Hyundai Planning a Performance Kona N, Spicier Elantra, and More

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:

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.

The high-performance Kona N version 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.

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 performance N version down the line. The next-gen Tucson was previewed by the Hyundai Vision T concept at last year’s Los Angeles Auto Show.

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.

Hyundai reached out and provided this statement regarding the report:

The unintentionally leaked plans from Korea are considered confidential and proprietary Hyundai information. As such, it isn’t our intention to confirm any of these details for media use. We will, however, point out that these plans are continually under review and so are also changing continually. The accuracy of any such speculative leaks have a very limited shelf life for accuracy.

Hyundai is a global company, and any general production plans are global in nature and may or may not be relevant or applicable to specific markets, such as the U.S. market. Timing also is localized in nature throughout the world. Specific models and certainly model trims will only be relevant for specific regions.

Official Hyundai product plans and timing are sometimes conveyed through top executives via media interaction. These types of statements can be considered accurate and purposeful statements of the company for media use in various regions. General, dated, and preliminary product plans are only speculative in nature, and Hyundai will not confirm or support their distribution for media purposes.

Thank you for your continued interest in Hyundai’s products. We will continue to work closely with media to give them timely access to our confirmed product plans in their respective regions.