Hyundai unveiled the i20 N in 2020, expanding its lineup of N-badged models to three, but the Korean brand isn't stopping here. The company will add seven N and N Line models through 2022 and confirmed that the Elantra will be the first N vehicle to arrive in the U.S. At the same time, Hyundai released a teaser of the Tucson N Line.

The U.S. market will have seven N models in 2022, but what does it really mean?

This expansion won't be restricted to N models only, but will only include N Line vehicles. The latter feature sportier add-ons inside and out, but they're not as hot as the N cars when it comes to drivetrain and performance. What's more, the existing N cars that aren't available in the United States still won't cross the pond. So don't expect for the recently unveiled i20 N or the recently updated i30 N and i30 Fastback N to cross the pond to North America.

However, the Elantra N will be unveiled in 2021 as the second N model for the U.S. market. Redesigned for the 2021 model year, the Elantra packs 157 horsepower and 141 pound-feet of torque in its most potent configuration, but the N version will top the range thanks to the Theta II engine that it will borrow from the Veloster N and i30 N.

A turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder, the Theta II cranks out 247 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque in the Veloster N. When the hatchback is fitted with the Performance Package, output jumps to 271 horsepower. Expect the Elantra N to boast similar figures, as well as the ability to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under six seconds.

The second vehicle confirmed is the Tucson N Line. Based on the latest-generation Tucson, which looks rather dramatic and futuristic, the N Line won't be as sporty as the Elantra N. The N Line is just a visual package, so don't expect a more powerful engine.

Hyundai's teaser shows a couple of vehicles under red wraps. They seem identical, but the shape suggest a pair of crossovers. This likely means that both are N Line models, as Hyundai has yet to offer a full-fledged N vehicle based on an SUV. The Santa Fe and the Palisade are probably the likely candidates for the N Line treatment, although the Kona could replace the full-size hauler on this list.

The Hyundai N brand goes back to 2012

Hyundai introduced the high-performance N brand in 2015, looking to compete with similar offerings from Mercedes-AMG, BMW M, and Audi RS. However, development of N vehicles started earlier in the 2010s with the Project RM concept. It was followed by the RN30 and the Vision Gran Turismo concepts.

The first production model, the i30 N, was launched for the 2017 model year. It was followed by the Veloster N in 2019, the first sold in North America, and the i20 N in 2020.

The N Line package bridges the gap between the standard models and the hardcore N vehicles. It usually includes slightly sportier features on the outside and in the cabin, as well as a sportier suspension setup. Vehicles already available in N Line trims include the i30 and the previous-generation Tucson.