Hyundai announces a ‘hot’ variant of its yet-to-be-released pickup truck

The South Korean car manufacturer plans to launch a pickup truck loosely based on the 2015 Santa Cruz Concept (see the photos and the video). Even though no details are available yet, the company has already announced a performance version.

Speaking in an interview, Hyundai N director said the company was considering multiple options for expanding its product lineup, including performance versions. He did not provide any details, but some media voiced opinions that the car might ship with the two-liter, four-cylinder engine of the i30 N hot hatch, which usually comes rated at 300 hp (224 kW). It should then be able to accelerate 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in under 7 seconds.

The premiere date of the car and its performance version remain unannounced. Rumor has it it will debut in 2021 in two- and four-door versions equipped with gasoline and diesel engines.

Even though Hyundai did name the Santa Cruz Concept as the likely source of inspiration for the model, we wouldn’t expect the two to have too much in common. Much time has passed since 2015, and the design direction has changed, which means we should rather expect something new.