Hyundai has recently announced the news of an expected launch of a new brand. Reports say that the new N high-performance brand is set to compete the so-called go-faster versions from German manufacturers.
The potential Hyundai N models will be low-volume sporting derivatives. They were originally inspired by the new i20 WRC rally car launched at the Monte Carlo race in January 2014.
The company has not officially revealed which N models will launch first. Mark Hall, European marketing chief, declared that an i30 pocket rocket is expected first, probably in 2015. It will be followed by an i20 N, to strengthen the link to the rally-car programme.
“Our C-segment version [the i30 N] will develop around 180-190hp,” said Mark Hall. “But we will also do a very limited run of more powerful versions developing between 200-220hp, and maybe more.
“The point of these cars is twofold: we want to improve our brand recognition in Europe, but we are also serious about improving the dynamic abilities of all our cars, not just the N models. Today we have a reputation for doing many things well, but we are not in the top three or four for driving dynamics. This is a great way to start that process.”
The N badge is designed to promote the link with Hyundai’s Namyang R&D centre in Korea, which helped develop the i20 WRC in record time—the race team was only founded 12 months ago.
The more powerful N cars will be pitched as hardcore enthusiasts’ models, with low volumes and extreme dynamics. Think AMG not GTI.
