Hyundai teases N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo 'sustainable' race car concept
Futuristic race car concept will likely only make tracks in the virtual world of Gran Turismo, but its highlighting of Hyundai's long-promised N performance sub-brand has real-world importance.
Unlike many other auto makers, Hyundai doesn't have a sub-brand under which to sell higher-performance variants. Mercedes-Benz has AMG, Nissan has Nismo, Cadillac has V, but with the notable exceptions of its sporty Genesis Coupe and Veloster models, the Korean automaker has generally stayed out of faster waters. That may be about to change.
Hyundai has just announced that its long-promised N sub-brand will be showcased at September's Frankfurt Motor Show. N, which has thus far only existed in a motorsports context (largely in its World Rally Championship racing efforts) will feature prominently in a future-think race car concept on its display at the German show.
While remaining largely mum on details, Hyundai has released a pair of Batmobile-like teaser images, noting that the concept, dubbed Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo, "highlights sustainable technology and race car design, truly representing the future potential of Hyundai N." Given the term "sustainable," it's likely the car will feature alternative fuel power, perhaps a form of hybrid or pure electric technology.
The N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo will be revealed alongside a prototype for Hyundai's next-generation i20 hatchback-based rally car that will be campaigned in next year's WRC. Hyundai will also show its RM15 concept, essentially midengined rethink of its Veloster with nearly 300 horsepower and lightweight carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic bodywork. The hot hatchback initially debuted at April's Seoul Motor Show.
If you're hoping to see a version of the N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo in your local dealer sitting fender-to-fender with the next Sonata , don't hold your breath. It's very likely a car that will live only on the auto show circuit and in the popular Playstation driving simulator, Gran Turismo, where it will become the latest in a growing lineup of show cars turned video game stars. However, with all this attention lavished upon it, and with sales of high-performance, high-profit sports cars on a tear globally, Hyundai's N sub-brand is almost certain to bear production-model fruit soon.
