Hyundai Teases Two N Models, Including a Mystery Sports Car

We may still be mourning the recent announcement that the lovely Hyundai Veloster N hot hatch is being discontinued, but that isn’t stopping the Korean automaker from moving on. Two new high-performance N models have been teased for a July 15 reveal, with cryptic hints about the future and two images to whet our appetites.

The first image teases a Performance Blue model at a race track, and despite being blurred, it would seem to be an upcoming N performance trim of the brand’s Ioniq 5 SUV. Previous spy photos captured of a development model, via MotorAuthority, appear to show the Ioniq 5 N has been in the works, and we can expect lowered suspension, upgraded brakes, and possibly new wheel designs among other potential upgrades for the stylishly boxy EV. An Instagram post seemed to confirm one of the teased vehicles might be an N version of the recently revealed Ioniq 6.

And then there’s the teaser image released by Hyundai that is much more of a mystery. The image shows a long, low car all covered up, but clearly featuring a large rear spoiler that’s nearly as tall as the car itself and a jutting front splitter. At this point we’re just guessing, but this doesn’t appear to fit the shape of an existing Elantra or Sonata, and instead looks to be something potentially all-new for the N brand. Hyundai has played with mid-engine concepts in the past, so this could be a further development of that technology, if it’s not another EV.

The image is captioned, “Envisioning the future of N with legacy,” so this could be a “legacy” combustion powered car, or possibly a some sort of retro racing concept – perhaps Hyundai will upgrade a model from its past with N goodies, much like how it’s electrified classics such as its Pony and Grandeur as part of its Heritage Series. Perhaps it’s an all-new race car for a specific series the brand plans to enter, or it could be some sort of Vision concept not intended for production.

What’s fun about Hyundai right now is the fact that the brand could convincingly present any number of potential sports car concepts, and each would be just as exciting as any other. We’ll find out what they have planned on the upcoming scheduled “N Day” on July 15, when both models will be revealed in full.