Hyundai says hybrid powertrains will carry its N Performance department into tomorrow, with the brand confirming replacements for models like the i20N, i30N and Kona N are on their way.
The brand had made a shift into the EV space with the lauded Ioniq 5 N (complete with fake gearshifts and the burble of a non-existent exhaust), with the Ioniq 6 N then following suit. Rumours abound of a cheaper, more entry-level electric performance car as the division’s next output.
But Hyundai in Australia has confirmed that hybrid vehicles will play a crucial role, too, saying that electrified petrol powertrains were coming to replace the current fleet of vehicles.
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“There are successors to existing ICE (N) models that will retain an ICE powertrain, I just can’t share too many details today,” Hyundai’s Director of Marketing and Product, Andrew Tuitahi, told us.
“ICE or hybrid, or both. I can’t confirm more today, but there will be a spectrum of small through medium (vehicles).”
In exciting news for rev heads, reports point to the first N hybrid model being the Tucson N, which would rely on a dialled-up version of a 1.6-litre petrol-electric powertrain, paired with an additional e-axle at the rear, to deliver a total 225kW.
From there, that powertrain is expected to filter down the product lineup, though potentially with different tunes, to arrive in the Kona N, the i30 N and possibly even the i20 N. For perspective, the current i30 N generates 206kW from its 2.0-litre turbo-petrol, ensuring electrification also ups the performance.
The N Performance division is also a key focus of Hyundai Australia’s new chief, Don Romano, who suggests the sub-brand is still under-recognised in our market.
Asked his plan for N in Australia, the executive simply replied “bigger”.
