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It appears that Chevrolet and its C8 Corvette are not the only brands venturing into the mid-engined arena. Hyundai has long been known to be developing a mid-engine flagship car for its N performance division. Recent sightings of a test mule navigating the Nürburgring suggest that work on the project is progressing rapidly, featuring an engine located behind the passenger compartment.
To see the Hyundai prototype in action, skip to around 0:45.
At first glance, the vehicle may resemble a Veloster N TCR racer, but a closer inspection reveals it features large air intakes where the rear windows would normally be. These intakes are critical for a rear-engine layout, distinguishing this prototype from an actual Veloster N TCR, which does not have them.
Previous reports have suggested that the upcoming performance car from Korea will be a hybrid, a notion seemingly validated by Hyundai’s $90 million investment in Croatian electric hypercar manufacturer Rimac earlier this year. This collaboration with Rimac, known for its expertise in electrified performance, comes alongside the hiring of key personnel such as former Ford Focus RS engineer Tyrone Johnson and Lamborghini Murcielago designer Luc Donckerwolke, who are believed to be crucial in developing this mid-engine model.
Additionally, Hyundai may also be working on an all-electric race car set to make its debut in Frankfurt next month; however, the audible engine noise from the prototype leads us to question that assumption.
If this prototype ultimately becomes Hyundai N’s high-performance road car, it will join the ranks of mid-engine exotics, alongside the unique Lamborghini Huracans, available at Hyundai dealerships.
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