Hyundai Is Taking A Page From Toyota's Book, And This Could Mean a KDM Rival To The GR Brand

Hyundai is one of the largest carmakers in the world. Like many of its competitors, the Korean brand was pushing for electrification. However, EV demand has not met initial expectations, and similar to Toyota and other competitors, Hyundai was forced to rethink its electrification strategy. Toyota’s multi-pathway strategy may have shown the way forward, and Hyundai seems to be following suit. The N performance division has produced some truly remarkable vehicles powered by, both electricity and internal combustion engines. 

Affordable performance cars incoming.

In a recent interview with Car Magazine, Hyundai’s Manager of Global Marketing Strategy, Joon Woo Park, said that “Hyundai N has to be reachable”, expressing willingness to attract a younger demographic with affordable performance cars like the recently discontinued i20N and i30N hot hatchbacks. After all, Hyundai is exceptionally good at providing exceptional value per dollar, and with attainable fun cars, the brand plans to continue doing so.

The Hyundai N brand will sell a wide variety of vehicles, including EVs, hybrids, and internal-combustion models. Currently, the company sells only two N products - the Elantra N and the IONIQ 5N. The Hyundai IONIQ 6 N is coming next year, and will be followed by at least seven N models by 2030. One of these models is expected to be a new i30N, which will, likely, be available in Europe and other markets outside of North America (those have the Elantra N).

Joon Woo Park also said that they want to offer cars at reachable prices and play in the same field as the Volkswagen Golf GTI, which is another hint at a new Hyundai hot hatchback coming soon. I personally want to see the Tiburon name make a return (since Genesis is its own luxury brand now), and with cars like the Honda Prelude, the next-generation Toyota GR86, and a Mazda MX-5 redesign on the way, an affordable sporty Hyundai coupe would fit the brand’s agenda perfectly.

Despite EV sales having declined recently, Hyundai is "tripling down” on electrification

That “multi-pathway” includes fun ICE-powered models, but also an increased number of electrified vehicles. Hyundai plans to achieve 60 percent electrified sales by 2030. This includes fully-electric vehicles, hybrids, and extended-range EVs (more on that in a bit). The Korean carmaker plans at least 21 new EV models by 2030. 

The IONIQ 5 was updated for 2025, and Hyundai did the same for the 2026 IONIQ 6. Other Hyundai EV models include the recently-launched IONIQ 9 three-row SUV and the IONIQ 3, which will be launched by late 2026.

Other exciting projects by Hyundai

During Hyundai's 2025 Investor Day, there was a 90-minute presentation, from which we gathered a few interesting bits of information regarding future models. We learned that Hyundai is working on a new body-on-frame, midsize truck that would slot above the Santa Cruz.

There is also mention of a Genesis supercar and the possibility of 1,000 horsepower from a hybrid powertrain (perhaps a production variant of the Magma GT concept?).

Hyundai is also working on extended-range EVs, with “in-house developed high-performance batteries, achieving full EV power performance with less than half the battery capacity." These EREV models will be launched in 2027. The most exciting bit of news is the Hyundai N Vision 74, which seems to be on the table again for entering production. 

A flagship sports car like this will fit nicely in Hyundai’s expansion plan.  I suspect it will be a twin-turbo V-6 hybrid, but that remains to be seen. These developments could also mean exciting new models from Kia. Perhaps, a new Stinger?As a current Hyundai owner, I am excited. What about you?

Related stories: 

• I’ve Thoroughly Tested the Hyundai Ioniq 5N and also the Ioniq 5 Limited, and I have a Very Controversial Opinion On Which Is the Better Vehicle - Feel free To Call Me Wrong, But Tell Me Why You Think So'

• Hyundai's Next Electric Play is a Compact EV Aimed at the Masses Of Existing ICE Car Buyers

• The Genesis GV60 Magma: A High-Voltage Shot Across AMG’s Bow

Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota and Nissan are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.

Image source: Hyundai N Vision 74, Hyundai IONIQ 6 N