Hyundai N

Hyundai Motor Group has partnered with Rimac Automobili to develop an electric version of its upcoming N Performance mid-engined sports car, along with a high-performance fuel-cell car. Hyundai and Kia (the Hyundai Motor Group) will invest €80 million ($129.45 million) in Rimac Automobili, as part of a technical partnership that'll see the two high-performance, low-emissions sports cars lob in 2020.

Albert Biermann, the recently appointed head of research and development for the Hyundai Motor Group, told reporters the company was planning a "surprise" at next week's Detroit motor show.

Hyundai Motor Europe has revealed the i30 Fastback N Line overnight, bringing N-inspired looks and equipment to its four-door coupe, in line with the similar package it already offers on the related hatchback. Offering the look and feel of the all-out i30 Fastback N without the all-out performance, the N Line trim level is available with the regular version's engine range, which includes a 1.0-litre three-pot turbo petrol, along with a 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol.

Hyundai has confirmed the i30 N hot hatch will gain a dual-clutch transmission option in late-2019, potentially accompanied by the entry-level variant not currently offered in Australia. According to Andrew Tuitahi, senior product manager for Hyundai Australia, described the decision to launch with only the Performance-spec i30 N as a "statement of intent", but said the range will continue evolving.