Hyundai is developing a new lineup of more affordable performance cars that will slot between its full-fat N models and the entry-level N Line trims. The first vehicle arrives in 2030. According to Hyundai's CEO Investor Day presentation, the range will fill the gap between the two existing tiers.Hyundai Plans A New Performance Tier Below Its N CarsThe plan was outlined during that Investor Day, where the company detailed a new "high-volume performance" lineup. The most notable element: these models will borrow powertrains and other hardware directly from the true N cars. Hyundai referenced only "powertrains" without specifying whether that means combustion engines, electric motors, or both, though the wording leaves room for the new series to span ICE and EV models alike.The new family will carry its own brand name, which Hyundai has not yet revealed. The logical assumption, therefore, is a new suffix following the "N" badge to keep the models distinct. Hyundai appears to be replicating the tiered approach used by the German luxury brands, mirroring Audi's S line, BMW's M Performance range, and the lower-tier AMG models from Mercedes.hyundai plans a new performance tier below its n carsWhere The New Tier Fits In Hyundai's HierarchyThe move addresses a clear gap in Hyundai's current hierarchy. The brand sells five true N cars today: the i20 N, i30 N, Elantra N, Ioniq 5 N, and Ioniq 6 N. Together, those accounted for 20,000 units in 2025, per figures Hyundai shared at the event. The recently revealed 2027 Elantra is expected to receive the N treatment and is likely to get a bigger engine, and at least one of the hot hatches could see another generation with ICE power.AdvertisementAdvertisementBelow the N cars sit roughly a dozen N Line models. They span multiple body styles and market segments. In contrast to the N cars, those trims deliver the look without meaningful performance upgrades, functioning as Hyundai's answer to Audi's S line, BMW's M Sport package, or the Mercedes AMG Line. According to Hyundai, the N Line models posted cumulative sales of 161,000 units last year, dwarfing the N cars and illustrating the volume opportunity in the space between the two ends.hyundai plans a new performance tier below its n carsWhat Buyers Can ExpectThe newly announced middle tier is designed to fill that space. These models are expected to be substantially cheaper than the N cars while borrowing some of their hardware, but with a more on-road focus rather than track-oriented tuning. The first model goes on sale in 2030. As a result, Hyundai has several years to develop the family before launch.The strategy targets buyers who want more performance than an N Line trim provides without the cost and compromises of a full N model. The sales gap between the two existing tiers is wide. Therefore, a higher-volume performance range slotted in between stands to capture buyers who currently have no direct option in Hyundai's range.Much remains undefined, however. The brand name, the specific models, and the exact powertrain mix all remain unconfirmed. The 2030 timeline also leaves open questions about how much of the N cars' character will carry over and whether gasoline engines will still play a role by the end of the decade. For now, Hyundai has confirmed the intent and the positioning, with the details to follow as the program develops.Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletterhere.