There's Still Hope for a Hyundai Supercar: Recent Updates

There’s Still Hope for a Hyundai Supercar: Recent Updates

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In September, Albert Biermann, Hyundai’s president (and former head of the Hyundai N division), revealed to Top Gear the existence of a mid-engine supercar project that was shelved. However, at the Canadian International Auto Show, Hyundai’s design chief, Hak Soo Ha, indicated to Car Scoops that the idea of a supercar is not entirely abandoned.

“There have been significant efforts underway,” Ha mentioned to CS. “However, the feasibility from an economic standpoint, the product planning, the choice of platform, the powertrain – these are all still under consideration.”

Initially, cost was cited as the main obstacle by Biermann in the potential development of a Hyundai supercar. The original vision entailed a bespoke carbon tub chassis housing a mid-engine setup that could incorporate hybrid or hydrogen fuel cell technologies. However, the projected cost of $150,000 or more was deemed prohibitive for a Hyundai.

The original aspiration was for the supercar to emulate the impact of Honda’s NSX for Hyundai. Nonetheless, this initiative was paused to refocus on developing more accessible high-performance vehicles like the Veloster N.

While cost remains a concern, the notion of a Hyundai supercar remains open. While the likelihood of its realization may be slim and appears ambitious, the prospect is promising.

One might understand Hyundai’s hesitance in investing heavily in a high-end supercar that may not find a significant market. Honda had a strong motorsport background supporting the NSX, which helped justify its value (the association with Ayrton Senna also boosted its appeal). Hyundai, lacking a similar motorsport heritage to Honda in the ’90s, may face skepticism from customers at a $150,000 price point, as they might prefer established alternatives like the Porsche 911 GT3, Corvette Z06, or Audi R8.

An intriguing possibility could involve badging the supercar under the Genesis brand, akin to how Honda marketed the NSX as an Acura in the U.S. The Genesis moniker has gained prominence in the luxury sector, with models like the Genesis G70, GV70, and G80 earning accolades from both reviewers and buyers. A potential supercar could elevate Genesis’s status, mirroring the impact of the R8 for Audi, establishing it as a credible high-performance marque beyond luxury sedans and SUVs. Despite it being an inopportune time for a mid-engine supercar release with the industry shifting towards electric vehicles, a hybrid powertrain could enhance its eco-friendly profile for better reception.

Presently, the prospects for such a venture appear dim. Nonetheless, speculating about the potential unveiling of a Hyundai (or Genesis) supercar is certainly thrilling.

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