A hot new version of the Genesis GV60 is just around the corner, thanks to the company’s new Magma division. While it’ll share a lot of its components with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and Kia EV6 GT, Genesis insists that the spicy EV will have a character all to its own, thanks in part to some trick software.

The new GV60 Magma has been developed in Korea, but moving forward, all other Magma cars will be developed and tuned by the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center near Frankfurt, Germany. Tyrone Johnson is heading up this facility, and given that he played a pivotal role in the creation of the last Ford Focus RS, he’s the perfect man for the job.

Read: Genesis Says Its New Hybrids Will Surprise You

While recently speaking with Top Gear, Johnson noted that Magma models developed in Germany will start to hit the market in 2027, including versions based on the GV80 and G80. He also acknowledged that Magma’s electric models will be designed as more sophisticated and luxurious than the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.

“N is ‘corner rascal,’” he said. “A Magma isn’t about the track, although it will be track capable. It’s a more sophisticated, luxurious driving machine. It has to be about power, and changes to motors and engines are important. But it doesn’t have to be the most powerful [in its class]. It needs sufficient power. Weight is always important. It’s independent of luxury. You have to have weight in focus, partly because range is important and you get diminishing returns with a larger, heavier battery.”

The Software Revolution

Johnson added that throughout most of his 40-year career in the automotive industry, separating one car from another “was all mechanical engineering.” Now he said, “it’s all software,” adding that it is now possible to “fundamentally change a car with software.” Presumably, this means the GV60 Magma, as well as other Magma products, will have different software to vehicles from Hyundai’s N division, giving them unique driving characteristics.

In all likelihood, the GV60 Magma will feature the same dual electric motors and 84 kWh battery pack as the Ioniq 5 N. As such, it should pump out more than 600 hp, and be capable of hitting 62 mph (100 km/h) in the low-3-second range.

Hyundai’s electric ambitions in China aren’t slowing down. In fact, they’re only just getting started. Just months after the debut of the Elexio SUV through its partnership with BAIC, reports suggest the automaker is already preparing a new all-electric sedan for the Chinese market. The move appears aimed at drawing buyers away from established favorites like the Tesla Model 3, Xiaomi SU7, and BYD Qin Plus.

Design Direction

At this stage, official details are almost nonexistent. Hyundai hasn’t released any images or teasers, leaving the look of the sedan open to speculation. What seems likely, however, is that the design will chart its own path. The Elexio’s styling differs significantly from Hyundai’s global EV lineup, so the sedan may also adopt a distinct appearance, possibly with cues borrowed from its SUV sibling.

Read: Hyundai’s New Electric SUV Skips Physical Buttons Nearly Entirely For Massive Screen

If that’s the case, then the new electric sedan likely won’t share much in common with the Ioniq 6 and its streamlined shape, which has proven to be very controversial and likely continues to contribute to mediocre sales figures. Hyundai would be wise to adopt a more traditional three-box sedan shape, perhaps complete with similar headlights and taillights to the Elexio.

In all likelihood, the new sedan will utilize the same E-GMP architecture as the Elexio, as well as pretty much every other EV from Hyundai, Genesis, and Kia. This setup allows for single- and dual-motor options, as well as multiple battery configurations to target a wider audience.

The interior could also lean on the Elexio for inspiration, which ditches the “traditional” digital gauge cluster for a tiny screen positioned towards the base of the windscreen. It also features a widescreen display encompassing the central infotainment system and an area dedicated to the passenger.

According to Autohome, Hyundai plans to launch its Chinese-market electric sedan in the first half of 2026, with customer deliveries scheduled to begin in September of the same year.

Following months of rumors, General Motors and Hyundai have officially announced plans for five co-developed vehicles. However, many of them are destined for Central and South America.

The companies were tight-lipped on specifics, but confirm plans for a compact car, a compact crossover, and a compact truck. There will also be a mid-size pickup, whose development will be led by GM. Hyundai will take the lead for the remaining vehicles and all of them will have the “flexibility to use either internal combustion or hybrid propulsion systems.”

More: GM And Hyundai Want To Make Cars Together, Sign Agreement To Explore Opportunities

The only model for North America is an electric commercial van. Rumors have suggested GM could get a version of the Hyundai ST1 or Kia PV5 to serve as a successor to the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana.

