It'll likely be AWD or at least as an option I believe since all Kona including N-line has an optional AWD.
It's too bad even though I'm craving for Kona N, I know the fact that I won't be driving it on the track (..or would I?)
I've been watching N-line reviews for some times and overall it sounds pretty decent as a daily driver/fun car. Might consider go with N-line when it comes to North America.
Can you call it camouflage when it’s that bright?Good point, and I’m not sure it’s camouflage when it’s emblazoned with the company’s logo, either. It’s like army fatigues with the word ‘SOLDIER’ repeated all over them. But I think the point is Hyundai wants you to look at this car.
www.topgear.com
Confirmed Front Weel Drive only.
8 Speed DSG with Paddels and LSD!
If it was not a Top Gear article, and written the way it was, stating they thought about it but, did not go with AWD. I believe it . I was thinking about getting one in the future, but if it is 2wd, why bother. AWD in the corners is a game changer. I guess a Golf R is in my future. NOW.
Hyundai shared a teaser of the upcoming KONA N along with some details on what to expect.
New Hyundai KONA N joins growing lineup of high-performance models
All-new KONA N is the first SUV in Hyundai’s high-performance N lineup
Versatile SUV package equipped with eight-speed N DCT and 2.0 turbo engine for uncompromised driving fun
N lineup set to expand with even more models in 2021
SEOUL, Jan, 12, 2021 — Hyundai Motor Company today confirmed that the newest member of its N brand will be the hotly anticipated all-new KONA N—the first SUV in the high-performance lineup.
“As N brand’s first ‘hot SUV’, KONA N will offer plenty of versatility and driving thrills that N-thusiasts have come to expect from the brand. You can take this vehicle anywhere—from road to the track,” said Till Wartenberg, Vice President and Head of N Brand Management and Motorsport Subdivision at Hyundai Motor Company.
The all-new KONA N will be available with an eight-speed wet dual-clutch transmission, known as N DCT. Combined with a 2.0 turbo engine, it is sure to deliver a powerful and nimble driving experience. Also, like any other N models, the all-new KONA N will be equipped with a variety of high-performance driving features, such as launch control and an exciting sound experience.
Hyundai’s high-performance N brand, which started with i30 N, i30 Fastback N and Veloster N, is set to aggressively expand in 2021 with the addition of KONA N, i20 N and Elantra N.
More details will be announced in the coming weeks.
KCB has some early spy shots saying AWD and who ever shot the picture SHOULD have seen some form rear wheel spin to possibly verifier AWD. Not for sure, but with all the other articles, maybe a couple of clicks in the AWD column.
Shares 0 Hyundai Motor’s N-brand SUV Kona N will be released in July 2020. Now we have more details of Hyundai’s first high performance SUV and according to the industry, Kona N will have 8-speed DCT wet transmission (premiered by the Veloster N) and for the first time an All-Wheel Drive system...
Rumours about the mechanics of the N version of the Hyundai Kona are looking pretty confirmed. Auto123 reports on the sportier Kona getting 275 hp, AWD.
The Veloster N is already a sweet little package, but Hyundai has something more practical planned, the Kona N. This was spied undergoing testing with less camo than before, revealing some of the juicy performance enhancements.
The 2020 Hyundai Kona is a fairly sporty crossover with its 1.6-liter turbo-four engine producing 175 horsepower, which is a lot for the sub-compact segment. But as we already know from spy shots, Hyundai plans to take the Kona up a few notches by introducing a sportier N-Line variant and a...
290 hp with a highly tested and highly tuned "performance" DCT by Albert Biermann. It also has a highly tuned eLSD, are you kidding me? Hyundai went into the wet DCT with performance as it's #2 importance. If you have the 7 speed DCT the regular 1.6T Kona has, that DCT was designed for smooth driving for Grandpa and Grandma with about 1 to 2 days of testing for high performance driving. We don't know if these cars have the ECU passwords cracked yet.
And FYI don't get a tune from Vivid Racing, they don't stand behind their tunes and they blame code throwing and limp mode as your problem, and they don't return phone calls, you are dead to them after paying them $500 for a bad canned tune. I have talked to member who got Screwed by them. He can't even get his OEM tune or tune file back from them.
