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Auto Express had the chance to speak with Byung Kwon Rhim, Hyundai's global head of sales at the reveal of the 2019 Santa Fe last week. The topic of the N performance division came up and Auto Express asked if there are plans for expansion. "Tucson is under development, and other models will come after that,” Rhim said. We first heard about a fast Tucson last May when the head of N, Albert Biermann expressed interest in building one. "We started with the [i30] C segment and the Fastback [coupe] will follow and we are already working on some other concepts for the B segment [Accent] and SUV also. Right now we are open," said Biermann. Auto Express thinks the Tucson N could debut sometime in 2019. It may feature the 275 horsepower, 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder found under the hoods of the i30 N and upcoming Veloster N Source: Auto Express View full article

Hyundai is already selling the i30 N in Europe and has introduced the Veloster N for North America. What's next for Hyundai's sub-performance brand. Speaking with Car and Driver, Hyundai’s head of high-performance development Albert Biermann revealed that next up are models known as N Sport. This will slot between the mainstream and N models that will offer tuning “for a more sporty driving experience.” The changes will also include visual changes inside and out, along with “a different tire than what’s in the normal range.” Biermann also revealed that N Sport could appear on any Hyundai model, regardless whether or not they have an N model. Along with the N Sport models, N is planning a range of as yet unspecified accessories and more involvement in motorsports - something we may hear more about at the Chicago Auto Show later this week. But is N planning any more N-ifed models? Biermann wouldn't say if there are any plans. “First, we have to see how the marketplace reacts,” he said. Source: Car and Driver Pic Credit: William Maley for Cheers & Gears View full article

Hyundai has been busy teasing their N Performance brand for Europe with the upcoming i30 N (Elantra GT to us). But soon, they will begin to do the same for the U.S. Speaking with various outlets this week in South Korea, head of N Albert Biermann said the U.S. would get their first taste of an N product next year. For a time, we thought that it would be Elantra GT. But it seems Hyundai has another product in mind. While Hyundai and Biermann aren't saying what it could be, everyone thinks it will be the next-generation Veloster. Evidence for this comes from various spy shots from the past few months that show heavily camouflaged Velosters with various tweaks such as larger brakes and exhausts pushed out to the edges of the bumper. We know the i30 N will utilize a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder producing at least 250 horsepower and we would not be shocked if the Veloster N gets this engine as well. Stay tuned. Source: Autoblog, Motor Trend View full article

Hyundai's N performance division has its eye on building a hotted-up Kona. Albert Biermann, head of the N sub-brand tells Auto Express that he has asked engineers to begin work on a test mule. Biermann also revealed what engine could be under the hood, a turbocharged 2.0L four from the i30 N. “I’ve told them [the engineers] to build the car and we’ll see what happens with getting it approved. It has to be the i30 N powertrain, really. Of course, we can give Kona different specifications on suspension and steering, although there are some common components we can use in that area as well, because it’ll be front-wheel drive, like the i30 N. But we already know that it has to be that car’s engine and gearbox for the Kona N, yes,” said Biermann. Emphasis mine. Hyundai's top brass needs to give the green light to make the Kona N a reality. We're assuming by building a test mule, it may give N some leverage to possibly make it into a production model. Auto Express says that the Kona N would use the 250 horsepower variant of the turbo-four, and not the 271 horsepower version available with an optional Performance Pack. Source: Auto Express View full article

