2024 Toyota Camry Unveiled: Embracing Hybrid Power Across the Board

The curtains have been drawn on the new-generation 2024 Toyota Camry, making its grand debut in the US with an exclusive hybrid powertrain and a groundbreaking optional all-wheel-drive system for the first time in its storied lineage.

Scheduled for an Australian release in the latter part of the upcoming year, this latest iteration of the Camry, an emblematic presence in Toyota’s lineup since its inception in 1982, bears a striking resemblance to its predecessor. The ninth-generation XV80-series Camry inherits the TNGA-K platform from its forerunner, albeit sporting a more assertive front-end design reminiscent of the Prius, accentuated by harmonizing tail-lights. Despite these aesthetic updates, much of the defining body contours and character lines of the current Camry have been retained.

However, it’s a different story within the vehicle. The interior has undergone a significant transformation, adopting a new rectangular theme to replace the outgoing model’s curved lines. This redesign appears to liberate additional cabin space, enhancing the overall ambience. Notably, Toyota has seamlessly integrated their next-generation wide-screen infotainment interface into the dash, aligning it with the digital instrument cluster and situated above a simplified center stack and rectangular console. Fresh seating arrangements, updated connectivity services, wireless smartphone mirroring, charging capabilities, and an expanded array of USB ports (including both USB-A and USB-C) further enrich the interior experience.

2024 Toyota Camry

The North American market will offer four distinct model grades: LE, XLE, SE, and XSE. The latter two, with a more sporty inclination, differentiate themselves from the former pair with designs that boast aggressive air ducts, functional front canards, a rear diffuser, and a rear lip spoiler. The flagship XSE takes it a step further, sporting a unique body-colored ‘sports’ grille.

Under the hood of every variant lies a newly-crafted 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric hybrid powertrain, replacing the absence of a V6 option this time around, even in the US market. This powertrain is projected to deliver an “estimated” 168kW in front-wheel-drive guise and 173kW in all-wheel-drive configuration. While the AWD offering will come at an undisclosed premium across the US lineup, it’s unlikely that Australia will see the introduction of all-wheel-drive versions, considering the existing all-hybrid front-drive Camry lineup, excluding the entry-level Ascent.

Toyota USA promises a refined suspension setup aimed at delivering sharper dynamics and improved ride comfort across the board. However, the SE and XSE variants will sport their own bespoke ‘sport-tuned’ suspension, aligning perfectly with their more athletic persona.

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Hyundai’s High-Performance Sonata N Line: Maxed Out but Not Track-Ready for Speed Junkies

Hyundai’s Sonata N Line is the pinnacle for those seeking a spicier ride within the Sonata lineup. However, if you were hoping for a full-fat N version of the Hyundai Sonata, it seems the company has closed the door on that possibility. The prospects of a high-performance Sonata N have been quashed by Albert Biermann, the company’s executive technical advisor, who poured cold water on the idea during discussions with Australian media at the launch event of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.

Biermann made it clear that the Sonata N Line, despite its prowess, doesn’t align with the track-centric philosophy of Hyundai’s N division. “Sonata N Line is no race track [car],” he emphasised, indicating that the existing platform, which also underpins models like the Tucson and Santa Fe, won’t accommodate a Sonata N in its current form.

The limitations lie in the architecture of the current Sonata, hailed as the third-generation platform by Hyundai. While the N Line version boasts a robust turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, it falls short of the criteria to be classified as a full-fledged N car. Hyundai stipulates that all N-branded vehicles must embody a blend of everyday sportiness and track capabilities – what they affectionately term ‘corner rascals.’ Despite sharing an engine with the i30 Sedan N, the Sonata N Line evidently doesn’t meet these stringent criteria.

2024 Hyundai Sonata N Line

Hyundai utilises the N Line nameplate for models like the Sonata N Line that offer augmented power, firmer suspension tunes, and cosmetic enhancements but are not designed for track performance.

In the Australian market, the Sonata N Line stands as the sole variant available, despite other powertrain options like the naturally aspirated 2.5-litre, hybrid 2.0-litre, and turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder being offered overseas. The strategy here is simple: Hyundai Australia offers the Sonata with the highest specifications and the most potent engine, leaving no other choices beyond selecting the preferred colour.

Moving into the 2024 model year, the facelifted eighth-generation Hyundai Sonata N Line remains the solitary choice for Australian buyers, coming fully loaded at a starting price of $55,500 before on-road costs. This updated version commands a premium of $3435 compared to its pre-update iteration.

Visually, the refreshed Sonata N Line flaunts revamped 19-inch alloy wheels, redesigned front and rear bumpers, a distinct ‘H’ rear lighting signature, and a hands-free power boot lid. Additionally, a matte exterior paint option has been introduced for the first time, offering a new aesthetic dimension to the vehicle.

2024 Hyundai Sonata N Line Interior.

Step inside the 2024 Sonata N Line, and you’ll find a new curved display housing a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster alongside a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Further interior updates encompass a steering column-mounted shift-by-wire gear selector, a redesigned steering wheel, touch-type dual-zone climate controls, 64-color LED ambient interior lighting, acoustic laminated front glass, and front and rear USB-C ports.

Safety features are bolstered in the updated model, now including Intelligent Speed Limit Assist as standard and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

Under the hood, the 2024 Hyundai Sonata N Line retains its powerful 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, generating 213kW of power and 422Nm of torque. This powerplant remains paired exclusively with an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission, driving the front wheels.

The dimensions of the 2024 Sonata N Line measure 4910mm in length, 1860mm in width, and 1445mm in height, with a 2840mm wheelbase. In terms of efficiency, it claims a combined fuel economy of 8.1 litres per 100km, equipped with a 60-litre fuel tank and requiring a minimum of 91 RON regular unleaded petrol.

2024 Hyundai Sonata N Line Rear.

Regarding safety, while the eighth-generation Sonata is yet to undergo testing by ANCAP or Euro NCAP, the 2024 Sonata N Line is equipped with an array of standard safety equipment. This includes Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with various detection capabilities, blind-spot assistance, rear cross-traffic assist, lane-keep and lane-following assist, adaptive cruise control, rear occupant alert, and a surround-view camera system, among others.

Standard equipment for the Sonata comprises 19-inch alloy wheels, automatic projector LED headlights, panoramic glass sunroof, N Line body kit, a Bose sound system, head-up display, wireless phone charger, heated and ventilated seats, and a suite of Bluelink connected services subscription for five years, offering various functionalities and services.

The 2024 Sonata N Line presents a choice of exterior paint colours, including Serenity White, Biophilic Ink, Abyss Black, Nocturne Grey, Ultimate Red, and Aero Silver matte, each with varying additional costs.

In essence, while the Sonata N Line continues to reign as the flagship offering within the Sonata range, enthusiasts hoping for a fully-fledged Sonata N model might need to content themselves with the N Line’s enhanced performance and features, as Hyundai has opted not to pursue a dedicated track-oriented N version for this iteration.

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Exploring the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N: A Fresh Perspective and Review

Get ready, Australia! The game-changing arrival is near, setting new benchmarks in tech and performance that stand unmatched.

Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 N appears to have defied convention, creating an electric vehicle that ignites the passion of petrol heads.

This spirited electric marvel boasts staggering speed coupled with a soul-stirring engine note, delivering an exhilarating experience. Uncharacteristically for a 2.2-tonne EV, it surges through gear shifts and carves corners with a finesse that defies its weight.

Till Wartenberg, head of Hyundai’s performance N brand, articulates the essence succinctly as we take the electrified N for a spin at South Korea’s F1 circuit and then onto winding back roads. To earn its N badge, the retro-styled Ioniq 5 needed to excel on the racetrack while remaining practical for everyday use. A challenge indeed, considering EVs are often synonymous with a lack of auditory appeal and emotional connection.

Hyundai took a leap into the future, blending cutting-edge electronics with clever manipulations to fashion a hyper-hatch that tantalises the senses. The vehicle is equipped with eight internal and two external speakers, orchestrating an orchestra of virtual sounds synched to RPM, speed, and torque data. While modes like the supersonic jet or high-pitched EV might feel reminiscent of video games, one mode remarkably mirrors the growl of a four-cylinder petrol race car. The authenticity of these sounds, including popping backfires upon throttle lift-off, is astonishing.

The illusion extends further with the N e-Shift feature, simulating gear changes akin to a dual-clutch transmission and even mimicking an 8000rpm rev limiter with throttle blips on downshifts. While contrived, these elements enrich the driving engagement in a way unseen in other EVs.

2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

Under the hood lies the most powerful Hyundai ever built, sporting dual motors generating a combined 448kW and 740Nm. An additional ‘N Grin Mode’ temporarily boosts power by 30kW and 30Nm for ten seconds, catapulting the car from 0-100km/h in a blistering 3.4 seconds and topping out at 260km/h.

Despite this astounding performance, the Ioniq 5 N addresses concerns regarding an EV’s track longevity. Clever cooling systems, advanced battery thermal management, and an ‘endurance’ mode ensure sustained performance, promising two laps (42km) at the Nürburgring without a drop in prowess.

The vehicle offers configurable torque distribution, a drift mode, adjustable damping, and an electronic limited-slip differential, demanding an in-depth dive into settings reminiscent of a teenage gamer’s obsession. While this level of customisation might overwhelm traditional performance drivers, it amplifies the car’s addictiveness.

Impressively, the Ioniq 5 N transitions seamlessly from track beast to comfortable road cruiser. In eco mode, it’s eerily quiet, boasting a smart suspension that cushions the ride despite 21-inch forged aluminium wheels and high-performance Pirelli tires. It comfortably accommodates five passengers, presenting twin 12.3-inch screens and ample storage, albeit with some interior materials feeling less premium than its price suggests.

Speaking of price, the Ioniq 5 N, priced at about $120,000 drive-away, positions itself as the priciest Hyundai to date, albeit a steal compared to luxury performance cars. Hyundai’s safety features and a five-year warranty, even for non-timed track use, add value. Additionally, the vehicle-to-load feature allows the car to serve as a power source, enhancing its practicality.

Beyond its rapid acceleration, the Ioniq 5 N’s fast-charging capability, recharging from 10-80% in just 18 minutes, solidifies its position as a frontrunner in the electric performance segment.

In summary, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N breaks barriers, delivering an electric performance car that enthrals with its engaging driving dynamics and addictive thrills.

Specifications:

• Price: About $120,000 drive-away
• Power: Dual electric motors, 448kW and 740Nm
• Warranty/Service: Five years/unlimited km, Capped service price not available
• Safety: Eight airbags, auto emergency braking, radar cruise, lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, 360-degree camera
• Range: 448km
• Luggage: 527 litres
• Spare: Repair kit

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