Hyundai N Could Build A Porsche Cayman Rival

After leaving his role as head of BMW's M division, Albert Biermann joined Hyundai in 2015 to create the high-performance N division. Hyundai wasn't renowned for its performance cars at the time, but theHyundai Veloster Ntransformed the brand. Nobody expected Hyundai to build a true hot hatchback that could rival established competitors like theVolkswagen Golf GTI.

Looking ahead, Hyundai has huge ambitions for the N performance division. Speaking toEvo, Biermann hinted that Hyundai N could build a new mid-engined sports car to rival Porsche. "All N cars need to be sensibly priced relative to whatever rivals they are in competition with. But as you'll see in the near future, there are no specific financial limits to what kind of cars we will make," said Biermann.

“如果我认为这是正确的时间mid-engined N car that can rival a Porsche, and when we think it's the right time to make that car, we will make it. It's that simple. Maybe the powertrain might be a bit different to a conventional Porsche's, but philosophically there are no limits. As I say, we really are just at the beginning." This wouldn't be the first time Hyundai N has built a mid-engine car, however.

Last November, the performance division presented theRM19, a mid-engine prototype with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 390 horsepower, which is sent through a six-speed sequential gearbox.