Coming Soon from Hyundai? A Performance Kona N, Spicier Elantra, and More
Hyundai's upcoming production schedule found its way online, unlocking secrets along the way.
In recent years, Hyundai has bulked up or revised its American SUV lineup to include the subcompact Kona crossover, the Palisade large three-row, and everything in between. This year, the expansion and updates will only continue. What appears to be the 2020 production schedule for Hyundai's Ulsan, Korea, plant has surfaced online, and if accurate, it reveals some important vehicles we can expect to see from Hyundai this year—and when:
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Santa Fe
An updated Hyundai Santa Fe will arrive in May, according to the schedule revealed onAutospy.netandThe Korean Car Blog. The mid-size two-row crossover is expected to gain a hybrid powertrain hybrid option.
Elantra
The schedule also points to a June start for the just-released Elantra hybrid and new, sporty N-Line Elantra/Avante. But Hyundai previously announced production on the redesigned 2021 Elantra would begin in Korea and Alabama in the fall. The compact sedan features a much more upscale exterior design, a high-tech cabin, and a new platform that should improve handling and ride quality.
Kona
The high-performanceKona Nversion of the mainstream Kona subcompact crossover will enter production in July, per the schedule. As we previously reported, expect the Kona N to use a version of the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder found in the Veloster N hatchback.
Tucson
In August, look for a new Tucson SUV. This compact crossover should ride on the same platform as the striking new 2020 Sonata and will likely feature the same 191-hp 2.5-liter inline-four paired to an eight-speed automatic. It could also get a turbo variant, hybrid variants, and possibly even a performanceN version down the line. The next-gen Tucson was previewed by the Hyundai Vision T concept at last year's Los Angeles Auto Show.
Genesis
In October, we can expect the GV70, a compact SUV from the luxury Genesis brand, to join the brand's just-revealed GV80.
If there's one asterisk we'll add, it is this: The COVID-19 outbreak's effect on this (possible) production schedule isn't yet clear. We wouldn't be surprised to see delays not only from Hyundai, but from all major automakers during these uncertain times, given the strains on manufacturing personnel, supply chains, and cooling buyer interest.
When I tell people I write about cars, the most common reply I receive is “Really?” I guess I never strike people as a car type as I drive down the freeway in the right lane going 60 mph in my old SUV. My gripes about driving in city traffic and fast drivers don’t help my case, either. For a time, the only cars I liked were old cars. Not old as in "classic" or "vintage," but as in well-worn. My first appreciation of cars came when I drove a very old Ford pickup. It wasn't perfect: I used a booster seat to reach the gas pedal, and the turn signal once fell off in my hand as I was learning to drive. But the thing I valued most was the memories. It took several years for me to truly become a "car person." Being a long-time writer and an avid reader has helped me develop a healthy curiosity and a desire to know how things work. This has made cars one of the most fascinating points of study for me because they are such intricate machines. I am interested in how cars can reach 200 mph, how they can run on hydrogen, and how they can drive and park on their own. I also enjoy learning how cars can solve problems whether it be in the form of reducing pollution, minimizing traffic, or helping people stay connected on the road. Yes, maybe I’m not a gearhead. Perhaps I’m a car nerd. Either way, I very much enjoy writing about cars and helping people stay in tune with the automotive industry. I wouldn't want to be writing about anything else. And don’t get me wrong: I know how to drool over a hot car. I am fascinated by the Tesla Model S, awed by the Lamborghini Veneno, and am hopelessly obsessed with the Audi R8.
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