Hyundai to Put All Future Models Through Development Ring
Hyundai Motor Co. plans to test all of its future vehicles on Germany’s famed Nurburgring course to help improve their driving dynamics.
Hyundai Motor Co. plans to test all of its future vehicles on Germany’s famed Nurburgring course to help improve their driving dynamics.
The strategy is part of Hyundai’s plans to create a sportier image with the launch of its new “N” performance sub-brand. Hyundai tested the first such model, the i30 N hot hatchback that bows this summer, extensively at the ‘Ring—including running a souped-up version of the car at last year’s Nurburgring 24-Hours endurance race.
Over the next decade Hyundai aims to establish itself as a “fun-to-drive” brand, Klaus Koster, who heads the carmaker’s high-performance vehicle development efforts, tells Autocar. He says this will be a key part of the company’s global growth plans, including its goal of becoming the largest Asian carmaker in Europe.
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