The Hyundai N lineup is growing at an impressive rate as the company has already introduced the i30 N and Veloster N. The brand’s third model, the i30 N Fastback, will debut in October and a new report is suggesting it could be joined by two additional models.
Speaking with Automotive News, Hyundai’s head of high performance development said a fourth N model is already in the company’s long-term plan. He added a fifth model could also be green-lighted shortly.
Albert Biermann was coy on specifics, but said the N team could have an opportunity to present a car to management within the next two or three months. He went on to say, “Depending on what is the current mood and situation, we might get a spontaneous ‘OK, go for it.’”
While most models aren’t given the go ahead without careful research and planning, it wouldn’t be the first time it has happened at Hyundai’s N division. As Automotive News notes, the i30 N Fastback wasn’t planned but Biermann moved forward with the car after seeing a mockup of the standard model.
There’s no word on what the mysterious car is, but Biermann said there will be an electric performance vehicle “sooner or later.” In particular, he mentioned a theoretical Ioniq N with an electric powertrain that features a “bigger motor and inverter” for more power. Throw in some chassis upgrades and Biermann contends the idea isn’t “fully crazy.”
Despite suggesting that electrified N models are possible after 2021, Biermann seemed to rule out the possibility of a car with a fuel cell powertrain.
That wasn’t the only idea he shot down as the engineer seemed to rule out a Genesis G70 N. The company looked into the possibility of developing the model before Genesis became a standalone brand, but it appears that is now out of the question. That’s unfortunate as it would be interesting to see Genesis tackle the BMW M3.
