The Hyundai Sonata N-Line is already a dazzler. Like the old Honda Accord Sport, the engine is so good, it almost requires a better chassis. Almost. It's a hot rod, it's an Audi S4 competitor without all-wheel drive. And Hyundai is spicing it up even further with the new Night Edition, which should be hitting dealerships as you read this.

This was the one that premiered in Snake Eyes, the G.I. Joe story, and features matte black wheels, mirror cover and upper door handle cover, carbon fiber lip spoiler, dark chrome badges, red brake calipers and N wheel center caps. It'll cost $35,775 including destination and in addition to Phantom Black, it's also offered in Quartz White.

The Sonata N-Line Night Edition (Nightline was right there, guys) gets the 2.5-liter turbocharged four making 290 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, sent through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission to the front wheels. We've driven it a few times and it's a bargain rocket, only missing a front limited-slip differential to be a perfect inexpensive sports sedan. The base N-Line is $1,300 cheaper, for the record.

Even without the LSD, the Sonata N-Line has quick reactions with a faster steering ratio than the standard car, as well as a better power steering system with more feedback. Transmitting that feedback are high-performance tires with unique 19-inch wheels.

Sonata sales were down 9% last month, but overall the nameplate is up 50% from a terrible 2020. With any luck it will be back up over 100,000 units moved as it was before the pandemic. It's currently in fourth place among midsize cars behind the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Kia K5.

Back to the Night Edition, we like the black accents and dark wheels, but having a fun paint color is more important. Hyundai offers blue and red on the standard N-Line, in addition to a bunch of greyscale, so you have the option. If you like murdered-out, get the Nightline, if not, you still get the same great powerplant.