We like to cover drag races on HotCars, especially the entertaining ones which feature highly modified machines, or supercars you might not expect on the drag strip.
This time, it’s an entry which was not expected, a car which some may say has no place in a ¼-mile drag race but let’s see how it does and if there’s something different under the hood or if this car seems to be running a stock engine.
One thing is for sure; the Ford Mustang it is racing against on the other side of the track looks much more at home on the raceway.
The Hyundai Kona N Hatchback Is Faster Than Expected
It’s a Hyundai Kona ‘N’ model in green with the name ScarletTheKN in the window, the large rims and rear wing somewhat at odds with the utilitarian roof rack up top.
This model is a ‘performance variant’ of the normal Kona compact car, as standard, the ‘N’ model contains 276 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque, supplied by a 2-liter turbocharged inline-four engine with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission handling the gears.
Helping the car in the corners is an eLSD, the tires are Pirelli P-Zeros on 19” rims while upgraded brakes and electronically controlled suspension finish the package.
Buying a Kona N is also reasonably cheap, with a $34,000 entry price on Hyundai's configurator before options, plus it has launch control which will be useful here on the drag strip.
Hyundai’s Kona N Is A Solid Performer But Not In The Same League
With front-wheel drive and carrying some 600 lbs more than the standard face-lifted MK3 Ford Mustang on its left side, the Kona N’s modern drivetrain and launch control is its only hope.
The reaction time of the Kona’s driver, either way, is good, it pulls away before the Ford and surprisingly keeps up a lead for most of the way until its American rival claws back the lead and passes the trap first.
That Mustang could be running a small block 5-liter V8 as standard, but it’s more likely that it is making north of the circa-230 hp figure it comes with from the factory.
There seems to be the sound of a supercharger or turbo whine which may indicate that it’s a modified Mustang and makes a lot more power under its hood.
In the end, the Kona makes a 13:53 time at 102 mph – which falls behind the Mustang as that car makes the ¼ mile in 12:12 at 131 mph.
It’s a shame for the Korean hatchback, but always nice to see an American classic hold its own against more modern machinery.