Hyundai N: When Performance Is a Top Priority

The Korean brand's hot-rod division aims to deliver thrills behind the wheel.

Benjamin Hunting | 

Aug 19, 2024 | 2 min read

Hyundai

In-house high performance is big business — and not just for luxury brands. As more and more automakers dive into the go-fast niche to help generate profits, some of the most intriguing vehicles on the market now wear unexpected badges. Such is the case with Hyundai, which has turned heads with its N performance division.

Hyundai

The Origin of Hyundai N

The Korean company has made enormous strides from its roots as a bargain-focused brand, growing to a company capable of not just challenging traditional automotive leaders such as Toyota on quality and styling but also innovation.

Performance evolution came in the early 2010s when the company began to invest more significantly in motorsports, with an eye on translating its racing success into production models.

Positive results in world rally competition led Hyundai to build its N street-performance division around the i30 hatchback, a vehicle that was sold primarily in Europe and in Korea. The i30 N officially arrived in 2017, quickly followed in 2018 by the Veloster N, a vehicle that gave U.S. drivers their first taste of the N formula.

As for the name chosen to represent Hyundai's performance aspirations, the letter N has a few meanings for the company. It's the first letter in Namyang, South Korea, where the automaker's largest testing and development facility is located. Then there's the association Hyundai wants to make with the Nürburgring, the German racetrack synonymous with modern performance vehicles that was used to develop the driving dynamics of N models. The letter also resembles the tight zigzagging turns in a road race.

Hyundai

What Hyundai N Gives You

Hyundai N models offer an excellent mix of speed, handling, and overall performance compared with other versions of the same vehicle in the Hyundai lineup.

Each Hyundai N edition is outfitted with the mightiest drivetrain available for that particular car or SUV. For gas-powered vehicles, that means turbocharging and a free-flowing exhaust system. Transmissions include a mix of dual-clutch automated manuals and three-pedal manual setups. Electronically controlled limited-slip differentials are installed, and brakes and steering are upgraded to handle road-course conditions, as are the vehicle's driving modes.

N's features are not limited to gas-powered vehicles. Hyundai N is one of the few performance divisions outside the luxury sphere to offer a track-ready electric vehicle as part of its lineup, the 2025 Ioniq 5 N.

Hyundai

Hyundai Vehicles That Offer the N Designation

As of 2024, there are two N models available from Hyundai: the Elantra N compact sedan and the Ioniq 5 N electric vehicle.

Benjamin Hunting

Benjamin Hunting is a writer and podcast host who contributes to a number of newspapers, automotive magazines, and online publications. More than a decade into his career, he enjoys keeping the shiny side up during track days and always has one too many classic vehicle projects partially disassembled in his garage at any given time. Remember, if it's not leaking, it's probably empty.