Hyundai Will Create New Lineup of High-Performance SUVs, Including New Tucson
Always at the forefront of automotive innovation, Hyundai is known for bringing drivers the latest in vehicle technology, design and efficiency. Now, the automaker is expected to launch a performance sub-brand to show off its abilities when it comes to creating specialized, high-performance cars to compete against the best of the best. The performance sub-brand will be known as the N badge line.
New reports from Hyundai insiders suggest that one of the vehicles in the running for the new N badge is the Tucson compact crossover. The first vehicle to receive the N treatment will be a variant on the Elantra GT. However, we still don’t know when the first N badge vehicles will show up in the North American market.
“If you look at the Tucson today, it is very relaxed, very comfortable to drive, but to have an N version requires a lot of power, nice transmission, nice handling, sportier tires and [a] lowered body,” Albert Biermann, head of Hyundai’s N division, said in a recent interview with Drive.com.au. “The cars are out there and we can have a very good business with SUVs. We have a good platform with the Tucson to make a high-performance SUV.
Other vehicles which might make it into the N badge class include a follow-up to the Veloster and the Accent, as well as the beloved Santa Fe and a handful of the other Hyundai CUVs.
“Right now, there are no limitations. 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,” Biermann revealed. “Right now we are open. The fun-to-drive element is not limited to the size and segment of the car; you can create fun cars in every segment.”
However, Biermann confirmed that we won’t be seeing an N badge version of any of the vehicles in Hyundai’s new Genesis luxury segment.
“Right now, there are no plans to make a really high-performance [Genesis] car,” he said. “We will have the G70 with the 3.3-liter twin turbo engine and we are not planning to put the high performance treatment to it. It will be nicely balanced, but not as wild as the N car.”
For now, fans of the brand’s sporty luxury cars will have to settle for the standard (but still fantastic) lineup. We have a feeling that Hyundai won’t be able to resist ramping up those vehicles to compete with other automakers for very long though.
Of course, those seeking adventure don’t need to search further than the current SUV lineup at a Hyundai dealer near you. If you can’t wait for the N badge Tucson to reveal itself, come visit us at Rosen Hyundai for a look at one of the most exciting, fun to drive, luxurious and efficient vehicles on our lot: the new 2018 Hyundai Tucson.
