Hyundai unveiled the Kona N, but a slew of new models are on the horizon as the N and N Line lineup will be expanded to include 18 models by the end of 2022. The company didn’t go into specifics, but spy photographers recently snapped the Elantra N. It will presumably use the Kona N’s turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 276 hp and 392 Nm of torque. It should be joined by a six-speed manual as well as a dual-clutch automatic.
While officials didn’t talk about the
Elantra N at the N Day media briefing, they did reveal a handful of details
about other models. In particular, they are discussing a crossover above the
Kona N. That’s a not so subtle reference to a possible Tucson N and officials acknowledged
they need more crossovers to appeal to Americans.
Furthermore, Hyundai confirmed an electric
N is coming. Details are limited, but it will be based on the E-GMP platform
that underpins the IONIQ 5. While that particular model tops out at 301 hp and 605 Nm of torque, the Kia EV6 is based on the same
architecture and offers an insane GT variant with 577 hp and 740 Nm of torque. Hyundai also confirmed they’re exploring an N
model with a hydrogen fuel cell. This isn’t just an idea either as the company
already has prototypes on the road.
Officials didn’t go into many specifics,
but indicated the “rolling lab” is a range-extended EV which uses a fuel cell
to recharge the vehicle’s battery pack. Hyundai also confirmed the prototypes
are based on an existing platform, but said it would likely need to be modified
in order to go into production. However, it’s only under consideration at this
point and there are obvious challenges.
