The company's recent hiring strategy makes clear where its ambitions lie. It poached Albert Biermann, formerly chief engineer for BMW M, to head up the N division. The first product to emerge from that division will be an N version of the front-drive i30 hatchback, primarily aimed at Europe; but after conversations with Biermann and other senior Hyundai executives, we expect that the second will be an N-tuned version of the upcoming Genesis G70 coupe.
The G70, of course, is the smaller (and as yet unseen) sedan that will slot below the existing G80 and the recently launched G90 in the Genesis lineup, and which will spawn a sportier two-door sibling. Biermann describes the G70 as being a "whole new animal" compared to the other cars, sharing their rear-drive layout but with a new platform and "different axle concepts." He adds, "This will be more on the sporty side already in the normal version, so you [can] expect [a] really nice-handling car. . . . That platform is good for a lot of power."
Where might that power come from? Genesis has the Tau 5.0-liter V-8 to call upon, but Biermann indicates it's unlikely to be used in the G70. Instead, the newly launched 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 is more likely, although tuned to deliver considerably more than the 365 horsepower claimed for it in the G80; we'd be surprised if it couldn't either match or beat the M4's 425 horsepower.
Hyundai is determined to add excitement to its reputation for value and dependability. A Genesis G70 N coupe could certainly do that.
