Hyundai N – new performance sub-brand confirmed

Hyundai_N_i20_WRC_01

While BMW has its M division, now Hyundai has announced its own N sub-brand. No, it doesn’t stand for Notorsport, but for Namyang, Hyundai’s head R&D centre in Korea. Headquartered in Alzenau, Germany, Hyundai N will field a series of high-performance road-going models in the near future.

The new line of go-faster, more dynamically-focussed Hyundais will hopefully bridge the brand’s biggest downfall so far – its lack of emotional link to its customers. It will then act as a halo sub-brand to liven up the company’s image. Hyundai’s newly opened Nurburgring test centre will play a crucial role in this venture.

No word yet on which model will receive the N treatment first, but it’s only logical to look at the i20 B-segment hatchback – Hyundai’s model of choice in its much-hyped return to WRC. The N moniker makes its debut on said rally contender too, which is pictured here in its full competition livery.

The Hyundai Shell World Rally Team will take on Sebastian Ogier and co. in the 2014 FIA World Rally Championship, which starts with the Rallye Monte-Carlo next month. Driving the lead i20 WRC will be the fast-rising rally star Thierry Neuville, who finished (a distant) second to champion Ogier this year.

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Hafriz Shah

Preferring to drive cars rather than desks, Hafriz Shah ditched his suit and tie to join the ranks of Malaysia’s motoring hacks. A car’s technical brilliance is completely lost on him, appreciating character-making quirks more. When not writing this ego trip of a bio, he’s usually off driving about aimlessly, preferably in a car with the right combination of three foot pedals and six gears.

 

Comments

  • ILoveK5 on Dec 13, 2013 at 4:22 pm

    Good, now go develop an aftermarket turbo kit for the theta 2.0 engine.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 2
  • Fariq on Dec 13, 2013 at 4:42 pm

    Now this’ll be exciting.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 1
  • calcutta on Dec 13, 2013 at 4:43 pm

    oh korean,this has any technology copied from competitor?

    but luckily hyundai is not samsung

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 21
  • Sam Loo on Dec 13, 2013 at 4:55 pm

    Perfect Name

    N=No Resale Value

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 43 Thumb down 41
    • MaYa8888 on Dec 13, 2013 at 5:28 pm

      Hi Mr Sam Loo. Can you name me what model in malaysia have very good resale value?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 19 Thumb down 14
    • usraf on Dec 13, 2013 at 11:39 pm

      who say? i just sold my 2012 1.8 elantra with rm92k

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 15 Thumb down 1
    • SamShowedMeTheHilux on Dec 14, 2013 at 6:57 am

      If its a sushi, it will have great RV
      As long as its not a kimchi, it will have some RV
      If its a KIA, consider driving it into the Klang River

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 11
      • XdeD!CKSam on Dec 14, 2013 at 11:43 pm

        If it is a Hilux, don’t talk about RV. Nobody wants it even you are letting it go for 40k and free full load of sand to mount you. Or perhaps, you should jump into the klang valley first.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 2
  • SohaiBABI on Dec 13, 2013 at 5:23 pm

    Meanwhile at Proton and Perodua…..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 21 Thumb down 3
    • copycating and bullshi;;ing people then claim they have dignity…

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 19 Thumb down 6
    • noob_pinion on Dec 18, 2013 at 1:54 pm

      another rebadge for Proton…clap clap clap

      another version of Myvi with some fancy sticker to justify the higher price…clap clap clap

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • bonbon on Dec 13, 2013 at 5:48 pm

    How is satria Neo rally team? are they still there? To me , i think it will be Suprima S the next proton rally car…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 2
    • Kalun on Dec 13, 2013 at 7:59 pm

      Suprima can’t be a rally car due to size regulation.
      Recommended size for rally is b-segment cars. That’s why Mitsubishi, Subaru, Audi and lancia no more in rally.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • Paulz on Dec 14, 2013 at 12:38 am

    The two new feature cars presented by Volkswagen and Hyundai is a interesting battle for 2014 season with more experience and rookies drivers are signing in compete drivers championship. Meanwhile M-Sport has managed to sign Welshman Elfyn Evans for his first run in wrc car since last British legend Colin McRae. No news wire out from neither Hirvonen and Kubica. If Hirvonen consider going back to his old nest, I’m applaud for ford fiesta power return.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
    • moolastrikes on Dec 14, 2013 at 6:51 pm

      Hirnoven returns, Kubica signed.

      http://www.crash.net/wrc/news/198927/1/hirvonen-returns-home-to-lead-m-sport.html

      http://www.crash.net/wrc/news/198925/1/kubica-steps-up-to-top-level-in-wrc-with-m-sport.html

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • Paulz on Dec 14, 2013 at 1:11 am

    Breaking news….Robert Kubica join M-Sport ford.

    http://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/robert-kubica-confirms-2014-wrc-campaign/

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
 

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