The development of the next-gen Hyundai Sonata continues as we can see today, courtesy of WilcoBlok who have caught next sedan testing near the Nürburgring. Compared to latest spy shots we already seen, this test mule looks incomplete, for example does not have the final tailights, while we already seen pictures with it.
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From the beggining, we already seen a lot of pictures of next-gen Sonata, but there are a interesting thing that we have seen in some test mule prototype, and it was the solar panels on the roof. Despite that, this model looks like a high-end or even Sport trim because of the bigger grey finished aero wheels.
A month ago, we announced that Hyundai executives have been green-lighted the Sonata N, according to AutoPost, and it’s currently under development. Despite that, this Sonata is not the Sonata N.
On this prototype we can see a very pronounced wheel arches as well as a body line that it is also prominent, but the sticker camouflage does not allow us to see much more. The Green Hell were under repairs and its apparently still closed, but this is the main reason why we have not see any Hyundai or Kia model testing around there since July 2018.
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With a new wheelbase and a sharper lines, the design of the new Sonata project DN8 is not confirmed, but looking at the pictures we can find a sleeker sedan probably influenced by the design cues of the “Le Fil Rouge” concept car launched at Geneva Motor Show, not sure if will follow what we have seen on the Avante or on the chinese Lafesta.
What we can expect in terms of engines on the Sonata N? Report assumes that will use the 2.0 Turbo GDi with a final output between 250 & 275 hp, but at the same time they talk about a rumour that says the chosen one will be the new Theta-3 2.5-liter Turbo GDi, over 280 hp. New Sonata DN8 production will start on the 15th of March 2019, so we expect to see it at NY Auto Show on April.
Hyundai will follow what Toyota has done, and will extend i40’s life until the new Sonata arrives. (Toyota has extended Avensis lifetime until they have killed and now prepares the launch of the Camry directly from U.S).
So yeah, we are going to have the Sonata back in Europe and also in Wagon, that will arrive a year later after the sedan.
