It didn’t take long.
Hyundai has yet to reveal the fourth generation Santa Fe. You’ll need to wait until February 21st. However, someone already has an idea for a performance version. The South Korean marque just got started with its faster N models. It began with the i30 N, which was quickly followed by the Veloster N. Recent spy photos have shown that the more elegant i30 Fastback will receive the N treatment. But, will there ever be an N-branded SUV for it?
Yes, the answer is yes. N division boss Albert Biermann announced in October last year that plans exist for N versions the Kona as well as the Tucson. These are not priority products at the moment so the more popular derivatives will not be released in the near future. It’s too early to predict whether a Santa Fe N will be given the green light. However, Hyundai has larger fish to fry.
It’s worth looking at the redesign of the midsize SUV in full N, which features a more aggressive body in Performance Blue with red accents. This render shows what is unlikely to happen. It features larger wheels, bigger brakes, and a lower ride height.
If Hyundai surprises us with the Santa Fe N, it will likely need more horsepower than the 275 available in the N models. This is due to the fact that the SUV will be heavier than the hatchbacks. The engineers are currently working on a new Theta III gasoline motor that will produce 350 horsepower. This would make the Santa Fe more powerful.
Hyundai South Korea released a teaser clip previewing the Safe Exist Assist System of the Santa Fe.