After teasing us for a bit, Hyundai has finally pulled the curtains back on the first model from the new high-performance N division - the 2018 i30 N. It certainly looks the part with new bumpers, side skirts, rear spoiler, and the choice of 18 or 19-inch wheels. The i30 N's interior comes with new sport seats with blue stitching, a new steering wheel with blue buttons for the different driving modes, and aluminum pedals. Under the i30 N's hood is a turbocharged 2.0L inline-four with 246 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. An optional Performance Pack boosts horsepower to 271. Power is routed to the front wheels through a six-speed manual. 0-60 mph is said to 6.4 seconds or 6.1 seconds when the Performance Pack is equipped. Top speed for either model stands at 155 mph. Under the skin, Hyundai has added an adaptive suspension to change ride and handling characteristics to suit your mood along with new brakes. An electronic limited-slip differential, larger brakes, Pirelli P-Zero tires, and a variable exhaust system come with the Performance Pack. Hyundai will be launching the i30 N in Europe towards the end of the year. The U.S. will miss out on this model, but we'll get our first taste N with the next-generation Veloster. Source: Hyundai Press Release is on Page 2 Exhilarating driving pleasure for everyone – The Hyundai i30 N The i30 N marks a new era for Hyundai Motor – introducing the first high-performance model under the N line up, built to deliver exhilarating driving pleasure for everyone N was born in Namyang and honed at the Nürburgring. The ‘N’ symbolises a chicane, the essence of Hyundai Motor’s high-performance car development High power: the four-cylinder 2.0-litre T-GDI turbo engine delivers up to 275 PS and 353 Nm torque with high responsiveness and linear power output High-performance features: Electronic Limited Slip Differential, Electronic Controlled Suspension, Rev Matching, Launch Control, high-performance tyres, lap timer, and more High level of customisation: five different drive modes, including the N and N Custom modes, offer variety of different configurations from comfort-oriented daily commuting to race track performance Emotional sound thanks to a variable exhaust valve system True performance design: aggressive front and rear bumpers with larger air intakes and red character line, aerodynamic rear spoiler with triangular brake light, dual muffler exhaust, 18- and 19-inch wheels, sport seats, Performance Blue exterior colour inspired by Hyundai Motorsport 13 July 2017 - The i30 N is Hyundai Motor’s first high-performance car under the N line up. Built on the New Generation i30, the i30 N has been developed from the ground up to deliver maximum driving pleasure in everyday life on the road, as well as on the track. N was born in Namyang, at Hyundai Motor’s global R&D Centre in Korea, and honed at the Nürburgring, one of the most challenging race tracks in the world and home of Hyundai’s Testing Center. The N logo symbolises a chicane, the ultimate corner where the i30 N has been tested thoroughly and has proven its ability. The i30 N is inspired by Hyundai Motorsport’s experience in WRC since 2014. The Hyundai i30 N has been developed for no other purpose than to deliver maximum driving fun to our customers in an accessible high-performance package. With the high-performance N models we will enhance our brand’s appeal with emotional products that cater to the needs of people who love to have a smile on their face when they drive their car on a winding road and listen to the sound of the engine. That’s why we measure high-performance in BPM, heart beats per minute instead of only RPM. Albert Biermann Executive Vice President Performance Development andHigh Performance Vehicle Division The i30 N is Hyundai Motor’s answer to emerging customer preferences towards uncompromising innovation and technology-driven performance. Due to be launched across Europe by the end of 2017, the All-New i30 N is made for people to experience a contented grin when driving a performance car. Part of the i30 range, the i30 N sports a unique character and coherent, timeless design – including the Cascading Grille at the front, the new Hyundai signature, which is characterised by a downward tapering gesture inspired by the flow of molten steel. Focused on Fun to Drive The i30 N has been developed on the basis of three corner stones under the theme ‘Fun to Drive’: Corner Rascal, Everyday Sports Car and Race Track Capability. The i30 N has been developed to make the driver’s heart beat faster when he or she gets behind the wheel. Instead of focusing on pure numbers, Hyundai Motor has chosen to emphasise driving pleasure and the emotional impact on the driver’s heartbeats per minute (BPM), rather than simply measuring revs per minute (RPM). When the driver hits the throttle and shifts through the gears, the Rev matching function supports smooth gear shifting, while the overboost function increases torque (+8%) and acceleration (+6-7%). The feeling is enhanced by the car’s emotional sound from the dual muffler exhaust featuring the variable exhaust valve system. The cockpit of the i30 N shows key performance parameters through the new instrument cluster and the 8-inch free-floating screen’s modes such as the G-Force meter for live tracking of the performance. The design is based on true high-performance vehicles and includes Hyundai’s Cascading Grille at the front, aggressive-looking front and rear bumpers, and a new rear spoiler. According to the principle “form follows function”, the car design enhances aerodynamic and cooling performance. Its operation focuses on the pure connection between the car and the driver. The i30 N is built around the driver for maximum responsiveness, balanced performance and fun to drive. Corner Rascal The i30 N loves corners. The N logo symbolises a chicane, the ultimate part of the track where the i30 N achieves maximum traction, precision and feeling. The powerful 2.0-litre turbocharged engine delivers up to 275 PS and 353 Nm torque. It offers direct response with a linear power development through the early responding turbo charger. It features front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission. The i30 N’s maximum grip is guaranteed by the 18-inch Michelin or 19-inch Pirelli high-performance Hyundai N tyres. The rack-mounted motor-driven power steering is very direct and offers high precision. The lowered body is rigid and in combination with the Electronic Controlled Suspension (ECS) reduces roll and enhances cornering speed, enabling the driver to adjust the dampers from comfort-oriented daily commuting to high-performance track-driving. The i30 N is aerodynamically designed to reduce lift to keep the body firmly on to the road when maximum traction is required. The Electronic Limited Slip Differential (E-LSD) enhances grip and delivers maximum power to the road. For the real enthusiasts the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) can be switched off completely for maximum freedom. In order to give the driver and passenger the maximum comfort, the exclusively developed N sport seats offer maximum stability and lateral support in all driving situations. Everyday Sports Car The i30 N is an everyday sports car, suitable for daily commuting in comfort on weekdays or for race track performance on the weekend. By offering a great variety of customisation options, the i30 N is a well-balanced hatchback, offering performance and practicality to create the best feeling for the driver. There are five drive modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, N and N Custom settings, which can be selected by using two dedicated buttons on the steering wheel. The different modes change the character of the car, adjusting the high-performance parameters of the engine, the dampers, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Electronic Limited Slip Differential (E-LSD), sound, steering and Rev matching. Additionally, the driver can select the Rev matching button on the steering wheel to increase the revs on the engine when shifting from a higher to a lower gear, while the car’s Launch Control helps to launch the car as easy as possible by controlling engine torque. Race Track Capability In the development of the vehicle, durability and racetrack performance were key elements. The i30 N has undergone 10,000 km of driving on the Nordschleife at the Nürburgring circuit for durability testing. The car has also taken part twice in the world’s toughest endurance test, the ADAC 24-hours race on the Nürburgring. The engine and its components have been tested for total vehicle evaluation in 2016 and for ensuring its overall race track capability in 2017. Thus, when taking the i30 N to a track day, the driver can be sure that the car’s performance will endure. Its brakes have been developed to last with an extra cooling function through the air intakes on the front bumper. The Electronic Controlled Suspension (ECS) allows the driver to adjust the i30 N to best suit a race track’s requirements. The body’s high rigidity is increased by the rear stiffness bar behind the rear seats. The car features a strong clutch that is built to last, while the precise six-speed manual transmission has short travel to enhance fast shifting. The i30 N will be produced at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Czech in Nošovice (HMMC). The facility opened in 2008 and started production of the first generation i30 the same year. It has an annual production capacity of 350,000 cars and fulfils the highest quality standards to meet European customers’ expectations. The HMMC facility also features a 3.3 km open test track on the factory grounds, ensuring that every vehicle is tested for dynamic properties, noise and functions, along with a full underbody check for fluid leakage and correct assembly. Each component used in the i30 N makes Hyundai Motor’s first high-performance vehicle more agile and dynamic. This is what the Hyundai N line up stands for: The N-badged Hyundai focuses on taking the vehicle beyond its role of being just a means of transportation. It offers the customer the thrill and excitement of driving a high-performance car and becoming one with the car as it moves through corners at speed. It sports unique high-performance design elements such as aggressive-looking front and rear bumpers and