The Hyundai N division is far from taking a pause after laying the groundwork for the Korean automaker’s foray into accessible high performance and subsequently releasing the impressive i30N before proceeding to its offshoots, the i30N Fastback and Veloster N.
Next on their target list is the wider Hyundai portfolio, and it seems the first to enter their crosshairs is the popular Tucson crossover. According to AutoExpress, the N division, under the guiding eye of BMW M veteran Albert Biermann who has recently been promoted to head up research and development for the wider Hyundai Motor Group, overseeing Kia as well.
Nevertheless, the team in place are envisioning (and probably already well into development of) a Tucson will enough power and dynamic endowments to take on the likes of the venerable Audi SQ5 as well as the BMW X3 M40i, at least in terms of pure pace.
This hypothetical Tucson N will likely not standup to scrutiny against those contenders in the more subtle attributes to luxury high performance (especially on luxury), such as interior opulence and on-road sophistication, but it should be close enough to satisfy most people. More realistically, the closer competitors to the Tucson N will be the likes of the Ford Edge ST and the upcoming Volkswagen T-Roc R.
In terms of the specifics that make up this new performance crossover’s arsenal, sources are not telling, however a rough power figure of 250kW was thrown in along with a century sprint time below six seconds, which seems conservative give that the larger and rear-driven Stinger can manage in 4.9 seconds.
Speaking of which, because the output seems to mirror that of the Kia, we are assuming Hyundai be intending to slot in the same 3.3-litre turbocharged V6, possibly even with the same tune as the aforementioned six-cylinder Stinger.
Typical for sportier variants of existing models, expect to be unveiled replete with a lowered suspension, larger wheels and brakes, and more aggressive bodywork which may or may not significantly contribute to downforce generation or high speed stability.
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