Hyundai's sports car division could still launch hot new combustion cars!
Hyundai's N performance brand will not restrict itself exclusively to electric sports cars in the future and could launch hot new ICE-powered models alongside the Ioniq 5 N and upcoming Ioniq 6 N.
The Korean firm's sporting division – its answer to the likes of BMW M and Volkswagen R – was launched with the i30 N in 2017. It followed that up with the smaller i20 N in 2021, before revealing the Ioniq 5 N as its first EV in 2023 and taking the two petrol hot hatchbacks off sale shortly afterwards.
Following the unveiling of the Ioniq 6 N at Goodwood next month, the performance brand will have a two-car, exclusively electric, line-up, but N division boss Joon Park has suggested more models will follow - and they won't necessarily use pure-battery powertrains.
Speaking at the Autocar Awards ceremony in London, where the Ioniq 5 N was named as one of 2025's five-star cars, Park said the N brand will keep step with its parent company Hyundai in maintaining a diverse powertrain offering over the coming years.
'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,' he said.
'Even though we are going to introduce the Ioniq 6 N at Goodwood Festival of Speed, we are not limiting ourselves to EVs.'
He stopped short of confirming any specifics of these new models, but Hyundai has already confirmed it will respond to slower-than-expected global uptake of EVs with a significantly expanded line-up of hybrid models and it will also launch its first range-extender (REx) EV in the US next year.
Park suggested that no specific technology is off the table for N, saying: '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.'
The performance brand has previously experimented with hydrogen fuel cell power, revealing the striking Vision N 74 concept in 2022 as a fully functional rolling laboratory with 670bhp at the rear axle and a total range of more than 370 miles supplied by its 95kW fuel cell.
That car has often been reported to have been green-lit for production over the past three years, but Hyundai has never officially confirmed plans to put it in showrooms, and its subsequent performance car concepts have been battery-powered, rather than FCEVs.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Finextra
an hour ago
- Finextra
Moneythor debuts AI suite
Singapore-based Moneythor, the world-leading personalisation platform for banks, today announced the launch of its AI Suite, to enable banks to build deeper and profitable relationships with their customers. 0 The suite enables banks to leverage the full potential of their data to deliver experiences which resemble those of popular technology and media apps in terms of personalisation, proactivity and engagement - a challenge which many of the region's banks are currently struggling to deliver in practice. According to global research from Fintech Futures amongst banking and fintech decision-makers across the globe, only 23% of financial institutions would describe their acquisition approaches successful, nearly half (49%) admit that their current technology solutions are unable to provide engagement post onboarding, while a staggering 15% of newly acquired customers drop-off after the first 3 months. Martin Frick, Moneythor's CEO, explains that Moneythor's new AI suite will squarely address the challenges facing banks to deliver deeper customer engagement. 'Specific, built-for-purpose AI is fundamental to the delivery of deep banking experiences; namely, hyper-personalisation, anticipation, and a proposition that extends beyond traditional financial offerings. And with respect to the latter, the opportunity is particularly compelling. Banks are, literally, at the intersection of people's daily lives; whether around routine transactions or once-in-a-lifetime ones. Each provides an opportunity to connect with an additional service, or a complementary brand . . . . even beyond the finance space.' 'Moneythor has been applying technologies such as big data, machine learning and AI to support the delivery of more personalised, predictive banking experiences for more than 13 years. Our new AI suite builds upon this 'muscle memory' with the addition of generative, conversational and agentic AI capabilities.' adds Martin Specifically, Moneythor's AI suite will enable banks to intuitively develop, test, deploy and adapt personalised customer content and recommendations, 'on the fly' by integrating with any (or multiple) Large Language Models (LLM), without the requirement to train each one separately. Resulting campaigns are not only deeply personalised, but self-adapting - thanks to the incorporation of Agentic AI - enabling them to adjust and respond to individual customer situations in real time. Moneythor's clients in South East Asia include Standard Chartered, DBS, Trust Bank, and RHB Bank. Martin goes on to explain that, in markets such as Singapore (and others) where the typical customer holds multiple bank accounts, the delivery of deep banking now represents a vital differentiator. 'In Singapore, for instance, the average citizen holds nearly 2.5 separate bank accounts. This reality presents a distinct challenge to financial service providers to ensure that the client remains fully aware of and engaged in their offering. Our own research confirms, for instance, that 15% of newly opened accounts remain dormant after the first 3 months, while 'strengthening digital engagement' represents one of the sector's biggest challenges,' he says. 'The launch of our AI suite is a direct and practical response to this reality, enabling banks to rapidly transform their customer experience into something that resembles the type of consumer or lifestyle app that they are familiar and comfortable with. This is the promise of deep banking. While few would question its potential, our AI suite can make deep banking a reality, at a time when customer expectations have never been higher.'
