Hyundai has announced a new rear-wheel-drive model from its N performance division as part of a broader expansion strategy that envisages the launch of seven new vehicles by 2030. The announcement was made at the Hyundai Investor Day 2026, where the South Korean manufacturer outlined plans to significantly extend its high-performance lineup.
Currently comprising five models, the Hyundai N range is set to receive seven new additions by the end of the decade. Through this expansion, the brand aims to grow annual sales from approximately 20,000 units recorded in 2025 to around 100,000 vehicles by 2030.
Among the projects under development is a front-engined vehicle built on a rear-wheel-drive platform, with the possibility of an all-wheel-drive variant. Hyundai has not yet disclosed whether the model will feature a combustion engine or a fully electric powertrain. Expectations point towards a petrol engine, given the current dominance of internal combustion units in the high-performance segment. A plug-in hybrid option has not been ruled out.
The future model, which has yet to receive an official name, is expected to be a larger vehicle positioned above the current Ioniq 5 N and Ioniq 6 N in both price and range hierarchy. According to projections presented by Hyundai, it could become one of the models with the greatest potential to drive growth within the N division.
The expansion is not expected to be limited to this single model. Hyundai also plans a vehicle identified as the ‘Entry FF’, described as a compact crossover that could mark the return of the Kauai N. This proposal is intended to broaden the division’s market presence and forms part of Hyundai N’s objective of raising its market share from 30% to more than 60% by 2030.
To achieve that target, the brand also intends to extend the availability of N models to more than 40 global markets and sharpen its competition with the high-performance divisions of manufacturers such as Mercedes-AMG, BMW M, and Audi Sport.
Hyundai is also evaluating proposals aimed at more specific segments, including an entry-level model with a front engine and rear- or all-wheel drive, as well as a compact electric vehicle that could be developed as a potential Ioniq 3 N.
At the top of the future range, the South Korean manufacturer is considering three more exclusive proposals: a premium SUV, a premium electric vehicle, and a sports car with luxury grand tourer characteristics. If approved, these models are expected to launch only in the following decade.
Among the proposals under review, the potential luxury GT stands out for the possibility of sitting directly within the Hyundai N range, rather than being developed under the premium Genesis brand. The strategy underscores Hyundai’s intention to transform the N division into a global high-performance lineup, combining more accessible, higher-volume models with vehicles targeting premium and niche segments.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/?p=535736