a new rear spoiler, paired with the coherent, timeless design of the i30 range. According to the principle “form follows function”, designers worked closely with aerodynamic specialists to define the right ratio between the car’s downforce, drag and aerodynamics to create the best possible driving experience. The resulting lowered body together with the newly designed aerodynamics give the car its sporty silhouette and strong stance, while enhancing road balance and race track capabilities. Exterior Design The i30 N features an increased wheel arch with 18-inch wheels or unique 19-inch wheels, carrying the N logo. Compared to the five-door version, the i30 N is 4 mm lower with 18-inch wheels and 8 mm lower with 19-inch wheels. The N signature can also be found on the striking red brake callipers as well as on the Cascading Grille at the front. It denotes clearly where the model originates and increases the sense of high performance. At the front, the i30 N also maintains its sporty, aggressive appearance through the black bezel of the headlamps. At the rear, the triangular third brake light in the new glossy black spoiler and the double muffler exhaust underline the eye-catching look of the sports hatchback. As the front bumper features the prominent Cascading Grille, particularly stressed through the red insert, the emotional appearance and strong character of the car are once again highlighted. Fresh-air inlets on both sides of the car’s front bumpers enhance the brake cooling and aerodynamics with the horizontal LED daytime running lights positioned on top. Behind the Cascading Grille, additional air curtains offer further performance by enhancing air flow, reducing turbulence in the wheel housing and cooling the engine more effectively. The front splitter and the rear wing spoiler create downforce and an excellent aero-balance. Interior Design The interior is focused on connecting the driver with the car at all touch points. The concept is dedicated to the people who truly love cars. The exclusive “N” steering wheel ensures that the driver is in 100% control of all driving performance features directly by hand. On the left side of the steering wheel, drivers can select three standard drive modes: Normal, Sport and Eco. On the right, the driver has direct access to the chequered flag N button for the N-mode, or the customised setting which is visible on the navigation screen. For better engine control driving gear shifting, drivers can activate the Rev matching control system by using the decicated rev button just above the N button. The steering wheel is manufactured with the N unique blue stitching and garnished with an N logo at the bottom. The gear shift also features a unique blue stripe as part of the coherent colour design. On top, the ball-type knob bears the N-badge. The electronic instrument cluster is specifically made for passionate drivers. The shift timing indicator positioned at the top centre of the cluster indicates when to shift gears for optimal race track driving performance. The red zone of the variable LED rev-counter changes according to the driving performance and varies with the engine’s oil temperature. Both the rev-counter and the speedometer are distinctively designed in accordance with the N line up, being surrounded by a blue lightning line. The i30 N features uniquely designed high-performance sport seats with powerful lumbar support. Extendable seat cushions further enhance stability and comfort for the driver and front passenger. Customers can choose from a combination of suede and leather or cloth. Both versions feature the outstanding, stamped N logo on the back rest. High-performance colour range Because of Hyundai Motor’s motor sport heritage, the unique Performance Blue colouring was introduced with the start of its WRC engagement in 2014 and has represented the N line up ever since. The i30 N comes with the exclusive Performance Blue paint. Altogether, customers can choose from six different exterior colours. Besides Performance Blue, the range includes Clean Slate, Polar White, Micron Grey and Phantom Black or Engine Red. The special side sills enhancing the sporty character of the lowered body are painted in Black, while the outside mirrors come with a Glossy Black painting. As the handles are coloured in the same way as the body of the car, they almost disappear, creating a more dynamic look. High-quality interior materials and dark metal inserts underline the elegant character of the i30 N and its affiliation with the motor sport sector. State-of-the-art high-performance technologies can be effectively combined to provide a smooth and controlled ride. The key high-performance features are segment-leading for Hyundai Motor’s first N model and can be chosen individually by the driver depending on the driving mood. Steering sytem The i30 N offers a new level