Page 48 - Motor Trend (February 2020)
P. 48
PROTOTYPE DRIVE I Hyundai Veloster N RM19
he close of a decade allows for reflec- M division in an aggressive move by
tion. As I look back at the last 40 Hyundai to become world-class in the
years of Hyundai’s existence, there go-fast category.
is a steady climb from bargain- When a project like this gets the green
basement econoboxes built under light, it’s go like a fire hose. As we were
Tlicense, to mainstream legitimacy, escorted through the Hyundai motor-
to its homegrown luxury brand, Genesis, sports facilities outside Frankfurt, I could the international World Rally Champi-
winning our 2019 Car of the Year. This see that clearly—indicated by rows of onship scene, winning regularly, twice
trend of consistent learning and improve- perfectly clean workshop stalls, a few coming a close second for the title, and
ment impresses the hell outta me, and has half-built racers, and some customer cars, still vying for its first championship. The
me encouraged for the company’s future. all of which Stefan Henrich of Hyundai videos are thrilling, with Hyundai i20
This anticipation was heightened by the Motorsport PR proudly said were rally cars sailing through the air for half
offer of an American-exclusive drive of a mostly built right there. “You know what a football field. The suspensions soak up
supercar concept around the Nürburg- ‘Hyundai’ means when translated into impacts like a Baja Trophy Truck.
ring. The anticipation was enhanced by English?” he asked. “Modern.” Well, these On the pavement circuit side, Hyundai
the involvement of one Albert Biermann, premises certainly exuded that. scored a championship with the i30 N for
famously poached from leading BMW’s Hyundai has become a major force on driver Gabriele Tarquini, a name I was
PROTOTYPE DRIVE:
HYUNDAI
VELOSTER
WORDS
RANDY
POBST
