Hyundai N Division: Not Limited to EVs
In a recent announcement, Hyundai revealed its second electric N performance vehicle. However, this does not signify the end of petrol power at Hyundai’s high-performance division.
Hyundai N’s Stance on EVs
Joon Park, the Hyundai N boss, clarified the company’s stance in a conversation with the UK outlet Car. Park stated, “We are not limiting ourselves into EV,”. This statement came as a counternarrative to the common belief that Hyundai N is veering towards EVs, sparked by the launch of the Ioniq 5 N. Park further added that he appreciates traditional race cars for their unique sound and smell, indicating that the company is not focusing solely on electric vehicles.
Hyundai’s Petrol-Powered Vehicles Still Alive
While Hyundai has discontinued its petrol-powered i20 N and i30 N hot hatches in Europe, they continue to be produced for other markets. Moreover, Hyundai also offers the i30 Sedan N – aka Elantra N and Avante N – for markets such as Australia, South Korea, and North America.
Hybrid-Powered Replacement for Hot Hatches
Despite the discontinuation of the i20 N and i30 N in Europe, these models are reportedly set to be reborn. As per reports from Car, Mr. Park revealed that his engineers are working on a hybrid-powered replacement for the hot hatches. These replacements will still be accessible to consumers, unlike the Ioniq 5 N, which is more than twice as expensive in Australia as even the priciest i30 N.
Future Plans for Hyundai N
Hyundai N aims to be accessible and not be associated with luxury exotic cars. However, in 2024, Hyundai discontinued the i20 N and i30 N in Europe, in alignment with its commitment to offer a zero-tailpipe-emission lineup by 2035 and to operate 100% carbon neutrally by 2045. “The discontinuation of i20 and i30 N was a disaster for me. But it takes time to have a new one,” said Mr. Park.
Development of Hyundai N Vehicles
Hyundai N vehicle development is centered in Europe, along with the new Magma performance vehicle line for the luxury brand Genesis. Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center managing director Tyrone Johnson revealed that all Genesis Magma products will be developed in Europe for the global market. Australia is a significant market for Hyundai N vehicles, with the i20 N outselling competitors like Skoda Fabia and Volkswagen Polo.