of precision in its steering, delivering great value to the driver: its rack-mounted motor driven power steering system (R-MDPS) provides stability to the vehicle at high speeds and makes the car instantly responsive at lower speeds. The electric steering assist system located in the steering gear offers very high output and is designed even for track day driving with cup tires. Launch Control The i30 N’s Launch Control controls engine torque when starting from the standstill, helping to launch the car like a professional race driver. Launch Control can be effectively used in N drive mode: with the off-switched Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and the clutch disengaged, the first gear can be engaged immediately by releasing the clutch pedal within five seconds after full throttle acceleration. Rev matching Rev matching automatically adjusts the revs on the engine when the driver shifts from a higher to a lower gear. Consequently, depending on the drive mode, it allows smoother or sportier downshifts. The Rev matching button can be switched on easily by hand as it is located on the right side of the steering wheel. Electronic Controlled Suspension (ECS) By controlling the damping force, ride and handling and stability are both enhanced. Depending on the driving conditions, from daily trips to circuit driving, the vehicle’s performance can be adjusted. The use of a solenoid valve guarantees a precise and immediate damping force control. It allows the driver to influence the stiffness of the suspension with the push of a button. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system stabilises the vehicle during cornering manoeuvres. If desired, the ESC can be switched off completely for maximum race track feeling. Electronic Limited Slip Differential (E-LSD) (with Performance Package) The strong cornering ability of i30 N is achieved by different new performance features, such as the Electronically-Controlled Limited Slip Differential (E-LSD). This allows driven wheels to turn at different speeds by applying different amounts of torque depending on the load transfer from the inner to the outer front axle wheel. Wheel slip in specific conditions is reduced and understeering on cornering minimised. E-LSD increases the maximum cornering speed and the fun to drive through corners from turning to early wind corner acceleration. Electronic Sound Generator (ESG) To provide the inside of the i30 N with a real high-performance experience, a sporty engine sound is produced by the Electronic Sound Generator in the body panel. In the cabin, at the base of the windscreen,an engine sound generator which provides some extra acoustic drama to match the mood of the driver. Variable Exhaust Valve System (with Performance Package) Depending on the drive mode, the customer can select different exhaust sounds and thus manage to actively control the exhaust valve. The sound differs with the size of the valve opening. The twin-outlet active exhaust has several settings, allowing the car to increase the amount of exhaust sound from normal to decidedly powerful. Driving Modes Drivers can choose from five individual drive modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, N and N Custom settings, which can be activated by using the two dedicated buttons on the steering wheel. The different modes change the character of the car, adjusting the parameters of the engine, the dampers, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Electronic Limited Slip Differential (E-LSD), engine sound, steering and Rev matching. In the N Custom mode, drivers can select from Eco, Normal, Sport and Sport+ settings for each high-performance component to match driving preferences and road conditions. Components Drive Mode ButtonEco / Normal / Sport Powertrain Settings Engine response ECO / NORMAL / SPORT Rev Matching OFF / NORMAL / SPORT Electronic Limited Slip Differential (E-LSD) NORMAL / NORMAL / SPORT Exhaust sound (after-fire sound & variable exhaust sound)* ECO / NORMAL / SPORT Chassis Settings Electronic Controlled Suspension (ECS) NORMAL / NORMAL / SPORT Steering NORMAL / NORMAL / SPORT Electronic Stability Control (ESC) NORMAL / NORMAL / NORMAL Components N Button N Mode / N Custom Powertrains Settings Engine response SPORT+ / NORMAL - SPORT - SPORT+ Rev Matching SPORT+ /OFF - NORMAL - SPORT-SPORT+ Electronic Limited Slip Differential (E-LSD) SPORT / NORMAL-SPORT Exhaust sound (after-fire sound & variable exhaust sound)* SPORT+ (with After-fire sound) / NORMAL - SPORT - SPORT+ Chassis Settings Electronic Controlled Suspension (ECS) SPORT+ / NORMAL - SPORT - SPORT+ Steering SPORT+ / NORMAL - SPORT - SPORT+ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) SPORT / NORMAL - SPORT - OFF *After-fire sound is heard only in SPORT+ Powerful Performance Package The i30 N is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine available with two power outputs: the Standard Package engine delivers 250 PS, whereas the Performance Package engine's maximum power is boosted to 275 PS. Both outputs deliver a maximum torque of 353 Nm and reach a maximum speed of 250 km/h. The 250 PS version accelerates to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds*, the 275 PS version in 6.1 seconds*. The engine offers direct response with a linear power development through the early responding turbo charger, and is available with front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission. The power is transferred independently to the gear train, in order to always be ready to shift to the next gear without any torque interruption. The i30 N with Performance Package exclusively comes with 19-inch Pirelli P-Zero high-performance Hyundai N tyres, distinctive red N break calipers and larger brake discs (18-inch at the front, 17-inch at the rear). The Electronic Limited Slip Differential (E-LSD) and Variable Exhaust Valve System are additional features included in the Performance Package to provide the optimal race track experience. The i30 N driving modes can be displayed on the 5.0-inch or the optional 8.0-inch touch screen with navigation featuring information on PS, torque, turbo boost as well as a lap and acceleration timer. The specific N mode screen menu also offers customisable settings for the engine, suspension, steering, differential (in the Performance Package), transmission Rev matching, exhaust sound and stability control. The i30 N includes both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Both systems enable users to connect their devices to deliver and control music, telephone or navigation functions on-screen. Seamless connectivity allows drivers and passengers to stay connected while remaining focussed on the road. Hyundai Motor also offers a wireless inductive charging pad for mobile phones (Qi standard) and seven-year free subscription to LIVE Services. LIVE Services offer updated information in real time: weather, traffic, speed cameras and online searches for points of interest. Class-leading safety package By offering the latest active safety features for the new i30 N, Hyundai Motor democratises technology like the other i30 body types. The Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) fitted in the i30 N operates in three stages using camera sensors. First, it warns the driver visually and audibly. In a second step, it controls the brakes according to the collision danger stage, and in a third stage applies maximum braking force to avoid a collision or minimise damage if a collision is unavoidable. With the Driver Attention Alert (DAA), the i30 N features a driver protection system: this monitors driving patterns in order to detect reckless or fatigued driving and prevent potential accidents. The Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) senses the car’s position and alerts the driver about unsafe movements at speeds over 60 km/h. By audibly and visually warning the driver before inducing corrective steering, it guides the driver back to a safe position. Road speed signs are immediately recognised by the Speed Limit Information Function (SLIF), which displays the speed limit in real time. The navigation system display and the TFT cluster both show the information. A High Beam Assist (HBA) detects both oncoming vehicles and vehicles in the same lane ahead at night and changes to low-beam lights as appropriate, thereby reducing blinding effects on other drivers. HBA automatically re-activates the high beams and therefore maximises the driver’s range of vision as soon as no vehicles are detected. View full article

The head of Genesis, Manfred Fitzgerald reiterated that the brand would not be getting N performance models. “I don’t think so right now,” he said to Motoring at the unveiling of the G70. We first reported that Genesis wasn't going to get any N models back in May. Fitzgerald's reasoning as to why Genesis will not see any N models is interesting, to say the least. He sees electrification as the equalizer on performance, making high-performance variants kind of moot as they might not be faster than the standard models. “Performance will not be on the same forefront of differentiator as it is today for ICEs [internal combustion engines]. Everybody is capable of doing an electric motor and putting it in a car, so the performance values will almost be the same. Nobody’s going to be interested in ‘A’ or ‘B’, so I think that will come down to a level playing field," said Fitzgerald. “If you look at the performance value of an electric vehicle today, there are a lot of ICEs that really struggle to keep up with that.” The countless videos of Model S sedans smoking performance vehicles on the dragstrip attest to this train of thought. But many will argue that outright performance is only one part of high-performance models. There is also the character, handling, and heritage these models have. Fitzgerald acknowledges this, but he sees a change incoming. One where tech and environmental concerns take the spotlight. “I grew up in that era… that was all right at the that time. I’m just looking forward to the future and I just don’t believe that that will still have the same power and same meaning as it did back then.” Genesis is working on two dedicated platforms for electric vehicles that are expected to debut in 2021 or 2022. Source: Motoring View full article

