What Is Hyundai’s New “N” Brand?
On the path to becoming the “most respected performance manufacturer,” the Hyundai N Brand is a division of Hyundai creating high-performance and practical lifestyle vehicles. While the N brand originally put out sportier models with top-notch hardware for use by Hyundai’s race teams, the N brand has been expanded to bring these premium vehicles to the masses. The first vehicle to receive the N Line treatment was the Velostar in 2019, but now, Hyundai is expanding it to models across its lineup.
Meaning of the “N”
To begin to understand the purpose of the N Brand, it is first important to understand where the “N” comes from. Hyundai consistently cites three simultaneous meanings for the moniker. First, Hyundai says the “N” stands for Namyang, a global R&D center in Korea where the idea for the N Brand first originated. Second, the “N” references Nürburgring, a famous track in Germany that Hyundai uses at its European Test Center. Third and finally, Hyundai holds that the “N” logo is symbolic for a twisting road course chicane.
Hyundai’s Vision for the N Brand
Olabsisi Boyle, Hyundai’s Vice President of Product Planning and Mobility Strategy, said, “The N brand vision is to become the world’s most respected manufacturer in terms of performance. Our goal is to get the hearts of our customers racing and keep them there.”
With the N Brand, Hyundai is not merely aiming for speed but rather an increased performance that is accessible to non-professional drivers. Hyundai expects that with the Elantra, for example, the N Line will make up to five-to-ten percent of all Elantra Sales. Still, the N Brand is expected to expand the market for Hyundai vehicles to younger customers.
Hyundai Models with the N Brand
Currently, Hyundai offers three models for which the N Brand is available. In addition to the Velostar N, two models have an N Line model: the Elantra N Line and the Sonata N Line. Recently, Hyundai has previewed Elantra N, Tucson N Line, and other N editions in the SUV segment. By 2022, Hyundai hopes to have seven N Brand models available for customers (three N models and four N Line models).
N versus the N Line
While both are a part of the N Brand, there are some differences between an N and an N Line model. In general, N models feature sportier exteriors, refined powertrains, and tuned suspensions and exhaust systems. On the other hand, N Line vehicles typically have a lower level of performance enhancements.
Take the Elantra, for example, While the 2021 Elantra N Line has a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 201 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque, the Elantra N features a more impressive 2.0-liter turbocharged engine capable of producing 276 horsepower and 289 lb.-ft. of torque. Though slightly less enhanced than the N, the Elantra N Line features several more premium features over the base Elantra, including larger front brake rotors, better standard tires, and a stiffer suspension.
Hyundai Near Me
As your Kenosha Hyundai dealer, Scott Levy’s Rosen Hyundai Kenosha offers a wide selection of the new and used Hyundai vehicles, including the N Brand Hyundai models. Your search for a “Hyundai near me” ends here. Visit Rosen Hyundai Kenosha to learn more about the N Brand or schedule a test drive today!
