It’s a rumor that’s existed since the debut of Hyundai’s performance N division — the evential debut of a much hotter Tucson compact crossover to pair with N-badged compacts already heading to customers on both sides of the Atlantic.
Now, a report claims to have the inside scoop on the existence of just such a model. A Tucson boasting at least 340 horsepower is on the way, sources say.
These sources tell Britain’s Auto Express that an N-badged compact crossover will appear within two years, adding that Hyundai is “not interested in making also-ran cars with N badges on them in whatever class they compete.”
That means class-leading horsepower, which, in the European market, means at least 340 hp. An artist’s rendering shows what the current-gen model might look like when gussied up in N clothes. A new chin, side sills, and body-color wheel arches seem likely.
While the first N car on these shores is the Veloster, Europe sees its version of the Elantra GT, the i30, undergo the hot hatch treatment. We get a milder N Line variant, which replaces the Elantra GT Sport for 2019. Will Hyundai bring its Tucson N to America once the performance guys finish working it over?
It would be hard to see company brass making a case against it, as U.S. buyers can’t get enough of the Tucson. The model’s sales rose 24 percent to 142,299 units in 2018, making it the second best-selling nameplate in Hyundai’s stable. Expect to see it reach the No. 1 spot after the Santa Fe becomes a singular model.
Interestingly, the same sources tell Auto Express that the Tucson is only the next in a line of N vehicles, with one described as a “halo” and “brand-changer.” Speculation fuel, for sure.
[Image: Hyundai]
I like this idea :)
Can they cram 3.3l or the 3.8l v6 in the engine bay?
Exactly what I was just thinking. I like the idea for performance crossover but would prefer v6 to a turbo4 with DI
Likely not worth the cost to adapt the 3.3L V6 (getting replaced by a 3.5L) to a transverse set-up.
More likely will see the new 2.5 Theta III engine w/ a greater level of boost.
The whole concept of performance cuv seems a bit of an oxymoron.
More so then a performance truck?
More of the same.
No different than stuffing the big motor into a midsized Pontiac Tempest except that this will probably handle better.
Well, that’s the essence of the Cayenne and Macan.
And (smaller) CUVs are basically lifted hatches.
N all of the Hyundais!
/insert your favorite meme character
Very interesting. If this is kosher hopefully the next Sonata can get the same treatment.
Only problem is, Hyundai AWD isn’t worth a penny
I don’t know anything about Hyundai AWD, but I’m willing to give Albert Biermann a chance.
nels0300,
just go to youtube and see how they get stuck in simple places. You know which car has really good AWD in this class – Tiguan. Even Forester will be jealous. And Hyundai… you should seriously watch this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDEKrkgfs8Y
Now you pushing it. I don’t know so it can go either way. This test was conducted with automatic cars in regular drive mode. So no car will gain advantage of specialized off-road mode.
There are two versions of Hyundai AWD. The one in the north-south cars (Stinger, G70, G80 and big SUV is the same as Jaguar and BMW – it’s Magna’s system relabeled by each manufacturer. It’s pretty damn good.
The usual slip and grip AWD on the transverse engined stuff is no better or worse than Mazda or a host of other cheapo systems used by manufacturers from Ford to Volvo to VW. It’s part-time with a bunch of sensors feeding info as to how hard to squeeze the single inline clutch to transfer some torque to the rear wheels. How that’s tuned is all that separates them in any practical way.
conundrum,
according to the video I posted above, BMWx1 – great, Forester and Tiguan – very good, CX5- good, Rav4 and Tucson – no so good.
But how do you know the performance version of the Tucson is going to have the same AWD tuning as the one in the video?
Also, there are/were two different kinds of AWD in the Forester, the automatics have the reactionary AWD where it doesn’t kick in until it slips, but the manuals, like my wife’s Forester are full time AWD and better than any of the other CUV AWD systems.
If a good AWD system is that important to you even any of the cheap Jeeps or Subaru will be a better choice. I’ve been really happy with the 4WD system in my Escapes and that’s coming off 4 prior Jeeps
The AWD in the Tucson, Santa Fe/SFS, Sorento, Sportage and Kona is DynaMax and it’s supplied by Magna.
Hyundai labels all of the vehicles with AWD as “HTRAC” now.
Hyundai has a more advanced AWD system (also called HTRAC but not the same as the one used for Genesis).
The next gen Sonata will be getting the N-treatment.
So.. 3.3T from G70/G80? :-)
More power, in vehicles with a higher center of gravity than cars; may not end well for everybody.
The Drive posted a pic of a demolished Lambo Urus. Train meet wreck.
Better than the solid axles and leaf springs they used to put under performance cars.
people are till crazy about their 4wd Honda Elements