If everything goes according to plan, the companies could sell more than 800,000 co-developed vehicles annually. The automakers added that while the vehicles will have a lot in common, each version will have “unique interiors and exteriors consistent with their respective brands.”

Design and development is already underway, and models built for Central and South America will be launched in 2028. The commercial van could arrive as early as 2028 and will be built in America.

Aside from new models, the companies are planning “joint sourcing initiatives in North and South America for materials, transport, and logistics.” They’re also eyeing other areas of collaboration including on raw materials, components, low-carbon emissions steel, and “complex systems.”

Hyundai CEO José Muñoz said the “strategic collaboration with GM will help us continue to deliver value and choice to our customers across multiple vehicle segments and markets. Our combined scale in North and South America helps us to more efficiently provide our customers more of what they want – beautifully designed, high-quality, safety focused vehicles with technology they appreciate.”

Those sentiments were echoed by GM senior vice president Shilpan Amin, who said “By partnering together, GM and Hyundai will bring more choice to our customers faster, and at lower cost. These first co-developed vehicles clearly demonstrate how GM and Hyundai will leverage our complementary strengths and combined scale.”

In a glorified blog post, Amin said the commercial van will be a “smaller sibling” to the Chevrolet BrightDrop EVs. He added the partnership makes a lot of sense as the companies can reduce costs, streamline manufacturing, and launch new vehicles faster by teaming up.

Amin went on to say the collaboration will enable GM to broaden their lineup. This is a not so subtle hint that going alone on an electric commercial van wouldn’t make much sense, especially after BrightDrop’s dismal failure.

Of course, GM is no stranger to van collaborations as the company used to offer the Chevrolet City Express. It was a rebadged Nissan NV200, which saw lackluster demand and was discontinued in 2018.

As the federal electric vehicle tax credit approaches its end, some buyers are moving quickly to take advantage of it. They’ve made that clear in a recent swelling of purchases for the Hyundai Ioniq 5. The retro-futuristic hatchback just saw a gigantic boost in sales during July. In fact, the brand had a great month overall.

More: Porsche Fast-Tracks New Compact SUV With Gas And Hybrid Power

When we say a huge boost, we’re talking about a 70 percent jump in sales compared to July of 2024. 5,818 people bought an Ioniq 5 in July of 2025. In other words, Hyundai sold almost eight (7.8) of them for every hour of every day of the month, nonstop. For the year, the Ioniq 5 is up 12 percent. Hyundai itself is up 11 percent this year, but let’s break that down further.

Mixed Results Across the Lineup

Most models are either up or down by two digits. For example, in the first seven months of the year, the Santa Cruz and Kona are down 20 and 13 percent, respectively. Their downturns aren’t enough to snuff out the success of other badges, though. The Venue is up 14 percent year over year. The Palisade was up 53 percent in July and is up 13 percent for the year. Both are dwarfed in total sales by the Tucson, which is up 20 percent for the year with 129,716 sales.

“Hyundai delivered an outstanding July, setting an all-time July total sales record with 79,543 units, up 15% year-over-year,” said Randy Parker, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor North America.

HYUNDAI US SALES

“We achieved new records across multiple nameplates, including Elantra HEV, Elantra N, Santa Fe HEV, Palisade, IONIQ 5, and the Santa Fe family, while electrified vehicle sales surged 50% compared to last year. Retail sales climbed 18%, highlighted by strong demand for Santa Fe and Palisade, and a 71% jump in IONIQ 5 retail sales. These results reflect Hyundai’s momentum in sustainable mobility and our ability to deliver an innovative lineup that continues to resonate with customers.”

Interestingly, the Ioniq 5 is a real outlier among the family. It’s the only EV under the Hyundai Motor Group to be outpacing sales when compared to 2024. Technically, the Ioniq 9 is also, but that’s only because it wasn’t on sale last year. That said, the Ioniq 6, Kia EV9, and Kia EV6 are all struggling to match the sales figures they saw in 2024. 

Electric vehicles don’t drive around with half a bathtub worth of flammable liquid slung beneath the rear seat, but it seems they’re even more likely to present a fire risk. The latest automaker to issue a fire-related recall is Hyundai, which is telling some of its EV owners not to park near other cars or buildings until they’ve had some important repair work done to their cars.

