Hyundai today announced that the 2021 Sonata N Line adds N Brand design elements, chassis upgrades, and an exclusive Smartstream 2.5-liter turbocharged engine mated to a new N Eight-Speed Wet Dual-Clutch Transmission (N DCT) to a SEL Plus trim Sonata as well as the starting price.
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“N” signifies high performance at Hyundai, and our latest creation is the 290-horsepower Sonata N Line sedan. Available at most dealerships in November, the Sonata N Line will be priced at $33,200.
| Model | MSRP |
| Sonata N Line | $33,200* |
| Sonata N Line with summer tires | $33,400* |
“Consistent with our N Line Philosophy, the Sonata N Line will bring 290 horsepower and performance to the street,” said Olabisi Boyle, vice president, Product Planning and Mobility Strategy, Hyundai Motor North America. “It is composed and responsive on the road and quick with its turbocharged 2.5L engine. On a twisty road, you can move through tight turns confidently and be thrilled with its capability.”
Sonata N Line Powertrain
Based on the 2020 Sonata’s new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, the N Line version adds a turbocharger, a different cylinder head, and unique internals. These changes put the horsepower at 290 at 5,800 rpm and the torque at 311 lb.-ft. at 1,650-4,000rpm. These numbers are a significant increase over the standard Sonata’s 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine or its optional 180-horsepower turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine.
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Smartstream 2.5L Turbo GDI+MPI and N Wet DCT Technical Highlights
- All-new design and engine structure
- High tumble combustion system
- High volumetric efficiency
- Exhaust manifold integrated cylinder head
- Piston cooling gallery
- Split cooling and cross flow cooling system
- Enhanced fuel efficiency
- GDI and MPI dual injection system
- Integrated thermal management system
- Cooled exhaust gas recirculation
- Dynamic response
- eCVVT driven by DC motor
- High-response variable induction system
- N Eight-Speed Wet Dual-Clutch Transmission
- Optimized eight-speed layout
- Electric oil pump and accumulator
N Eight-Speed Wet Dual-Clutch Transmission
Hyundai developed the new N DCT with manual or fully automatic modes and eight speeds for improved acceleration and efficiency. The N DCT is equipped with electronic actuators that operate the dual clutch, providing ride comfort, fuel efficiency, and driving fun. Unlike a dry dual-clutch transmission, the wet N DCT uses oil to significantly improve lubrication and cooling performance, as required of higher-torque applications. The wet-type dual-clutch transmission uses an electric oil pump for increased thermal endurance and reduced direct parasitic drag on the powertrain. The N DCT was fully developed in-house by N brand engineers, with a fun-to-drive tuning focus. This transmission is similar to the one found in the high-performance 2021 Veloster N.
N Power Shift
N Power Shift (NPS) engages when the car accelerates with more than 90 percent throttle demand, mitigating torque reduction by using upshifts to deliver maximum power to the wheels through each gear change. This gives the driver a responsive feeling of dynamic acceleration when shifting.
Driving Experience Customization
Along with other updated features, such as Rev Matching and Launch Control, Sonata N Line is optimized to automatically sense driving styles and road conditions to optimize shift points. For example, the car will hold lower gears longer during performance driving for better acceleration out of corners. Conversely, if the driver is aggressively pushing the car on a twisty road, the car will use the full range of available engine RPM to maximize performance. All of these features can be configured in Sonata N Line’s improved infotainment system, using the latest operating system shown on a high-definition 10.25-inch display.
N DCT Engineering
Sonata N Line’s N DCT transmission employs two clutch assemblies, one for odd gears and one for even and reverse gears. The clutch actuator assembly utilizes a lightweight electric motor-driven system for greater efficiency, optimized shift response, and compact packaging. It also deploys an external damper for improved NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness). The N DCT uses an electromechanical gear actuator, yielding a lightweight design, higher fuel efficiency, and precise shifting control via the engine’s electronic control unit. The N DCT gearing assembly uses hollow input shafts for an ultra-lightweight and extremely responsive shifting character.
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Sonata N Line Design Elements
The Sonata N Line has a unique body kit with a deeper front fascia and four exhaust outlets instead of the standard Sonata’s two. Inside, shoppers will notice bolstered sport seats and N Brand red stitching throughout. The digital instrument display changes when switched through driving modes, which include Normal, Sport, Sport +, and custom. In addition to changing the cluster, toggling through them alters the steering weight and the speed and strategy of the transmission’s shifts.
N Line Exterior Design Elements (Sonata N Line build upon the well-equipped Sonata SEL)
- N unique 19-inch alloy wheels
- 245/40 R19 all-season tires or optional 245/40 R19 summer tires (warm weather regions)
- N front and rear fascias
- Rear spoiler
- Panoramic sunroof
- Glossy black side mirrors and window surround
- N dual exhaust with quad tips
- N badging
- Full LED taillights
N Line Interior Design Elements
- N sport front seats with Nappa leather bolsters and Dinamica® suede inserts
- Leather-wrapped N sport steering wheel
- 12.3-inch LCD cluster display
- Wireless device charging
- Hyundai Digital Key
- Aluminum pedals
- Second row air vent
- Proximity key with push button start and hands-free trunk release
- LED interior lighting including ambient lighting
- Auto-dimming mirror with HomeLink
Sonata N Line Driving Dynamics
Sonata N Line has the power, acceleration, and handling that will make drivers smile, just like other N Brand vehicles do. A quick-ratio rack-mounted motor-driven power steering system provides enhanced steering feel, and larger 13.6-inch front and 12.8-inch rear brakes bring Sonata N Line to a quick stop.
Sonata N Line Mechanical Improvements
| 2021 Sonata N Line | 2021 Sonata | ||
| Engine mount stiffness | +22% | 215.8 N/㎜ | 176.6 N/㎜ |
| Trans mount stiffness | +30% | 294.3 N/㎜ | 225.6 N/㎜ |
| “Rollrod” mount stiffness | +44% | 323.7 N/㎜ | 225.4 N/㎜ |
| Spring stiffness (F/R) | same / +5% | 2.6 / 4.2 | 2.6 / 4.0 |
| Stability bar diameters (F/R) | +5% / +18% | Φ23.2 / Φ20 | Φ22.2 / Φ17 |
| Shocks | N Line tune | Base tune | |
| Steering | 64 mm/rev (rack mounted) | 60 mm/rev (column mounted) | |
| Tires | 245/40R19 (all-season or summer based on region) | 205/65R16,215/55R17, 235/45R18,245/40R19 |