The Hyundai Sonata is likely to make a big splash with its good looks when it hits dealers in a few weeks. One thing that was missing from the original release of the Sonata was an up-level engine option. To review, the Sonata can be optioned with a 191 horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder or a 180 horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with a wide peak torque band and 195 lb.-ft. Gone is the 245 horsepower 2.0-liter turbo. Back in April, Hyundai confirmed that it would produce an N-Line version of the car with 275 horsepower. That car is likely to be debuting at the LA Auto Show later this month. The kicker is the N-line is not the full performance edition like a Sonata N would be. Now, rumors out of Korea via Korean Car Blog say that the full N will be coming late next year. Powering the Sonata N would be a 2.5-liter turbocharge direct injected engine producing at least 300 horsepower and 311 lb.-ft of torque. Power would be fed through an 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. This powertrain has already been shown at a 2019 Hyundai Kia Motors Powertrain Conference, so we know they'll be building this engine for something. Of course, Hyundai has not commented on any of these rumors, so take a Sonata N with a grain of salt. Still, a performance tuned Sonata could make an exciting addition to the otherwise stale and fading mid-size car market. View full article

In the U.S., we only get one body style of the Elantra GT. In Europe where the model is known as the i30, Hyundai offers the standard hatchback and a lift back variant called the i30 Fastback. It is quite a good looking compact and makes us somewhat jealous that Europe gets it. Now, Hyundai upped our jealousness with the introduction of the i30 Fastback N. The Fastback follows the same recipe as the standard i30 N, beginning with a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine producing either 246 or 271 horsepower - the latter for when you opt for the Performance Package. Torque stands at 260 pound-feet, but raises to 279 via a short overboost function. A six-speed manual transmission routes power to the front-wheels. The run to 60 mph takes 6.4 seconds for the standard model and 6.1 seconds for the Performance Pack. Hyundai doesn't provide any details on the suspension or brakes, but we expect them to be similar to the i30 N hatchback. We'll hopefully have more information when the i30 Fastback N debuts next week at Paris. And before anyone asks, the i30 Fastback N is not coming to the U.S. Source: Hyundai View full article

Hyundai's N performance division has seen early success with the i30 N in Europe, already hitting its full-year sales target at the end of June and customers waiting six to seven months to get their vehicle. This has the brand encouraged that the upcoming Veloster N due for the U.S. later this year will see similar success. It also has N planning two more models, along with the possibility of a third. According to Automotive News, the first of the two new N models will the i30 Fastback N, debuting at the Paris Motor Show in October. This model wasn't originally planned, but would be green-lighted after Hyundai-Kia design chief Peter Schreyer showed a mock-up to Albert Biermann, head of vehicle testing and high-performance development. Following this is a possibly an SUV. We've heard reports that it could be the Tucson or Kona. Biermann said there could be a fifth model in the wings. "There's a car within the next two or three months that we probably have a chance to show to Vice Chairman Chung [Eui-sun] and our top management. Depending on what is the current mood and situation, we might get a spontaneous 'OK, go for it,' " he told Automotive News. Also being talked about at N is what alternative powertrains could power their vehicles. "When we think of cars after 2021 for N, I think we cannot avoid electrification. We will have an EV sooner or later. It's just a matter of timing," said Biermann. "As an example, we have an Ioniq EV. Were we to find a nice battery, a bigger motor and inverter, we could make an Ioniq EV N with a nice chassis and more power. Something like that is not fully crazy." Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article