Also: Hyundai’s Fastest Electric Sedan Can Drift And Snarl Like A Gas Car While Hitting 62 In 3.2

The advice – which is easier said than done for people who live anywhere near civilization – applies only to a small number of owners of MY25 Ioniq 5s. Hyundai estimates 10 of the EVs are equipped with batteries whose bus bars weren’t correctly tightened, leading to a risk of a short circuit which could in turn cause a fire.

What Went Wrong

A busbar is a metal strip, usually made from copper or aluminum, that connects the individual cells that make up a battery pack. A neat description from Ennvoi says the battery is the heart of an EV and the busbars are the blood vessels that send electrical current through the car’s various systems.

Hyundai believes a torque tool controller belonging to the Battery System Assembly (BSA) supplier failed, resulting in some bus bars being insufficiently tightened. The error was discovered a routine inspection of battery packs and an audit revealed some of those dodgy batteries has already made their way into delivered cars.

Although no accidents or fires have yet been reported, Hyundai cautions that over time the bus bar retaining bolts could work loose and cause an electrical arcing inside the battery pack. It could also trigger a voltage sensing error that would send the EV into limp mode.

What Affected Owners Should Do

Those 10 rogue Ioniq 5s will need to head back to a dealership to have their bus bar bolts tightened. Hyundai says owners can continue driving until they get the fix, but recommends they think carefully about where they park between now and when they get the all-clear.

Kia has introduced a slew of affordable electric vehicles including the EV3 and EV4. The company has also shown an EV2 concept, which is headed for production.

Hyundai, on the other hand, has been focused on larger and more expensive vehicles such as the Ioniq 6 N and the Ioniq 9. However, an affordable model is on the way as spy photographers have caught what is believed to be the Ioniq 2.

More: Kia EV2 Spied As An Affordable Electric Box

The prototype is heavily disguised, but appears to be roughly the same size as the EV2. Despite the similarities, the Kia is positioned as a crossover while the Ioniq 2 is a more traditional hatchback. It sports an upright front fascia with a wide lower intake. They’re joined by an angular sensor and what appears to be slender lighting units.

The profile screams hatchback and the car features a gently sloping roof. We can also see a compact greenhouse as there’s a curvaceous sweeping beltline, which is contrasted by angular upper window frames. Hyundai also gave the prototype a set of modestly sized wheels, which are wrapped in Hankook iON GT rubber. These are summer tires designed specifically for compact electric vehicles.

shproshots

The rear end isn’t as tall as the camouflage suggests, but it appears the Ioniq 2 will have an upright rump with a relatively plain bumper. We can also get a glimpse of LED taillights and an angular rear window.

Little is known about the car at this point, but it will presumably have a lot in common with the EV2 as well as the EV3. This means it should ride on the Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) and have a 58.3 kWh battery pack. They could be joined by a front-mounted motor producing 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS).

shproshots

American shoppers in the market for the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 6 N could be in for some sticker shock if reports about prices in Korea prove to be accurate. While some had hoped it would offer a competitive alternative to the Tesla Model 3 Performance, early pricing leaks suggest it might land in a different tier altogether. Instead of undercutting the competition, the Ioniq 6 N may be priced more in line with Hyundai’s existing performance EV, the Ioniq 5 N.

Read: Hyundai’s Fastest Electric Sedan Can Drift And Snarl Like A Gas Car While Hitting 62 In 3.2

According to recent reports, the Ioniq 6 N is expected to start at around 77 million won in South Korea, the equivalent of around $55,000. Sounds just about perfect, right? Well, the Ioniq 5 N also sells for 77 million won in Korea, but its price has been jacked up to $67,800 in the United States. If this rumor is true, that means the Ioniq 6 N may also start at around $68,000 when it lands stateside.

Expectations Versus Reality

That would come as somewhat of a surprise, given that the entry-level Ioniq 6 is almost $5,000 cheaper than the base Ioniq 5 in the US. Some had assumed this meant the Ioniq 6 N would also undercut the Ioniq 5 N, which is slightly bigger. Additionally, as the Ioniq 6 N is Hyundai’s second high-performance EV using many of the same parts as the Ioniq 5 N, one would have thought the firm would have been able to bring its costs down.

Hyundai Or Tesla?

A price tag of over $65,000 would make the Ioniq 6 N significantly more expensive than the Tesla Model 3 Performance, which starts at $54,990. Admittedly, the Ioniq 6 N has a healthy 131 hp advantage over the Tesla and is also equipped with far more driver-focused features, which should make it much more enjoyable to drive.

Interestingly, while the Hyundai has a big power advantage, the Tesla is slightly quicker off the mark, at least on paper, capable of hitting 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.1 seconds in Euro-spec, compared to the Hyundai’s 3.2 seconds.

Pricing aside, the Ioniq 6 N has the ingredients for an intoxicating EV. It features an 84 kWh battery pack and two electric motors, typically delivering 601 hp but capable of producing 641 hp with the N Grin Boost function enabled.

Electric cars have come a long way from being just quiet, efficient commuters. Today, some of them are pushing deep into enthusiast territory, proving that performance doesn’t have to rely on combustion. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is a prime example, showing that an EV can be engaging, fun to drive, and tailored to those who love driving for its own sake.

Still, there’s a certain kind of mechanical involvement, like shifting your own gears, that even the best EVs can’t fully replicate. That point seems to be completely lost on Hyundai’s European technical chief, Tyrone Johnson.

Read: We Drove Hyundai’s Last i20 N And It’s The Hot Hatch You’ll Wish You Bought

In a recent interview, Johnson said that for those wanting to go fast, there’s nothing better than an EV, and he knows a thing or two about performance cars. Before joining Hyundai in 2018, he had worked at Ford for 33 years and, at one stage, was the chief engineer for Ford’s RS cars, including the Focus RS. That happened to be one of the finest hot hatches of the last decade, but the industry has undergone significant changes since then.

Manual Holdouts Still Have a Case

“Nobody wants manual gearboxes and handbrakes anymore, or analogue instruments,” Johnson told Car Magazine. After living with the 2025 Toyota GR Yaris, complete with a six-speed manual and a traditional handbrake, we’d beg to differ. Hyundai also continues to sell the i20 N and i30 N/Elantra N with stick shifts, so clearly, some people still want a manual.

Johnson did concede that certain sensory cues, like vibrations and engine noise, help drivers stay in tune with the car.

“I can understand that some people want to have the sounds, vibrations, things like that,” he acknowledged. “Those sensory inputs help the human brain understand what’s going on in a car.” It’s for these reasons that Hyundai added things like a faux combustion soundtrack to the Ioniq 5 N, as well as an artificial transmission.

As for the nostalgia or more traditional performance cars? Johnson doesn’t understand it.

“I’m a performance guy,” he said. “I did the first Mustang Shelby [the 1992 SVT Mustang]. I don’t understand the idea that performance cars are dying. If you want to go fast, there’s nothing better than an EV. I don’t understand the nostalgia.”

He even went so far as to say that most current performance cars are “a disappointment” compared to the Ioniq 5 N.

It’s easy to understand where Johnson is coming from. After all, software is allowing car manufacturers to add features that improve the driving experience, and this will be on full display with the new Hyundai Ioniq 6 N. But, if given the choice between driving an Ioniq 5 N or a six-speed Elantra N up a mountain road, we’d probably still opt for the Elantra.

In just a few years, Hyundai has built an impressive lineup of electric vehicles that rivals, and in some cases surpasses, what many long-established automakers have brought to market. With options ranging from the retro-styled Ioniq 5 to the spacious new seven-seat Ioniq 9 and the compact Niro EV, Hyundai is covering a lot of ground. And the brand isn’t slowing down, as another electric model is on the way.

Read: New Hyundai Inster Is A Tiny Electric Crossover For The Masses

This upcoming addition will slot in above Hyundai’s Inster, the battery-powered version of the compact Casper. While the Inster’s charm lies in its tiny footprint, it may be a bit too small for some buyers. That’s where this new model fits in.

A new report points to a debut in concept form at the Munich Motor Show this September. The vehicle is expected to land between the Inster and the Kona in terms of size, aligning closely with the Bayon, which is currently offered in European markets.

Few details are known about the new model at this stage. However, Auto News speculates that it could be dubbed the Ioniq 2 if it is to use the automaker’s well-established E-GMP platform. Styling remains a mystery, but regardless of what the concept looks like, recent Hyundai history suggests that the eventual production model should resemble it closely.