If it's not AWD, I'm out, especially with that much power and torque. IMO, it's hard enough in the 1.6T to effectively use the existing power and torque, and ours is a FWD.
It has computer controlled eLSD, so 300hp to the 2 front wheels is very very doable. It is not an issue at all. Your 1 wheel wonder I can see is an issue. It was on my 2009 Honda Fit with 119 hp ha ha. I just think the Kona N 2wd is a fail for me, because I would daily it and in Minnesota winters. Plus, AWD in the corners is a large plus. It helps out in many ways to be pushed and pulled through some corners. It is a game changer in many corners. I would own AWD in the desert. But then again, I have never had a LSD Fwd car in the winter. I can only assume it would be a lot better then 1 wheel wonder that does spin 2 wheels on snow for the most part, but not with the precision of an eLSD.
Here is an anecdotal theory I have that there is a better then a 50% chance the Kona N will have AWD, but only slightly. I was thinking 60%, after writing this I want to change it to 52%. Ha Ha.
I have been scoring the internet for Kona N info, I came upon some videos (cleared history and I don't want to spend time hunting again) that had a Kona N and an i30 N racing on a race track. The Kona N had almost no tire squeal and the i30 N was singing to the high heavens with squeal through the same corner. They appeared to going the same speed. Yes, yes I know the different of tire squealing could be as little as 1 mph difference. Driver style differences of super smooth vs very aggressive could account for this too.
We also had Hyundai stating in the very beginning that they were going to drop in the exact drivetrain of the 130 N/Veloster N and call it the Kona N. The thing that is throwing me the most is the Top Gear article, they are very well connected to Hyundai, and Hyundai UK will be one of the large buyers and one of the ship to receivers of the Kona N. Testing for suspension tuning was definitely done in the UK. Their automobile press have far more access to Hyundai testing and the test car then does North American auto press.
List price for a 2021 Veloster DCT $33.750 , a Kona AWD option on the 1.6T is $1,400 . The going said ball park figure Hyundai is pushing for the Kona N is $35,000 ish. Add $1,400 to the Veloster N DCT and you get $35,150. So we could have a match here. It is a plausible price scheme that an AWD Kona N would have.
Then I look at what would be the next move for Hyundai. I see that they COULD get away with putting the 2wd Kona in with the Veloster N and find a home, as I don't care for the Veloster N, I personally would want an i30 N. But then again Hyundai also needs if they wanted to, to get into the VW Golf R, Subaru WRX and now to Europe only, the Toyota GR Yaris playing field to go to the next level of the high performance game. The Kona N AWD would fit perfectly into that notch. We know there will be a Tucson N-Line with the 290 hp 2.5 turbo, so no need for a Tucson N yet.
IF the Kona N comes in 2wd it will only be for a year or two, it will eventually come in an AWD because IT JUST MAKES ALL THE SENSE IN THE WORLD for it to be that way.
"Ready for a whole N-ew adventure? The all-new KONA N is the first SUV to join the N family. With a 2.0 Turbo engine, it’s available with an eight-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (known as N DCT) and delivers a powerful, nimble driving experience."
REALLY bad news. I messaged a guy who did this video on the Kona N and he had access to it and said he looked underneath it and said it was 2WD. I cant see it being this far along and having them add AWD this late in the testing. Well Hyundai is going to lose some sales on that choice IF it is accurate. I will just get a Golf R then. One sale lost.
Yep, they definitely lost a sale here as well. Hopefully they will eventually release an AWD model in later years. Guess I will hold onto my current Kona AWD Limited for a bit longer which is fine with me!
Theres lots of speculation and rumors. Hyundai themselves have not said either way if AWD or not. How can any manufacturer of a street/track car not make AWD an option? They would lose out too much in sales for the target market.
Too many alternatives with AWD not to have it. Its already in the 1.6T. So simply doable.
Also, I doubt Hyundai will get $35k MSRP here in the states.
I work with new car dealers every day. I can tell you regardless of what the Monroney sticker says, this car will sell at around $30k plus TTT.
