The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is a brilliant performance machine, and with the confirmation and subsequent teasing of an upcoming Ioniq 6 N, it’s hard not to imagine the Hyundai N division going full-electric. However, that isn’t the case and, apparently, the Korean automaker is mulling transitioning to a hybrid setup for its performance models.
The confirmation came from Joonwoo Park, Hyundai N’s vice president and co-founder, who confirmed to Auto Express that his division isn’t becoming an EV performance brand. He further lauded the legacy of the i20 N and i30 N, the not-for-US hot hatchbacks powered by pure combustion engines, confirming that Hyundai N is “not stopping there.”
“There won’t be hybrid models from competitors in the future… building that sort of car could give us an advantage.”
– Joonwoo Park, vice president and co-founder, Hyundai N
Keeping Combustion Engine Alive For As Long As Possible
Park’s confirmation cements Hyundai N head Till Wartenberg’s stand last year during an exclusive interview with CarBuzz. Back then, Wartenberg had already confirmed that the Hyundai N would continue to offer combustion-based offerings “as long as regulations allow.” He also added that the performance division was exploring all options, with conventional and plug-in hybrids on the table.
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As far as development is concerned, Hyundai has already taken a step toward introducing hybrid N cars. Alex Eichler, one of Hyundai N’s chief test drivers, told Auto Express that the company is already in the “pre-development of hybrid systems.” Park, however, has reservations about hybrids, particularly concerning weight, even pointing out the sheer weight of the BMW M5 as an example.
Hybrid N Car Will Not Arrive Soon
Much of the discussion between Park and the British publication circles around the i20 N and i30 N. However, there are other gasoline-powered N models in the lineup, such as the Hyundai Elantra N that’s currently sold in the US. Will the Korean marque consider electrifying the performance sedan in the future? Perhaps, and it’s interesting to see how the Elantra N will stack up against the future Civic Type R, which Honda is also looking to electrify.
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Hyundai hasn’t provided a specific timeline for its hybrid N models, though it hinted to the publication that the earliest they will arrive should be by the end of 2027. That’s at least over two years of waiting, so let’s see how the automaker’s plans will pan out in the next few years.
Source: Auto Express
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