Hyundai is set to expand its N performance lineup beyond just internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicle (EV) models. According to a report by Auto Express, Hyundai N Management Group Vice President Joon Park revealed that the company is working on a series of lighter hybrid cars that will stand alongside its performance EV lineup.
Park said, “We’re not limiting ourselves to EVs,” and added, “We will go further with the ICE-based cars as well; this is not the end of our journey.”
The new “N” model will most likely be a 300 hp version of the Hyundai Tucson, according to the publication. Already spotted testing in camo, the report says it will feature a “next-generation” 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with hybrid technology, with an electric motor on the rear axle delivering all-wheel drive (AWD).
On the current Tucson, the existing hybrid variant pairs a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor producing 65 hp (47.7 kW) and 264 Nm of torque. Combined, the system delivers 235 hp and 367 Nm, with power sent to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic gearbox. An upgrade to 300 hp, along with some light-weighting, certainly sounds very doable.
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Speaking to the publication, Park had acknowledged the flexibility of smaller powertrains — hinting at the possibility of an improved Kona N and even electrified performance versions of the i20 and Elentra (known as the i30 in some markets). “If we can make a smaller model with a less-weighted battery, then it can be better,” Park said.
When asked about hybrid N cars, Park added, “One thing I can tell you is that if we have hybrid systems, the characteristics of our hybrid systems will be different. We have two different strategies for our hybrid systems: one for efficiency and one for neutral efficiency. If we have a hybrid system in our N cars, the strategy will be different; to have more power intensely.”
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