First off, you tell me were and what dealer will sell a model with limited production of a wanted high performance car for $5,000 under sticker. When we had a high percentage of Hyundai dealers wanting $3,000 over sticker for the Veloster N and almost every dealer holding out to sticker or above. Sorry to say most won't get your wishful pricing on the Kona N. You may have connections with dealer's that will give you that price. Even for you , I don't see $5,000 off a Kona N sticker price.
As for not having AWD, oh how I wish it will happen. But there have been many people that have direct access to Hyundai reps when writing articles like Top Gear UK that stated it's 2WD. There still is a chance, as I too can't see any reasoning not to have made it in AWD. I even posted that if Hyundai charges $1,400 US for the AWD option as the $35,000 pice tag makes sense that AWD is in that $35,000 price. Sitting and waiting, and not giving concerned posts on AWD does us AWD buyer no good. Hyundai needs to HEAR we want AWD. And hear if it is not there, we are not buying it.
Their sales will lag if they think they will have buyers at $35k in the US.
It’s a Hyundai not a bimmer.
I do know how far dealers can/will go off MSRP. I seriously doubt the Kona N will sticker at $35k. I hope it doesn’t because I’ll go straight to the bimmer dealer instead...as will many others.
Their sales will lag if they think they will have buyers at $35k in the US.
It’s a Hyundai not a bimmer.
I do know how far dealers can/will go off MSRP. I seriously doubt the Kona N will sticker at $35k. I hope it doesn’t because I’ll go straight to the bimmer dealer instead...as will many others.
Hyundai is getting a little cocky aren't they. Something tells me a BMW is in your future. The Golf R is now in the ball park with the $35,000 sticker. Hyundai hardware now costs more.
The 1.6T Kona will handle 90 mph with ease. The 7-speed DCT too, if you are not autocrossing it. I don't think you need an N to do what you want. You just need a Limited or Ultimate model, put some springs in it and you are done. Unless you want to spend the extra money on the N.
I guess I don't see how a stock Kona SE handles like a 911. I hated the way my stock Kona handled and I have a Limited. It was a nose diving, rear tail lifting horrible braking car. It handled corners only average. Just a change of the springs ($275) to Eibach or Storm lowering springs and you have a completely different car. That's the way the Kona should of came.
The 1.6T Kona will handle 90 mph with ease. The 7-speed DCT too, if you are not autocrossing it. I don't think you need an N to do what you want. You just need a Limited or Ultimate model, put some springs in it and you are done. Unless you want to spend the extra money on the N.
I guess I don't see how a stock Kona SE handles like a 911. I hated the way my stock Kona handled and I have a Limited. It was a nose diving, rear tail lifting horrible braking car. It handled corners only average. Just a change of the springs ($275) to Eibach or Storm lowering springs and you have a completely different car. That's the way the Kona should of came.
Not handles "like" a 911, I said it reminded me. The reason is that I can throw it into a turn at higher speeds and stomp the gas with the car staying on the line. Yes, the tires and suspension have no track characteristics but for a $21k stock street car right off the showroom it is impressive at least on the roads and driving conditions where I live.
Regarding whether the Kona N will have AWD, I noticed on the US website both the Elantra N and the Sonata N do not offer a selection for AWD option. I may be missing it but I have looked. This does not bode well for the Kona N.
If I was you I would wait for the 2022 Kona N-Line. That will have AWD and Hyundai’s next generation “Smartstream” 1.6L turbo which clocks in at 200hp. This will be the 2nd gen Kona and have some other nice upgrades. It may end up being the only option if we want AWD which is sad to say ..
Yes. I plan to wait. My driving is daily long highway speeds. I like to maintain 80mph but shockingly I still get passed! I live in Florida and the roads are smooth w good weather except for rainy season.
My big concern is the oil dilution issue w 1.6T. I was hoping for a 2.0T that had addressed this issue.
I’m afraid driving at high rpms for 2-4 hours at a time will in effect wash off the motor oil from piston rings and cylinder walls. With the injectors shooting fuel at this rate. How would it not?