Hyundai to build high performance cars

Hyundai has confirmed it will build a new range of high performance cars under its new ‘N’ brand.

The news was confirmed at the launch of the i20 World Rally Car in Germany. The WRC team will form the launch-platform for the new range of fast Hyundais, under the 'N' banner. It’s believed that the newly constructed rally team in Alzenau, Germany will have close ties with Hyundai’s Namyang R&D Centre as the manufacturer looks to broaden its appeal to younger drivers. Details about which cars will get the ‘N’ treatment are still sketchy, but expect a hot i20 to make it to market for 2015.

The N brand is part of Hyundai's strategy to launch 22 new models over the next four years as it looks to increase its market share and break into a number of new sectors. The boost in production is being spearheaded by Peter Schreyer, Hyundai's new chief design officer.

Schreyer was drafted in from Kia in January 2013 and his first project will be unveiled at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show in the form of the Intrado concept (pictured below). The Intrado will showcase Hyundai’s next-generation of hydrogen fuel cell drivetrain, which will be both smaller and lighter than that powering the current ix35 Fuel Cell. The concept will also give a hint to what future Hyundais will look like under the guidance of its new design cheif.

Peter Schreyer said: “Hyundai Intrado envisages a motoring future that encapsulates the efficiency and freedom associated with flying. I believe in the power of mobility to deliver emotional as well as physical connections and this car helps us find again the joy of discovery. Intrado shows that future cars can be relevant and exciting.”