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Hyundai to launch European performance sub-brand

Hyundai has quickly emerged from the sidelines as one of the biggest players in the industry, outselling rivals left, right and center. Still, a dedicated performance division is still something that separates it from the big boys. Now, according to the latest reports, that's just what it's getting.
After setting up its own Nürburgring test center and gearing up to launch its assault on the World Rally Championship, the next step in the ramping up of Hyundai's performance credentials - in Europe, especially - will reportedly be to set up its own performance division along the lines of what Nissan has done with Nismo.
The first product in Hyundai's new European performance portfolio is expected to be a version of the next i20 hatchback that's set to launch in 2015. That in turn will be used as the basis for the company's next WRC challenger, to replace the upcoming model, pictured above undergoing testing. After that it's anyone's guess, but performance versions of the Veloster, Genesis Coupe and Elantra could be in the cards.

Hyundai keeps building mid-engine Velosters for some reason

Hyundai returned to the Busan Motor Show in South Korea this past weekend with the RM16 concept, a mid-engined prototype that takes the Veloster into even more radical territory. If the idea sounds familiar to you, that's because this is the concept's third iteration. Sadly, it doesn't seem any closer to reaching production. The project was first presented at the same show two years ago as the Veloster RM, packing a 2.0-liter turbo four behind the two-seat cockpit. The concept resurfaced last year in Seoul as the RM15 with even more extreme bodywork. And now it's back again. The engine stays right where it was, helping give the test bed 43/57 front-rear weight distribution. This time, however, the conventional turbocharger is replaced by an electric compressor, similar to the ones you might find in the Audi SQ7 TDI or Bugatti Chiron, and there's an electronic differential to channel its 296 horsepower to the road. The RM16 uses a six-speed manual transmission. The RM16 also features a new front end to put a fresh face on the carbon-fiber bodywork, an active rear wing, and an electronically variable exhaust. All of which is well and fine, but while the prototype is supposed to inform the forthcoming N-badged performance models, we wouldn't hold our collective breath waiting for a mid-engined hot hatch like this in Hyundai showrooms. Related Video: Hyundai Motor Demonstrates its Passion for High-Performance at the 2016 Busan International Motor Show • Hyundai Motor builds anticipation of high-performance 'N' models with RM16 concept • RM16 hints at future Hyundai 'N' model characteristics June 2, 2016 - Hyundai Motor today reinforced its high-performance aspirations with the world premiere of RM16, its latest 'N' model concept, at the 2016 Busan International Motor Show in South Korea. Hyundai Motor's performance-focused exhibits, which included the Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo, hint at future N model characteristics. Hyundai Motor's high performance sub-brand 'N' was launched in September 2015, demonstrating the company's commitment to manufacture responsive, intuitive performance vehicles that bring 'Fun to Drive' to a broad range of customers.

Hyundai Veloster N spied hard at work at the Nurburgring

The first vehicle from Hyundai's N performance division, the i30 hatchback, is coming later this year. Sadly, that handsome little five door isn't bound for the US. While the Korean automaker won't confirm what will be coming to America in 2018, we're almost positive that the first model will be the next-gen Veloster. The car is well into development, and we now have some new photos of a shakedown at the Nurburgring. Pure facts are scarce, but based on what we know about the i30 we can make some educated guesses about the Veloster. The car will be powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four making either about 250 horsepower or 280 with an optional performance pack. Power will be sent to the front wheels through a six-speed manual, though Hyundai hasn't ruled out a dual-clutch transmission for the future. Look for big wheels with sticky summer rubber to surround beefy Brembo brakes. Although every Veloster we've seen both in photos and in person has been covered with a decent amount of camouflage, we can see the car's basic outline. The car will still feature an asymmetrical door layout, with one on the driver's side and two on the passenger side. The large grille is now shaped like the corporate cascading grille. It's styled like a flat-bottomed version of Superman's "S" logo. While the standard and Turbo models will feature center-exit exhaust tips, the Veloster N pushes the exhaust to the corners of the bumper. Pricing and performance numbers haven't been revealed, but Hyundai is gunning straight for the Volkswagen GTI. In typical Hyundai fashion, it's likely to undercut the competition by a hair or two. Look for prices in the mid $20,000s when the Veloster N arrives next year. Expect a full reveal sometime this fall. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2018 Hyundai Veloster N spy shots Image Credit: Spied Bilde Design/Style Spy Photos Hyundai Hatchback Performance hyundai veloster turbo Hyundai N hyundai veloster n