Hyundai is contemplating the development of performance variants of its new i30 hatchback (called Elantra GT in the States) and the i40 sedan.
At least that’s what Hyundai Europe Chief Operating Officer Allan Rushforth said during the launch of the all-new i30 when asked if there are any plans for hotter versions.
“A Hyundai GTi? That’s not just a C-segment question, but a D-segment one as well”, he replied, referring to the i30 and i40 respectively, according to Autocar magazine. “We have talked about such cars and are considering versions not only with more performance, but dynamic improvements to ride and handling, too”, he elaborated.
In the past few years, Hyundai has managed to transform itself from a budget-car manufacturer into a force to be reckoned with. Rolling out hot versions of its mainstream models is the next logical step to fully take on its rivals.
The obvious choice for both models would be the direct-injection 1.6-liter turbocharged four-pot found under the hood of the Veloster Turbo coupe that puts out 201-horsepower.
Rushforth also hindered that the dual-clutch gearbox, which was launched in the Veloster, will also be available in the performance versions of the i30 and i40: “The Veloster is the first step for our dual-clutch technology”, he said. “It’s a starting point for us and we’ll look at how we can adapt it across the range.”
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