Next Hyundai i30 N could go electric as performance sub-brand explores cheaper EVs

One of Hyundai’s next high-performance N cars may be a small electric model with learnings and technology derived from the $111,000 Ioniq 5 N.

That’s according to former Hyundai N boss and current Executive Technical Advisor Albert Biermann, speaking to Australian media earlier this week.

“Of course, we would like to do that,” he said when asked about the possibility of a smaller, lighter, single-motor electric N car with rear-wheel drive.

“Now we have E-GMP platform [under the Ioniq 5 N], the next big thing is IMA – Integrated Modular Architecture – which is based on system development, where we tried to utilise systems [common parts] on different platforms.

“We’re intensely looking – what do we have in the pocket, and how do we make a fun machine out of what we have. This process is going on intensely for quite some time because for me, the most important thing is to come up with this smaller, more affordable N car.”

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The IMA electric-car platform was revealed in mid-2023, and will build on the current E-GMP architecture that is restricted to mid- and large-size vehicles.

E-GMP currently underpins the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6 and upcoming Ioniq 7, as well as the EV6 and EV9 from sister-brand Kia, and the Genesis GV60.

Crucially, the IMA platform is designed to be more flexible and “encompasses nearly all vehicle classes, ranging from small and large SUVs to pick-up trucks, along with the flagship models of the Genesis brand”, according to Hyundai.

This could allow Hyundai to build a smaller, more affordable electric car, which could then be given the N treatment as, according to Mr Biermann, the brand’s performance division intends to continue to build off production models rather than produce a standalone vehicle.

“It’s always also a matter of what platform, what’s available?” he said.

“At this point, we couldn’t come to a point where make our own unique N cars stepping away from existing platforms.

“That might happen someday or not, but utilising platforms or architecture in the next generation, the scope of integration is a little bit bigger.”

In previous interviews with Australian media, Mr Biermann has said any smaller