New Tesla-Like Infotainment System

One of the more significant updates is expected inside the cabin. This SUV is likely to be the first Hyundai equipped with the new Pleos Connect infotainment system. Unveiled earlier this year, Pleos Connect is based on Android Automotive and features a large, freestanding touchscreen mounted at the center of the dashboard. It’s a layout that recalls Tesla’s approach and echoes what’s becoming common in many Chinese EVs.

This new setup could prove controversial. Most current Hyundais feature sleek digital instrument clusters and infotainment systems, sometimes housed within a single curved display. While tablet-like displays often have great functionality, they’re not particularly appealing to the eye.

Shared Roots with Kia

0Underneath, the new model is expected to share much of its architecture with the forthcoming Kia EV2. That vehicle will ride on a shortened version of the E-GMP platform and be offered with a single electric motor. If Hyundai follows a similar path, it could help keep costs manageable while still delivering competitive performance in the growing sub-compact and compact EV segments.

Hyundai’s performance arm is evolving fast, and Europe is about to see a major shift. The N division’s electric ambitions are picking up speed with a growing lineup of EV-only models, starting with the Ioniq 5 N that’ll soon be joined by the Ioniq 6 N. That doesn’t mean the combustion engine is getting kicked to the curb just yet, though, as Hyundai’s go-fast sub-brand isn’t ready to shut the door on other powertrain options.

More: Kia Is Done With Gas GT Performance Cars

While the Elantra N continues to wave the ICE flag in North America, Europe has taken a stricter turn. Emissions regulations have already pushed the i20 N and i30 N hot hatches off the map, sparking speculation that Hyundai N would go fully electric, much like Kia appears to be doing with its GT-badged performance cars.

EVs Are Just One Part of the Plan

Speaking to Autocar, Joon Park, Vice President of Hyundai N and head of the Global Marketing Strategy Team, pushed back on the assumption that N is going EV-exclusive. “The problem that we have is that there is a perception from the media and our fans that Hyundai N is only focusing on the EV world, which is not true,” Park said. “Even though we are going to introduce the Ioniq 6 N at Goodwood Festival of Speed, we are not limiting ourselves to EVs.”

Park added that the division is open to exploring a wide range of ideas: “We’re going forward with EVs, of course, as well as all the other proposals we could do. Because for N, imagination and courage are the words we need to remember.”

Room for Hybrids and More

The performance division’s boss, a self-declared fan of combustion-powered sports cars, didn’t go into detail about what kinds of powertrains future Hyundai N models might use. Still, it’s reasonable to think the brand could align with its parent company’s multi-pathway strategy.

More: Genesis Says Its New Hybrids Will Surprise You

The Hyundai Group has already confirmed it’s developing a variety of models with hybrid and EREV (extended range electric vehicle) systems. These are meant to complement its growing battery-electric lineup while reducing reliance on charging infrastructure.

Not every one of those platforms will be a fit for Hyundai N’s performance focus, but the direction is clear. A similar approach is also in the works at Genesis, where the newly launched Magma sub-brand is expected to blend performance with a mix of powertrain technologies.

What’s Coming Next

The Hyundai i30 N, which launched in 2017, kicked off the sub-brand’s journey with a proper hot hatch that set the tone for future N models. Since then, the performance treatment has been applied to the i20, Kona, Veloster, Elantra, and more recently, the Ioniq 5.

Now, the Ioniq 6 N is getting ready for its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, where it will serve as a showcase for what the next all-electric N car will look and feel like.

Another model that could join the lineup in the coming years is a production version of the Vision N 74 Concept, positioned as a low-volume halo car. The concept featured a hydrogen-electric hybrid setup delivering 670 hp (500 kW / 680 PS), though it’s still unclear whether a similar powertrain would make it into a road-going version.

While EVs have generally been gaining popularity across the United States over the past couple of years, April wasn’t such a good month for them. New EV registrations fell 4.4 percent, marking the first dip after 14 consecutive months of growth. The slide was led by notable declines from several automakers, including Tesla, Ford, and Hyundai.

Read: Kia Sold Just 37 EV9s In May, But A Gas Sedan Is On Fire

According to data from S&P Global Mobility, which excludes gasoline-electric hybrid models, a total of 97,833 new EVs were registered in the US in April. This means that EVs accounted for 6.6 percent of total registrations, falling from the 7.4 percent share they had in April 2024. A number of factors could be at play here.

At the same time, overall light vehicle sales, regardless of powertrain, grew by 7.2 percent in April to approximately 1.5 million units.

