We know that the first product of Hyundai?s N performance division is set to be a turbocharged hatchback aimed at the European market, where the division is headquartered (photo). But we?ve also learned that two other N variants will be launched shortly afterward, both designed to have broader international appeal.
Timing for these introductions will be in close proximity, according to N division boss Albert Biermann, with the first coming ?six or seven months? behind the i30N and the other shortly afterward. Biermann tells us that these models will aim to appeal to consumers in both the U.S. and China, although neither will be an SUV.
?I see good potential to make a high-performance SUV. We have SUVs that are almost crying out, ‘make me go faster!’. But we are not focusing there yet,? Biermann told us at the unveiling of the prototype i30N at the Nürburgring 24 Hour race. ?It?s all about the driving fun to start and, of course, the hatches, the sedans, and the coupes have a better basis for this.? We?re taking this as a broad hint that the second and third models will be a coupe and a sedan. Biermann also hinted that these models will share most of the i30N’s powertrain, with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that we expect will produce around 250 horsepower and drive the front wheels through an electronically controlled limited-slip differential. (The latter might be optional. A cutaway was shown at the press event, below.)
An automatic tra...