Hyundai Targeting Toyota's Soft Underbelly With New Performance Division?

Hyundai has appointed Albert Biermann to head up the test and development operations for a new line of high-performance Hyundai and Kia models planned for introduction from 2016.

Biermann is the former vice president of engineering at BMW’s M performance car division. He will join the Hyundai Group on 1 April 2015. He will be based at the company’s R&D centre in Namyang in South Korea, where he will oversee a range of engineering projects relating to ride and handling, safety, reliability and NVH (noise, vibration, harshness).

In his new role at Hyundai, the 57-year-old German will be spearheading the development of a new line of high-performance cars as well as providing input to help improve the dynamic capabilities of models across the Hyundai and Kia line-ups.
 

quizz - 12/22/2014 2:41:56 PM

+1 Boost

High performance turbo 4 cylinder engines are where it's at today, but If Hyundai really wants to be forward thinking, start working on high output turbo 3 cylinders now.

Forget the 8 and 6 cylinders - it's a losing proposition for high volume mainstream models.

Agent009 - 12/22/2014 3:06:00 PM

+1 Boost

You are correct. Turbo 3 and 4 cylinders are the future

MDarringer - 12/23/2014 10:58:58 AM

+1 Boost

Hyundai has styling, build quality, and reliability, but the one thing they lack are performance variants that compelling. The Elantra hatchback and sedan--in performance guises--should be targeting the GTI and GLI respectively. The Accent should have a response to the Focus ST, Fiat 500 Abarth, and the Mini Cooper.

This is a great step in the right direction.

A Genesis "M5" should be easy to do.