Skip advert
Advertisement

Hyundai N may never give us another petrol-powered model

Hyundai’s technical advisor Albert Biermann tells us to temper our expectations for another combustion-powered N model in the UK

Hyundai N badge

It’s not often that a new performance brand hits the ground running and gives the established players a bloody nose, but that’s exactly what Hyundai’s N division did in 2016. Its first creation, the i30 N, is everything the Mk8 Volkswagen Golf GTI should have been, while the i20 N that followed is tenacious, exciting and just plain brilliant. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

But this bloodline might be coming to a premature end, according to Hyundai’s technical advisor and former N division lead Albert Biermann. At the launch of the new Ioniq 5 N, the firm’s first electric performance car, Biermann told evo magazine that he ‘doesn’t have much hope’ for another UK-bound, petrol-powered N model. 

Looking at the wider industry, this isn’t a huge surprise; Ford has pulled the Fiesta ST, Renault Sport is no more and Peugeot no longer sells anything with a GTI badge. With ever more stringent emissions regulations taking hold, not to mention the accelerated (and expensive) rollout of electric cars, petrol hot hatches are being put out to pasture. 

Sadly, they’re unlikely to be replaced by electric equivalents any time soon – at least in Hyundai’s case. Biermann also confirmed to us that future electric N products will be built with track use in mind, and as such, they must be underpinned by an 800v electronic architecture (as found in the Ioniq 5 N).

One of the key challenges in producing a track-ready electric car is managing the extreme energy usage and temperature build up from rapidly discharging and recharging the battery. Compared to a 400v system, an 800v platform enables faster charging speeds (essential for topping up between track sessions), reduced current and therefore heat production, making continuous track driving possible. 

The trouble is, it’s not profitable to develop an 800v architecture for a reasonably priced i30-sized hatchback with current technology, let alone a supermini. Hyundai’s sister company Kia, with which it shares much of its EV componentry, has just unveiled its smallest bespoke electric car yet – the EV3 – which runs on a 400v system, all but confirming that similarly sized electric Hyundais won’t fit the technical requirements for an N model. 

Still, by the time 800v technology is feasible for smaller cars, we wouldn’t bet against Hyundai producing another upset with an electric N-badged hot hatch.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Used Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR (2019) – Mk7’s soft sendoff still bests any Mk8
Golf GTI TCR
Reviews

Used Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR (2019) – Mk7’s soft sendoff still bests any Mk8

Quick and composed on road or track, the Golf GTI has talents we miss, even if it didn’t sparkle when new
13 Feb 2025
Renault Sport Clio V6 (2001 - 2005) review: the mid-engined hatchback with a supercar spirit
Renault Clio V6
In-depth reviews

Renault Sport Clio V6 (2001 - 2005) review: the mid-engined hatchback with a supercar spirit

A quarter of a century on, the Clio V6 still seems gloriously bonkers. We discover the truth about its troubled birth – and remind ourselves what it w…
13 Feb 2025
Ford Escort RS Cosworth (1992 - 1996) – history, review and specs of Ford's rally star
Ford Escort RS Cosworth
Reviews

Ford Escort RS Cosworth (1992 - 1996) – history, review and specs of Ford's rally star

It was a poster car for a generation and the ‘Cossie’ now has a cult following
12 Feb 2025
Used Honda Civic Type R (FK8, 2017 - 2022) review – 169mph hot hatch bargain
Honda Civic Type R (FK8)
In-depth reviews

Used Honda Civic Type R (FK8, 2017 - 2022) review – 169mph hot hatch bargain

Ignore the weird looks and the FK8 performs and rewards with the very best hot hatches of the last 25 years
11 Feb 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Used Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR (2019) – Mk7’s soft sendoff still bests any Mk8
Golf GTI TCR
Reviews

Used Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR (2019) – Mk7’s soft sendoff still bests any Mk8

Quick and composed on road or track, the Golf GTI has talents we miss, even if it didn’t sparkle when new
13 Feb 2025
Ill-conceived government legislation will kill the UK car industry
Porsche Taycan charging
Opinion

Ill-conceived government legislation will kill the UK car industry

The car industry and legislators cant meet in the middle and find a compromise soon enough
13 Feb 2025
'Do I crave manual Porsches? Absolutely. But a Nissan GT‑R? No way.'
Porsche 911 ST
Opinion

'Do I crave manual Porsches? Absolutely. But a Nissan GT‑R? No way.'

Jethro is celebrating the shift back to manual gearboxes – with one proviso
15 Feb 2025