Hyundai Plans Hybrid Supercar

Hyundai Motor Co. is developing a plug-in hybrid sports car, company officials tell Drive.

The new model will be a two-seater with “serious” performance capabilities, according to Yang Woong Chul, who heads Hyundai’s research and development program. The project is being led by the carmaker’s new N performance team, which is headed by former BMW M engineer Albert Biermann.

No timeframe was given for the car. But design chief Luc Donckerwolke confirms the company is “definitely” moving forward with the plan, citing a review meeting for the car scheduled for next week.

Hyundai has been benchmarking a variety of supercars at its Namyang development center in South Korea, according to Drive. Unnamed sources tell the Australian enthusiast magazine the list includes the Lamborghini Huracan and Porsche 911 Turbo. Donkerwolke joined Hyundai in mid-2015 after a 23-year career at Volkswagen AG that included stints at Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini and SEAT.

Reports about a flagship sports car for Hyundai have been circulating for several years. Speculation has been fueled by the hiring of Biermann and Donkerwolke as well as other high-profile executives, the creation of the N sub-brand and recent concept cars such as the HND-9 luxury coupe (pictured) and Vision N 2025 Gran Turismo video game car.

Hyundai also has indicated that it will test all future vehicles on Germany’s famed Nurburgring course to help improve their driving dynamics.