Motor Trend - USA (2020-02)

PROTOTYPE DRIVE I Hyundai Veloster N RM19

WORDS^

RANDY^

POBST

T

he close of a decade allows for reflec-

tion. As I look back at the last 40

years of Hyundai’s existence, there

is a steady climb from bargain-

basement econoboxes built under

license, to mainstream legitimacy,

to its homegrown luxury brand, Genesis,

winning our 2019 Car of the Year. This

trend of consistent learning and improve-

ment impresses the hell outta me, and has

me encouraged for the company’s future.

This anticipation was heightened by the

offer of an American-exclusive drive of a

supercar concept around the Nürburg-

ring. The anticipation was enhanced by

the involvement of one Albert Biermann,

famously poached from leading BMW’s

M division in an aggressive move by

Hyundai to become world-class in the

go-fast category.

When a project like this gets the green

light, it’s go like a fire hose. As we were

escorted through the Hyundai motor-

sports facilities outside Frankfurt, I could

see that clearly—indicated by rows of

perfectly clean workshop stalls, a few

half-built racers, and some customer cars,

all of which Stefan Henrich of Hyundai

Motorsport PR proudly said were

mostly built right there. “You know what

‘Hyundai’ means when translated into

English?” he asked. “Modern.” Well, these

premises certainly exuded that.

Hyundai has become a major force on

the international World Rally Champi-

onship scene, winning regularly, twice

coming a close second for the title, and

still vying for its first championship. The

videos are thrilling, with Hyundai i20

rally cars sailing through the air for half

a football field. The suspensions soak up

impacts like a Baja Trophy Truck.

On the pavement circuit side, Hyundai

scored a championship with the i30 N for

driver Gabriele Tarquini, a name I was

PROTOTYPE^ DRIVE:

HYUNDAI^

VELOSTER