Hyundai unveiled the Kona N this morning, 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 (206 kW / 280 PS) and 289 lb-ft (392 Nm) of torque. It should be joined by a six-speed manual as well as a dual-clutch automatic.
New Tucson might get the N performance treatment
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.
See: New Hyundai Kona N Debuts As A Track-Capable Crossover With Up To 286 HP
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 (225 kW / 306 PS) and 446 lb-ft (605 Nm) of torque, the Kia EV6 is based on the same architecture and offers an insane GT variant with 577 hp (430 kW / 585 PS) and 546 lb-ft (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.
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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.
