The Hyundai N lineup is slowing expanding as the company has already introduced the i30 N and Veloster N. The high-performance brand is also working on an i30 N Fastback as a prototype was recently spotted undergoing testing on the Nürburgring.
Additional models are in the pipeline and Hyundai’s head of high performance development has suggested the brand could eventually offer a sports car. Speaking to Top Gear, Albert Biermann said the company is “trying different things” and could eventually introduce a model that isn’t based on an existing Hyundai vehicle.
The former BMW M boss went on to criticize his previous employer by stating “Now M badges go everywhere in the BMW range, but when I was there I had to fight like crazy for every car.” He added he has more freedom at Hyundai and is “more than welcome to do whatever I think we need to do.”
Unfortunately, an N exclusive sports car isn’t a high priority at the moment as Biermann admitted “Our sales network is not used to performance cars and we need to take a little time.” He also suggested the company needs to better establish the N brand before moving onto bespoke models.
While we shouldn’t expect to see a dedicated sports car anytime soon, a high-performance crossover is almost a certainly at this point. Crossovers remain popular with consumers and rumors have suggested Hyundai many eventually offer a Kona N.
Even further down the road, Hyundai N models could compete with vehicles from BMW M and Mercedes-AMG. As the head of Hyundai Motor Group’s high performance vehicle and motorsport division, Thomas Schemera, said “Maybe in three or four years, the strategy will change and we will compete with the big boys.”
