Hyundai’s high-performance N division is making waves in the automotive world with ambitious plans for an all-wheel drive performance machine. The Korean manufacturer is currently developing a potent new vehicle that could shake up the hot hatch segment and challenge established European rivals.
The Heart of Innovation: New Dual-Clutch Technology
The cornerstone of Hyundai’s performance strategy revolves around their upcoming eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This advanced gearbox represents a significant leap forward for the brand, designed to handle extreme performance demands while delivering the seamless shifts that enthusiasts crave.
What makes this transmission special isn’t just its technology, but how Hyundai is testing it. The Korean automaker is putting their new gearbox through rigorous trials using a 300kW all-wheel drive development vehicle – a car that pushes boundaries far beyond what most customers will ever experience.
Extreme Testing for Everyday Performance
Andrew Tuitahi, Hyundai Australia’s senior manager of product planning, explains the philosophy behind their testing approach. The transmission must withstand abuse far beyond normal powertrain targets. This means engineering a system that can handle track-day punishment while remaining reliable for daily driving.
The development process involves benchmarking against every high-performance dual-clutch transmission available, from supercar applications down to family vehicles. This comprehensive approach ensures Hyundai’s system meets the highest standards in the industry.
Target in Sight: European Competition
Hyundai’s ambitious AWD project aims to compete directly with established performance leaders like the Volkswagen Golf R and Mercedes-AMG A45. These vehicles currently dominate the premium hot hatch segment, but Hyundai believes they can offer compelling alternatives.
The inspiration for this project may trace back to the 2016 RN30 concept, which showcased a 280kW all-wheel drive super hatch design. While that concept remained on the show circuit, it demonstrated Hyundai’s serious intentions in the performance space.
Power and Precision Combined
The development vehicle’s 300kW output puts it firmly in supercar territory, though production versions will likely offer more manageable power levels. This approach allows engineers to ensure their systems can handle extreme conditions while providing headroom for future developments.
Current Success Drives Future Ambitions
The motivation for this AWD project stems from the remarkable success of existing N models. The i30 N hatch became a sell-out success in Australia, with demand consistently outstripping supply. Over 11,000 units have been sold globally, proving there’s strong appetite for Korean performance cars.
Building on Proven Foundations
The i30 N and i30 Fastback N have established Hyundai’s credibility in the performance segment. Around 800 units were sold in Australia during the first year alone, creating a solid foundation for expanding the N lineup.
This success story provides confidence for developing more ambitious projects, including the mysterious AWD performance car currently in development.
Production Timeline and Market Impact
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Transmission Launch | Late 2019 (announced), likely 2020 (production) |
| Development Power | 300kW (400hp) |
| Target Competitors | VW Golf R, Mercedes-AMG A45 |
| Current N Sales | 11,000+ units globally |
| Australian i30 N Sales | ~800 units (first year) |
| Drivetrain Configuration | All-wheel drive (development car) |
The new dual-clutch transmission will debut first on existing i30 N models before potentially appearing in the mysterious AWD performance car. This staged rollout allows Hyundai to refine the technology while building customer confidence.
Strategic Product Planning
Hyundai’s approach involves layering different N experiences across their lineup. The dual-clutch transmission represents just one element of a broader strategy that includes special editions, enhanced models, and entirely new performance variants.
The company expects significant sales increases when the automatic transmission becomes available, as it will appeal to customers who prefer not to drive manual transmissions in daily traffic.
The Future of Korean Performance
While Hyundai remains coy about specific details regarding their AWD performance car, the commitment is clear. The question isn’t whether such a vehicle will appear, but rather which model will receive this treatment first.
The development could result in a high-performance SUV like the rumored Tucson N, or perhaps an ultra-potent version of the i30 N designed to match European super hatches. Either direction would represent a significant step forward for Korean automotive performance.
Hyundai’s methodical approach to performance development, combined with their proven success in the segment, suggests this AWD project could genuinely challenge established European dominance in the hot hatch category.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will the new dual-clutch transmission be available?
A: Originally planned for late 2019, the transmission is more likely to launch in production vehicles during 2020.
Q: Will the AWD performance car be an SUV or hatch?
A: Hyundai hasn’t confirmed the specific model, but both a performance SUV and AWD hatch are possible directions.
Q: How powerful will the production AWD car be?
A: While the development car produces 300kW, production versions will likely offer more manageable power levels for everyday use.
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