Geeky Gadgets
an hour ago
- Geeky Gadgets
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic: COMPLETE Leak Breakdown
Samsung is preparing to showcase its latest smartwatch lineup at the highly anticipated Unpacked event. The Galaxy Watch 8 series introduces three distinct models: the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, the standard Galaxy Watch 8, and the Galaxy Watch Ultra. These devices promise a seamless blend of refined design, advanced health tracking, and software enhancements, catering to a diverse range of users. Here's an in-depth look at what the Galaxy Watch 8 lineup brings to the table in a new video from TechTalkTV. Watch this video on YouTube. Pricing Changes: What to Expect For those considering an upgrade, the Galaxy Watch 8 lineup comes with noticeable pricing adjustments. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic starts at $499, reflecting a $50 increase compared to the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic. Similarly, the standard Galaxy Watch 8 also sees a $50 price hike, while the Galaxy Watch Ultra retains its $650 price point from the previous year. These pricing changes align with the inclusion of new features and hardware upgrades, positioning the Galaxy Watch 8 series as a competitive option in the smartwatch market. While the price increase may seem significant, the added functionality and improved performance aim to justify the cost for users seeking a premium wearable experience. Key Upgrades: Storage and Health Tracking The Galaxy Watch 8 series introduces several noteworthy upgrades, starting with a substantial increase in storage capacity. All models now feature 64 GB of onboard storage, doubling the capacity of the previous generation. This enhancement ensures users have ample space for apps, music, and other data, making the devices more versatile for everyday use. Health tracking capabilities also see a major leap forward, thanks to Samsung's latest bioactive sensor. This advanced technology powers a range of health-focused features, including: Vascular load monitoring to assess cardiovascular health to assess cardiovascular health Antioxidant index tracking for insights into oxidative stress for insights into oxidative stress Bedtime guidance to improve sleep quality These tools provide deeper insights into overall wellness, making the Galaxy Watch 8 lineup an appealing choice for users prioritizing health and fitness. Design Refinements: Style Meets Functionality Samsung has made significant design refinements across the Galaxy Watch 8 series, balancing aesthetics with practicality. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic features a sleeker, thinner profile compared to its predecessor, offering a more modern and streamlined look. However, this design update may come with a trade-off in battery life, which could impact users who prioritize longevity. The Classic is available in a single 46 mm size and now offers two color options: black and a new white variant, which adds a fresh and contemporary touch to the lineup. For users seeking a bolder aesthetic, the Galaxy Watch Ultra introduces a striking blue color option, expanding its appeal to those who prefer a more adventurous style. These design updates reflect Samsung's commitment to delivering devices that are not only functional but also visually appealing, catering to a wide range of preferences. Software Enhancements: One UI 8 Watch The Galaxy Watch 8 lineup benefits from Samsung's latest One UI 8 Watch software, which brings a host of usability improvements and health-focused tools. The updated interface features pill-shaped tiles, designed to provide a more intuitive and user-friendly experience. Key software enhancements include: Bedtime guidance tracking to help users establish healthier sleep routines to help users establish healthier sleep routines A running coach for personalized fitness guidance for personalized fitness guidance Vascular load monitoring for real-time cardiovascular insights These features aim to deliver actionable insights, making the Galaxy Watch 8 series particularly appealing to fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals. The software updates also enhance the overall functionality of the devices, making sure they remain competitive in the ever-evolving wearable tech landscape. Battery Life: A Trade-Off to Consider While the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic features a thinner and more refined design, this comes at the potential cost of battery life. Users who rely heavily on their smartwatch throughout the day may find this trade-off less appealing. In contrast, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is optimized for extended use, offering a more robust battery performance. This makes it a better choice for outdoor enthusiasts or those who prioritize longevity over a slimmer profile. The difference in battery life between the models highlights the importance of selecting a device that aligns with your specific needs and lifestyle. Early Adoption Incentives To encourage early adoption, Samsung is offering exclusive promotional deals for the Galaxy Watch 8 lineup. By reserving your device before the official launch, you can receive $50 in Samsung credit, which can be used toward accessories or other purchases. Additional savings may also be available through pre-order offers, providing an opportunity to offset the higher price points. These incentives make it more appealing for users to upgrade early, especially for those looking to maximize the value of their purchase. Whether you're interested in the Classic, the standard model, or the Ultra, these promotions offer a compelling reason to act quickly. The Galaxy Watch 8 Series: A Versatile Solution The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 lineup represents a significant step forward in smartwatch technology. With increased storage, advanced health tracking, and refined designs, these devices cater to a wide range of user needs. While the price increases may give some users pause, the added value in functionality and aesthetics makes the Galaxy Watch 8 series a strong contender in the wearable tech market. Whether you prioritize health insights, design, or storage capacity, the Galaxy Watch 8 lineup offers a versatile solution tailored to modern lifestyles. With its combination of innovative features and stylish design, the series is well-positioned to meet the demands of today's tech-savvy consumers. Here are more detailed guides and articles that you may find helpful on Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic. Source & Image Credit: TechTalkTV Filed Under: Gadgets News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Reuters
an hour ago
- Reuters
Indian banks' gross bad loan ratio to remain close to multi-decade lows, RBI report says
MUMBAI, June 30 (Reuters) - Indian banks' gross bad loan ratio will remain close to multi-decade lows if economic growth holds steady as projected, a report published by the central bank on Monday showed. The Reserve Bank of India forecasts growth at 6.5% and 6.7% in fiscal 2026 and 2027. The gross bad loan ratio of 46 banks was at 2.3% in March 2025 and is seen rising only marginally to 2.5% by March 2027, the RBI said in the Financial Stability Report. The gross bad loan ratio is the proportion of bad assets of a lender to total loans. The bad loan ratio could rise to 5.3% and 5.6% under two separate high-risk scenarios, the report said. The Financial Stability Report, published twice a year by the central bank, includes contributions from all financial sector regulators. Indian banks' asset quality has improved over the last few years due to recoveries and write-offs of legacy bad loans, and curtailed growth of bad assets. Banks have also shored up their capital positions and improved their liquidity profile. However, retail loan delinquencies have risen at Indian banks over the last few quarters, driven by growing stress in credit cards, personal loans, and microfinance segments. Aggressive lending to riskier borrowers had led to a surge in missed repayments in these segments.