Speaking to Autonews, S&P Global Mobility analyst Tom Libby, said that beyond the usual range anxiety and charging concerns, “consumers are seeing media reports that government support for EVs is on the chopping block and automaker investments in the technology are slowing, undermining confidence in a product that doesn’t yet have significant organic demand”.

“The increases in the prior months have been weak, so I think there is an ongoing trend of weakening in the EV market,” Libby told Auto News. “We’ll have to watch where it goes, but there’s a lot of influences working against EVs right now.”

The Winners And Losers

Tesla remains the largest seller of EVs in the United States. In April, 39,913 new Tesla models were registered across the country, representing a 16 percent decline from April 2024. In second place was Chevrolet with a total of 9,160 registrations. It bucked the trend with a massive 215 percent spike, increasing its share of the EV market to 9.4 percent. This was primarily thanks to the Equinox EV with 5,424 registrations, trailing only the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y.

Ford came in third with 5,534 registrations, down 33 percent from April 2024. BMW edged out Hyundai for fourth place, logging 4,812 registrations, an 8.7 percent uptick. Hyundai fell to fifth after a 25 percent drop, totaling 4,796 units.

A number of other brands saw declines, including Rivian (down 30 percent), Mercedes (down 19 percent), and Kia (down a steep 68 percent). Cadillac and Honda posted big gains, up 104 percent and 2,359 percent respectively, while Volvo jumped 263 percent. Some smaller players, like Porsche and Fiat, also recorded substantial percentage increases, albeit from far smaller volumes.

US EV SALES APRIL 2025

The countdown to the 103rd running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb continues as Hyundai and Evasive Motorsports have unveiled a hardcore Ioniq 5 N. It’s slated to race up the 12.42 mile (20 km) long course on June 22 with Rob Walker behind the wheel.

Billed as Evasive Motorsports’ “most ambitious EV project to date,” the specially prepared Ioniq 5 N Pikes Peak has undergone a radical transformation and lost 500 lbs (227 kg) in the process. That’s a significant reduction and it was made possible by stripping the interior and creating a new set of doors out of carbon fiber. They’re joined by a carbon fiber tailgate and a number of one-off components.

More: Acura’s Tackling Pikes Peak With A Hardcore Integra Type S

Evasive said one of the biggest hurdles was sourcing competition parts, since very few exist for the Ioniq 5 N. However, Japan’s Voltex stepped up and created an aerodynamic body kit that includes a carbon fiber splitter, bulging fender flares, and new side skirts. They’re joined by carbon fiber underbody paneling and a massive rear wing.

Aerodynamics aside, the car has been outfitted with Krontec air jacks and 19-inch Titan racing wheels wrapped in Yokohama racing slicks. They’re joined by a six-point roll cage and a Moton coilover suspension with prototype anti-roll bars from EVS Tuning. Rounding out the highlights are CSG Spec brake pads and a Sparco carbon fiber seat.

Since the electric motors can’t be tuned, the car features a familiar dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing up to 641 hp (478 kW / 650 PS) and 568 lb-ft (769 Nm) of torque. This enables the road-going model to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 3.25 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 162 mph (261 km/h).

Evasive Motorsports co-president Mike Chang said they’re aiming to “break the elusive 10-minute barrier” this year. He added, “We’ve come close in the past and feel it’s far more achievable with the Ioniq 5 N.”

Performance fans have had it pretty good in recent years, especially from some unlikely sources. The Stinger GT, especially with the 3.3-liter turbocharged V6, was one of those outliers, setting a high standard when it landed and proving Kia could do more than just practical commuters.

Since then, the Korean brand has turned out a handful of genuinely compelling performance cars. But that chapter is winding down. The GT badge isn’t going anywhere, but its connection to gasoline power is nearing the end.

Read: New Kia K4 Variant Fixes Its Most Controversial Angle, But You Probably Can’t Have It

Speaking to members of the press, Australian product chief Roland Rivero confirmed to CarSales that Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) as a whole is gradually moving away from combustion engines because of regulations. “The N tagline is being more and more applied to electrified product, and for a bunch of reasons,” he said.

“You’ve got to satisfy the global situation, and CO2 regulations are tightening all around the world,” Rivero continued. “Ours is going to catch up very, very quickly too, so I can understand why R&D centers are still trying to dial up driving enjoyment responsibly.”

