The 2021 Hyundai Kona N has entered its
final testing phase, with fewer and thinner camouflaged used on the pictured
test car, revealing more details. Seen testing on the Nurburgring, the sporty
crossover is still wrapped in camo, but the layers are now thinner, showing its
more aggressive body kit that will differentiate the Kona N from its regular
siblings.
The Santa Fe-like grille displays the
Hyundai logo in the middle and N badge next to it. The bumper has wider air
intakes and the split headlamp design is also more visible. The side skirts
have been extended and the large roof spoiler and four-fin diffuser with
incorporated dual exhaust pipes dominate the rear end.
A pair of sports seats will be added
inside, wrapped in special upholstery, probably with contrast stitching. Other
upgrades might include new graphics for the instrument panel and infotainment
system. The sporty suspension setup will help improve cornering and the
2.0-liter T-GDI turbocharged gasoline engine, which is expected to be the same
one as in the i30 N Performance, will kick out up to 271 HP,
likely channeling the output to the front wheels only through an eight-speed
dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Hyundai’s Kona N will challenge the likes
of the Volkswagen T-Roc R, which uses a 296 HP 2.0-liter
turbo-four and all-wheel-drive. The exact unveiling date is unknown, although
we are tempted to believe that it might be shown towards the end of the year.
