyundai Motor Group. “KONA N can carve corners on the racetrack and bring excitement to everyday driving.”
KONA N is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged GDI engine with an 8-speed wet dual clutch transmission (N DCT). N DCT is the enhanced version of Hyundai’s in-house developed 8DCT, an eight-speed wet-type dual-clutch transmission. To make it suitable for N models, the 8DCT received improvements in durability, allowing it to handle the demands of high-performance vehicles. With the 2.0-liter T-GDI engine, it gives the best performance by applying unique gear ratios. The transmission control unit is calibrated for N, resulting in faster shifting and enabling a range of exclusive driving features ― including N Grin Shift (NGS), N Power Shift (NPS) and N Track Sense Shift (NTS) — that maximize driving exhilaration.
The powertrain delivers a maximum output of 280 PS / 40.0 kg-m. With N Grin Shift, the power is enhanced to 290 PS, maximizing driving fun. The engine offers flat power that ensures high responsiveness and improved acceleration for even more fun on the road or on the racetrack, thereby utilizing more of the engine’s potential. #konan has a maximum speed of 240 km/h and can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 5.5 seconds, when Launch Control is activated.
Hyundai Motor implemented N Corner Carving Differential, an electronic limited slip differential (E-LSD) on #konan for control of torque distribution to driving wheels, delivering maximized fun when carving corners. #konan also is equipped with 19-inch lightweight forged wheels with high-performance brakes and tires.
Even at the base trim[1], #konan comes with Launch Control, Variable Exhaust System and most notably N Grin Control System, offering the same driving fun at all levels. N Grin Control System offers customers a high level of customization, with five distinct drive modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, N and Custom. These drive modes change the character of the all-new #konan by adjusting the operating parameters of the engine, Electronic Stability Control, exhaust sound, and steering to optimise them for a variety of driving conditions.
The body’s extra welding points, improved strut ring structure and reinforced skeleton enhance rigidity to minimize body roll during maneuvers.
