Hyundai Gets Serious And Decides On A Halo Car For The N Badge Division

Hyundai’s Veloster may be the first to wear the N badge and we’ve already explained it won’t be the last. However, the plot has thickened slightly. The new division won’t be limited to peppering existing models with enhanced powertrains and sport-inspired accessories, it’s eventually going to have its own halo car.

Thomas Schemera, who was appointed head of Hyundai’s new high performance and motorsport division earlier this year, is claiming that the Veloster N is only “the first phase of N vehicles.” But he isn’t talking about the future N-Line, which is to be comprised of gently tweaked Hyundai cars. Apparently, the group is developing a halo performance model to show off what the sporting division can really do.

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MDarringer - 7/23/2018 10:04:53 AM

-4 Boost

Everybody is doing a supercar so why not? Lordy!

This will be like Acura that does the NSX than is a multiple in cost of the next most expensive Acura for a brand that is totally devoid of any performance.

I'd be more supportive if they targeted the Stingray because that would be a much more telling move.

MDarringer - 7/23/2018 11:03:44 AM

-4 Boost

My point precisely with Acura.

Hyundai or Acura, neither brand has an iota of sport that a halo car would be the logical progression from. A brand perception of performance comes from the bottom up.

For example, the perception that VWs are fun to drive was largely created by the GTI, the GLI, and some niche products (Scirocco 16V / Corrado VR6).

If Hyundai had already demonstrated its performance with say a Veloster N, Elantra N, or Tucson N that resonated with the public and was creating a groundswell of performance awareness, then a halo car that is reachable in the product line makes sense.

The Corvette has always been Chevy's halo car and the Corvette has always been attainable. It is the perfect model to follow. The LFA/GTR/NSX model is laughable the wrong thing to do.

MDarringer - 7/23/2018 1:02:15 PM

-4 Boost

Honda has racing credentials but NONE of that is present in their cars with the lone exception of the Civic SI and the NSX.

MDarringer - 7/23/2018 1:49:00 PM

-4 Boost

OK so prove me wrong. Aside from the Civic SI and the NSX where is this amazing racing DNA in Honda/Acura cars? Is it in the plastic wheel covers?

MDarringer - 7/23/2018 2:00:30 PM

-3 Boost

As I thought. You can't name any performance Honda or Acura model other than the Civic Si and the NSX. Thank you for proving my point.

PS: You look like the idiot, son.

And if arguing isn't on your agenda, why do you do it? #Hypocrite #liar

countguy - 7/23/2018 11:17:48 AM

+5 Boost

lmao

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 7/23/2018 10:49:27 PM

+2 Boost

They should go for it. Have in N division. Make hot rods. Have an F1 team. Go to Le Mans and compete in LMP1. Bring your billions and your balls and have at it. It amazes me that Ferrari or McLaren can have an F1 team but Toyota dropped out or cost reasons. Perhaps not really winning much or at all too... Better to be there and be better.