Hyundai IONIQ N on the cards

Hyundai has announced it will launch at least two more N performance models and is considering developing its first pure-electric hatch.

In an interview with

However, in addition to the Veloster N, which is under consideration for Australia, Biermann said a fourth N model has already been budgeted for in his long-term plan for the performance brand.

The mystery fourth car is likely to be an SUV but, according to the company's head of vehicle testing and high-performance development, Hyundai is now considering adding another surprise model, bringing the total number of N models to five.

"There's a car within the next two or three months that we probably have a chance to show to vice-chairman Chung [Eui-sun] and our top management," Biermann told the newswire, adding: "Depending on what is the current mood and situation, we might get a spontaneous 'OK, go for it'."

If given the go-ahead, the former BMW M boss says his team would be capable of coming up with a car in a "pretty short time", depending on the segment.

Admitting the i30 Fastback N wasn't originally part of the plan, Biermann said the project was rapidly green-lit once Hyundai-Kia design chief Peter Schreyer showed his colleague a mock-up of the design.

In the interview with Automotive News, Biermann says his division team of engineers and designers are already investigating what alternative drivetrain could best power an electrified N model.

"When we think of cars after 2021 for N, I think we cannot avoid electrification," he said. "We will have an EV sooner or later. It's just a matter of timing."

When asked what model that could be based on, Biermann replied: "As an example, we have an IONIQ EV.

"Were we to find a nice battery, a bigger motor and inverter, we could make an IONIQ EV N with a nice chassis and more power," the performance boss said, adding: "Something like that is not fully crazy."

Interestingly, in the interview Biermann was quick to dismiss a hydrogen fuel-cell-powered hot hatch as he's convinced those powertrains would not produce enough power. The N boss also voiced concerns over using untested tech: "We don't want to take too much risk there."

Finally, Biermann disclosed that despite a feasibility study taking place for a Genesis G70 N, the project is now unlikely to go ahead following the premium car-maker's split from Hyundai to become a premium brand in its own right.