After the excellent reviews and acceptance that the i30 N received, Hyundai is determined to grow its N Performance. So, in addition to the i20 N (already being tested), the South Korean brand is preparing a mid-engine sports car who should take the place of “standard bearer” of the division headed by Albert Biermann.
Confirmed in July of last year by the responsible of the brand, there is little information about this mid-engine sports car — we don't even know if it won't even be a super-sport.
This is because there is still no official confirmation on the engine that will equip it. The latest rumors pointed to an inline four-cylinder block with 2.3 l and 350 hp of power, which puts it in the field of sports.
However, based on statements from the responsible of the brand, this sports car would be able to receive hybrid technology, which would make it not only a four-wheel drive machine, but the power could rise to much juicier values, perhaps at the level of super sports. .
racing midship
This project for a mid-engine sports car was not born out of nowhere. Since 2012, Hyundai has been experimenting with the “mid-engine” configuration (engine in central rear position). From this investigation and experimentation, three prototypes have already resulted: the RM14 (2014), RM15 (2015) and RM16 (2016).RM is the acronym for “Racing Midship”, in reference to engine positioning and these prototypes have served as test cars for new technologies for high performance vehicles.
They all look no more than Hyundai Veloster, but beneath the familiar garments, unique solutions are hidden. Don't expect the final production sports car to assume the same shape, if we listen to the declarations of the brand's designers, who point to something with totally different proportions.
Rimac “joins the party”
It is in the midst of all this uncertainty surrounding Hyundai's mid-engined sports car that Rimac emerges, with the Hyundai Motor Group partnering with the Croatian brand. We remind you that it is 10% owned by Porsche and that it worked in partnership with several brands. From Automobili Pininfarina, supplying the Pininfarina Battista powertrain and batteries, to Koenigsegg, developing the hybrid system for the Regera.
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In all, Hyundai Motor Group's investment in Rimac amounted to 80 million euros (64 million invested by Hyundai Motor and 16 million by Kia Motors). Despite everything, it has not been disclosed whether the South Korean company will have taken any percentage of Rimac.
Thomas Schemera, Vice President and Head of Product Division, Hyundai Motor GroupWe want to build sports vehicles that are not just fast and powerful (…) Our aim is to popularize electric vehicles and create social value through world-class technology and performance innovation
Among the main objectives of this partnership is the development of a 100% electric version of the Hyundai N Performance mid-engine sports future and even prototypes of high-performance fuel cell models — rumors point to the latter being destined for Kia.
When will we be able to see something about such an intriguing design of a Hyundai N Performance rear mid-engine sports car? It may be closer than you think, as in 2020 we should see the first results of this partnership.
As we have seen in the rest of the automotive industry, Hyundai Motor Group is also running an electric offensive, having announced the launch of 44 “green” models by 2025.
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