Hyundai Plans for Sporty New N-Division Coupe to Counter BMW Competition
The new Genesis design series packs its promises behind one defining philosophy: “Athletic Elegance.” When Hyundai Motor hired Albert Biermann, former chief engineer for BMW’s M performance series, to take over the “N” performance division, it was clear that Hyundai was ready to challenge the sports market. This initiative is one among the many that Hyundai has taken to push the car manufacturer further upmarket and with higher margins.
The first target in Hyundai’s N-focused scope? The BMW M4.
While the first car from this N series will be a front-drive i30 hatchback designed for the European market, this appears to be a test run for the follow-up release of an N-tuned Genesis G70 coupe. Still in its development phases, this sporty two-door would be released alongside a standard G70 sedan with both cars slotting in below the current G80 and G90 lineups. This G70 N coupe is likely to draw upon a similar HND-9 Sports Coupe concept that boasts sleek, sporty lines and a surprisingly roomy interior.
When asked to describe the G70 N line, Biermann claimed it’s a “whole new animal” next to its competitors. Packing a rear-drive layout and fresh axle concepts, this series will bring a lot of power to the plate. You may guess that Hyundai plans to drawn upon their Tau 5.0-liter V-8 engine for this sporty coupe, but Biermann has indicated that’s unlikely. Instead, it’s anticipated that the 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 engine could make an appearance in the G70 Coupe. This would position the N-series to match or outdo the M4’s 425 horsepower, since this turbocharged Hyundai engine can reportedly shoot up the 480 horsepower and it weighs less than Hyundai’s other supercharged engine, the Hyundai Tau.
Considering our recent discussion of the hype built around the forthcoming G90 series, it’s a sure bet that Hyundai plans to keep rolling out stronger, better and faster models to define their presence in the competitive luxury market. BMW’s M series will be a tough competitor over the next few years, but Biermann’s extensive knowledge of turning out high-performance vehicles is likely to shift the balance in Hyundai’s favor.
This line of “super cars,” as many are calling the Genesis series, is expected to appear by 2020, but don’t let the wait keep you from experiencing this brand for yourself. Stay tuned or more information on this new N division series with us at Rosen Hyundai, or come in to feel the power of the new G series by test driving one of our 2016 Hyundai Genesis Coupes!
