Despite the growing shift toward electrification, Hyundai N brand boss Joon Park has clarified that it is not transitioning into an all-electric performance division in an interview with AutoCar. While the upcoming debut of the high-performance IONIQ 6 N at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed marks a major milestone in Hyundai’s EV strategy, the brand insists its future will include diverse powertrain options, not just electric vehicles.
Hyundai N Brand: More Than Just Electric Performance
In response to rising speculation, a Hyundai N official recently addressed the narrative surrounding the brand’s direction.
“There is a perception that Hyundai N focuses only on the electric vehicle market between the media and some fans,” the official said in an Autocar interview.
“We will release IONIQ 6 N at the Goodwood Festival, but it is not limited to electric vehicles. We are considering various proposals including electric cars. The most important thing for N brand is imagination and courage.”
This statement reflects Hyundai N’s commitment to innovation, not limitation. The brand aims to explore a range of high-performance solutions, including internal combustion engines (ICE), hybrids, EREVs (extended-range EVs), and even hydrogen fuel cell technologies.
Strategic Flexibility in a Changing Market
While the launch of the IONIQ 5 N and now the IONIQ 6 N signals Hyundai’s push into the EV performance space, this does not mean the end of gasoline-powered N cars. In fact, certain N models with ICE powertrains may continue, especially in markets where EV adoption is still evolving.
Hyundai N’s flexible approach contrasts with brands opting for full electrification, signaling that Hyundai sees value in maintaining multiple performance platforms to suit varying consumer needs and regulatory environments.
The Hyundai i30 N was one of the vehicles affected
Emissions Regulations Driving Change – But Not Total Abandonment
Due to stricter European emissions standards, Hyundai has pulled models like the i20 N and i30 N from the market. This led to assumptions that Hyundai would shift entirely to EVs under the N badge, similar to Kia’s GT strategy. However, Hyundai’s recent comments challenge this assumption, suggesting internal combustion and hybrid performance models are still on the table.
Meanwhile, the company is also investing in next-gen propulsion systems, including EREVs and hydrogen-based solutions, as shown in the N Vision 74 concept car — a hydrogen-electric hybrid designed to merge sustainability with raw performance.
IONIQ 6 N: A High-Performance EV That Doesn’t Define the Brand
The Ioniq 6 N, set to debut on July 10 at the Goodwood Festival, showcases Hyundai’s capabilities in electric performance engineering. With aggressive styling and motorsport-inspired technology, it will draw global attention. However, it represents only one part of a much broader N brand vision.
Hyundai N’s true mission, according to its leadership, is to remain bold, experimental, and performance-focused — regardless of the power source.
Conclusion: Hyundai N Brand Prioritizes Performance, Not Powertrain
Hyundai N’s strategy is clear: while electric vehicles are a growing part of the portfolio, the brand will not abandon other powertrains. Whether it’s ICE, hybrid, EREV, or hydrogen, Hyundai N will continue to innovate across the performance spectrum.
The upcoming Ioniq 6 N debut at Goodwood is just one chapter in this evolving story — one that proves high performance doesn’t have to be one-size-fits-all.
