Lexus has F. Fiat-Chrysler has SRT.
Hyundai initially announced the N sub-brand when it launched the i20 WRC back in December 2013, but it will hold a more thorough coming out party in Frankfurt.
The new push into the performance world will be lead by the unveiling of Hyundai’s Vision Gran Turismo Concept, the latest in a long line of concept cars that will only be available in the popular Gran Turismo video game. Hyundai will also show its RM15 concept, essentially mid-engined rethink of its Veloster with almost 300 horsepower and lightweight carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic bodywork.
Hyundai N cuts some 430 lb (195 kg) by using an aluminum spaceframe dressed in carbon fiber body panels, putting weight at 2,778 lb (1,260 kg). Hyundai estimates a 4.7-second 0-62 miles per hour (100 km/h).
Though the pictures are just teasers, the car’s futuristic body shape is clear to see, with sharp angles and curves strewn over an exterior that wouldn’t look too out of place on a future Le Mans prototype grid. Called the Hyundai RM15 concept, it is “suggesting how the Hyundai N driver-focused technologies could come into production”.
Indications are that in a decade’s time – as the 2025 badging reflects – the Koreans could build a proper, Audi R8-style halo sports vehicle for its new division that stands for Namyang, the company’s hometown and proving ground location. It originally planned to compete with the new vehicle this season but later pushed the debut back to 2016, leaving the outgoing i20 WRC to finish out the 2015 season. Both will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Only a single, front photo of the wide and low-slung sports auto has been released so far, showing L-shaped headlights and a wedgy four-point grille ahead of what appears to be a single-seat cockpit.