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Hyundai’s N division will tune electrics, steer clear of Genesis

At Hyundai's Namyang proving ground in a small garage emblazoned with a giant "N," Albert Biermann, the ex-BMW engineer who now heads up vehicle development for the Korean brand, recently provided a few hints about what to expect from Hyundai's nascent performance sub-brand — and that includes EVs. "We are looking for the right ideas of how to transfer the craziness of N into electrification," he said. That could be "a full EV [and] also could be a hybrid." To date, we've seen the Veloster N introduced last fall in the United States, followed by the recently announced Elantra GT N Line. Europe has the i30 N in hatchback and fastback body styles. Biermann says, "We will expand also into segments we are not in now," including "something a little bit smaller," as well as into "a different type of vehicle." Biermann also said we can expect a more powerful version of the new 2020 Hyundai Sonata — which we've just reviewed, and which will launch in the United States with a 180-hp 1.6-liter turbo and a 191-hp 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four. But he stopped short of saying whether it would be an N or an N Line model. And it appears that the N expansion will not extend to Genesis. "There are no plans yet to make a sub-label for Genesis like we did with N for Hyundai," Biermann said. This despite the fact that nearly all of its rivals have branched out in that direction. For now, it seems, the G70 Sport is as sporty as it will get over at Genesis.

Hyundai recalls 2015 and 2016 Sonatas for flying sunroof panels

The Basics: Hyundai is recalling 2015-2016 Hyundai Sonatas and Sonata Hybrids for panoramic sunroofs that could detach while driving. The recall covers a total of 62,811 cars including Sonata Hybrids built from December 8, 2014 to August 18, 2015 and normal Sonatas built from May 28, 2014 to March 18, 2016. The recall only affects cars with panoramic sunroofs. The Problem: Sonatas equipped with the panoramic sunroof have a wind deflector at the front. The anchor that holds the deflector in place is bonded and that bonding can fail. This can lead to the deflector partially detaching, which can interfere with the glass of the sunroof when closing. This interference can result in the glass detaching entirely from the car. Warning signs of this issue are increased noise with the roof open or a sunroof that doesn't fully close. Injuries/Deaths: Hyundai received a complaint of a sunroof detaching, which prompted an internal investigation and this voluntary recall, but no injuries or deaths have been reported. The Fix: Owners of affected cars can bring them to a Hyundai dealer where the vehicle will have new bonding applied to the wind deflector anchor. The repair will be made at no cost to the owner. If you own one: Owners will be notified by Hyundai by mail starting on December 2, and they can also contact Hyundai's customer service to ask about the recall at 1-800-633-5151. Owners can also check their vehicles for recalls by entering their VINs at safercar.gov. Needless to say, don't force the sunroof closed if something doesn't seem right whether you've gotten the notice or not. Better safe than sorry. Related Video:

Electric Hyundai Kona crossover to have Bolt-beating 292-mile range

An all-electric Hyundai Kona will be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show next month, but we already know a few intriguing details about the electric version of the subcompact SUV we've had a brief chance to drive. According to Hyundai's press release, the Kona EV will be available with two powertrain choices, including "one of the most powerful electric engines on the market with a class-leading range of almost 470 kilometers." That would be 292 miles. That's using the WLTP standard, or Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedures, which currently lists the Chevrolet Bolt as achieving 240 miles of range (versus 238 with the EPA). In other words, the electric Kona could be the new non-Tesla range king — the Model 3 Long-Range model is rated at an EPA-estimated 310 miles, and the Model S 100D is at 335. By comparison, the Hyundai Ioniq Electric is rated at only 124 miles. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. It is important to note, however, that this release was from Hyundai of Europe, so we cannot confirm that we'll be getting an electric Kona in the United States. Given those potential range figures and the popularity of SUVs, it would be surprising if we didn't. We'll know more when more details are announced Feb. 27 ahead of its Geneva unveil the following week. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Green Geneva Motor Show Hyundai Crossover SUV Electric Future Vehicles 2018 Geneva Motor Show hyundai kona