The Last of the GT Gas Crowd

This is a serious blow to those who love performance cars. Since the Stinger GT came out, Kia has been quietly offering a great value in its sports cars. That sedan was genuinely excellent to drive and still lives on to a degree in the Genesis G70. Kia still sells the K5 GT, a front-wheel-drive sedan that packs more power than it probably needs, which, lets be honest, isn’t always a bad thing.

As we understand it, the K5 GT will be the last combustion-powered GT car from Kia. Meanwhile, Hyundai has already committed to another generation of the Elantra N, reportedly with a bigger engine. So the torch hasn’t gone out completely, but the flame is flickering.

Shifting Gears: From Gas to Kilowatts

Keep in mind that many brands, big and small, have backtracked from previous goals to go all-electric. Even Porsche, which has been talking about an electric 718 for ages, is changing its tune. Can Kia and Hyundai make a success of EV performance cars while other brands get cold feet?

If any brand can make electric performance succeed, it seems like Kia and its corporate partner, Hyundai, are the ones to do it. The EV6 GT is a genuinely epic little hatchback to drive, and it’s supercar-quick. Then, if that’s not good enough, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is basically everybody’s favorite performance EV.

“There’s no reason why an electrified product can’t give you a similar experience [to internal combustion performance cars], albeit with some computer tech and what not,” Rivero said. “Hot hatches are harder to justify as a business case, ongoing, when you combine all the elements of CO2 regulations and the global movement [toward electrification].”

The Kia boss was also asked about the possibility of hybrids or range-extended EVs playing a role in Kia’s performance future. He didn’t confirm anything, but as CarSales noted, there are ongoing rumors that Hyundai is developing hybrid N models. If that’s true, it’s likely Kia could follow suit.

So sure, it’s sad to see combustion GT cars go away, and Hyundai Motor Group might come to regret this choice… but at least the performance we’ve come to appreciate from the brand isn’t dying altogether. 

Update: Hyundai has released new details on the upcoming Ioniq 6 N, including specifics on its chassis setup and driving modes. We’ve updated our original story.

Hyundai’s electric performance lineup continues to evolve, and the Ioniq 6 N is set to raise the bar when it makes its official debut at Goodwood on July 10. Following the well-received Ioniq 5 N, which proved that an electric hot hatch can go toe-to-toe with its combustion counterparts, this new performance sedan aims to deliver sharper dynamics.

The Ioniq 6 N has been quietly progressing for some time. Its roots can be traced back to the 2022 RN22e concept, followed by sightings of camouflaged prototypes over the past few years. The first official teaser arrived in April 2025, timed with the reveal of the facelifted base model. More recent previews offer a clearer picture, highlighting the car’s sportier stance and intent.

The latest round of teasers offers a clearer glimpse of the upcoming EV, emphasizing its performance-driven design and intent. Highlights include a revised suspension setup, refinements to Hyundai’s simulated gearbox and sound system, and upgraded drift tuning for more precise control on the track.

Sharper Looks, Familiar Shape

While the Ioniq 6 N carries over the split headlight layout and sporty bumpers from the refreshed N Line model, a few key details separate it from the pack. Around back, it sports a prominent swan-neck rear wing perched above the integrated ducktail spoiler, giving the sedan a more track-ready silhouette.

More: Hyundai Teases Production-Spec N Vision 74

A closer inspection shows wider fenders front and rear, along with more aggressive bumper inserts that hint at its enhanced performance. The teaser images show the car in Hyundai N’s signature Performance Blue paint, accented by familiar red trim. Lightweight alloy wheels wrapped in sticky performance tires complete the look.

Aggressive Chassis Setup, Fake Sounds, And More Drift

While the Ioniq 6 N shares its platform with the Ioniq 5 N, Hyundai has introduced several upgrades that build on its lower ride height and more aerodynamic shape. These changes are aimed at improving handling and responsiveness, with the company highlighting a “fully redesigned suspension geometry.” Key revisions include a lowered roll center, a longer caster trail, and new electronically controlled stroke-sensing (ECS) dampers designed to better manage body movement and grip.

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The EV will also feature updated versions of Hyundai’s N e-Shift and N Active Sound+ systems, now available across all drive modes. These enhancements are designed to replicate the feel and sound of a traditional performance car, right down to the simulated gear changes. The faux dual-clutch transmission uses a close-ratio setup, accompanied by an “N Ambient Shift Light” that signals when it’s time for the driver to make a virtual shift.

