In September of last year, Albert Biermann, the former head of Hyundai’s N division, revealed that the automaker was working on a mid-engine supercar to top its performance lineup. However, the executive later said that the car would not be put into production. Despite this setback, the concept of a Hyundai supercar may still have some life left in it.
At this week’s 2023 Canadian International AutoShow, Hyundai’s design director Hak Soo Ha spoke to Carscoops and suggested that the fate of the car had not yet been sealed. He indicated that a new Hyundai supercar is still a possibility.
“There’s been such efforts going on,” he said. “But at what point we make it economically viable, or do we do product planning, or on what donor platform we bring it to market, what powertrain, that’s all kind of up in the air.”
More: Hyundai Was Developing A Mid-Engined Supercar For The N Division
When asked if the automaker was addressing those concerns, Hak Soo Ha stated that internal efforts had begun to address the questions raised. However, the designer declined to provide any further information about the car.
According to Biermann’s previous statements, the car would be to Hyundai what the NSX was to Honda/Acura. While a final decision on the powertrain has not been made, Biermann stated that a gas engine, a hybrid drivetrain, and a hydrogen fuel cell system are all being considered.
Biermann had referred to the vehicle as the ‘Chairman’s Car’ and suggested that its high cost (over $150,000) was the main factor in the decision not to proceed with the project. However, he also noted that the vehicle was designed to sit on a bespoke carbon fiber chassis, and that using a less exotic donor platform could potentially lower the cost.
According to Hak Soo Ha, though, affordability remains one of the hurdles facing the car, so a Hyundai supercar, while still possible, is anything but certain.
Hyundai N Vision 74 Concept
