Hyundai Aims for the BMW M: Upcoming Performance Models
Hyundai has advanced significantly since its inception as an affordable automaker. The Korean brand’s performance has advanced significantly over the last ten years, as seen by models like the Elantra N and Ioniq 5 N, which show that it can compete with luxury automakers.
Hyundai Has Big Plans
The Drift King, Keiichi Tsuchiya, collaborated to release a special edition Ioniq 5 N earlier this year, which had a number of performance enhancements. These included forged wheels, H&R suspension, and six-piston brake callipers with a N Performance emblem (also reminiscent of BMW and its M Performance improvements). The Koreans are preparing to compete with Volkswagen at Kia with the PV5 and other new models. Additionally, Genesis is getting ready to enter endurance racing with a new hypercar.
Hyundai’s empire is undoubtedly growing, and although high-performance vehicles make us tense, the appearance packages and choices are what really help automakers make money. Meanwhile, the carmaker is producing such high-quality vehicles that Lamborghini is imitating Hyundai’s work rather than the other way around.
Biermann subsequently rose to the position of Head of R&D at Hyundai, where he shaped the company’s approach to driving dynamics, not simply that of the N division. Even though he left his leadership position in 2021, he now serves as an advisor to Hyundai, making sure that his performance-driven mindset is ingrained in the company’s core values. Hyundai has not yet formally announced any intentions for N Sport, and a trademark application does not ensure that it will be produced.
Performance
If the latter, these would likely resemble BMW’s M Performance modes, which include more than simply visual enhancements. Examples of this include the M340i and X3 M40i. Rather, these are performance-tuned variants that aren’t the full-fat M vehicle. Another illustration would be the Audi S vehicles, such as the S3 and S5, which offer real performance advantages over the S-line models, which are simply improved in appearance. For mid-range cars like the C43, Mercedes simply uses a slightly smaller number.
The Influence of Biermann
Biermann’s job at Hyundai was to start from scratch and create a true performance division. Under his direction, the N brand was established, and the outcomes are self-evident. Another product of Biermann’s tenure was the Kia Stinger, which unexpectedly competed with German sports sedans.