Rounding out the performance upgrades, the enhanced N Drift Optimiser introduces a wider range of settings to help drivers fine-tune the car’s behavior based on their own drifting skill level. Hyundai notes that this system is designed with track use in mind.

Hyundai hasn’t shared official powertrain specs just yet, but it’s likely the Ioniq 6 N will carry over the dual-motor setup from the Ioniq 5 N. That model delivers 601 hp (448 kW / 609 PS), with a temporary bump to 641 hp (478 kW / 650 PS) when N Grin Boost is activated. The same 84 kWh battery pack is expected to carry over as well, providing more than enough muscle to put it in direct competition with the Tesla Model 3 Performance.

Joon Park, Vice President and Head of the N Management Group, says the Ioniq 6 N is designed to deliver “the most engaging driving experience possible in an EV.”

More details are expected when the car takes to the hill at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on July 10.

Hyundai

Update: Following the release of exterior photos for the new Elexio, Hyundai and its Chinese joint venture partner BAIC have now revealed the first images of the electric SUV’s interior. The centerpiece is a massive 27-inch dual-screen display with 4K resolution that extends from the left edge of the center console all the way to the front of the passenger seat.

Interestingly, in addition to the expansive main display, there’s a smaller screen positioned directly in front of the driver, dedicated to instrument cluster functions. It’s an interesting choice, and it remains to be seen whether Hyundai plans to bring this layout to models outside the Chinese market.

Compared to Hyundai’s international Ioniq series models, the dashboard and overall interior design take a more minimalist approach. The dash is free of physical controls, aside from those integrated into the three-spoke steering wheel. A prominent stalk at the base of the wheel appears to handle transmission functions.

At this point, it feels like Hyundai releases a new electric model every few weeks. But don’t worry, this one’s actually a little different. Meet the fully electric Elexio, a new SUV developed specifically for the Chinese market. It’s the latest creation from Beijing Hyundai, the joint venture with BAIC Motor, and it promises to deliver the latest tech and over 700 km (435 miles) of range on a single charge.

The SUV, which ditches the familiar Ioniq branding for a fresh name, made its debut at a special event in Shanghai. Hyundai plans to reveal the technical specifications at a later date. While the vehicle’s dimensions haven’t been disclosed yet, it seems to have a more compact footprint compared to the Hyundai Ioniq 9 available in other markets including North America.

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Interestingly, the Elexio adopts a new design language that sets it apart from the Ioniq lineup. The front end features a grille-less look with sporty bumper intakes, complemented by a full-width LED bar below the horizontally mounted headlights.

The profile stands out with sculpted fenders and a dark-finished D-pillar, which is visually connected to the rear spoiler. At the rear, the Elexio boasts high-mounted full-width LEDs, bold lettering, and some graphic elements on the bumper.

While Hyundai didn’t show any photos of the interior, they teased an “intelligent interface” with no physical buttons, alongside a new digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system will run on the Qualcomm SA8295 chip, delivering the latest connectivity features.

Inside, the design is said to focus on simplicity, with plenty of storage compartments. As for safety, the Elexio will be equipped with a range of ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), offering Level 2+ autonomous driving capabilities.

Powertrain and Range

The new SUV rides on the E-GMP architecture, which already underpins numerous electric models from Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. While the company didn’t share any details about the number of electric motors or their output, we do know that the platform is compatible with single- and dual-motor setups.

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A battery of yet-to-be-revealed capacity is expected to provide over 700 km (435 miles) of range under normal conditions, though this figure is likely based on the Chinese CTLC testing protocols. The battery will also feature rapid charging, able to go from 30-80% in just 27 minutes. It’s housed in a reinforced structure that meets the crash safety standards.

Manufacturing and Future Plans

The new Elexio will be manufactured in China by Beijing Hyundai, with a local market launch expected in the coming months. Whether it will be offered outside China has not yet been confirmed.

Earlier this year, Hyundai announced a $1.1 billion investment in its joint venture with BAIC. This move aims to deliver electrified products tailored to the needs of Chinese customers while boosting exports. With declining sales in China due to intense local competition, Hyundai is hoping vehicles like the Elexio will help restore its foothold in the world’s largest automotive market.

John Halas contributed to this story