autoevolution
 

2017 Hyundai i30 N Spied On the Nurburgring, Sounds Nasty

Hyundai, as I’m sure you know by now, is on a bit of a roll as of late. Not only has the South Korean manufacturer ventured into the luxury realm with the Genesis brand, but the newly established N division has a hot hatchback in the pipeline.
2017 Hyundai i30 N production prototype 14 photos
Photo: Stefan Baldauf/SB-Medien
2017 Hyundai i30 N production prototype2017 Hyundai i30 N production prototype2017 Hyundai i30 N production prototype2017 Hyundai i30 N production prototype2017 Hyundai i30 N production prototype2017 Hyundai i30 N production prototype2017 Hyundai i30 N production prototype2017 Hyundai i30 N production prototype2017 Hyundai i30 N production prototype2017 Hyundai i30 N production prototype2017 Hyundai i30 N production prototype2017 Hyundai i30 N production prototype2017 Hyundai i30 N production prototype
The hot hatchback in question is the 2017 Hyundai i30 N, which our team of spy photographers snapped dropping hot laps on the Nurburgring. As you can see in the photo gallery to your right, the i30 N is the ultimate expression of the next-gen i30, a compact hatch that’ll debut in Paris later this year.

For the i30 N, the South Korean manufacturer emphasizes sportiness with big air intakes in the front bumper, big alloy wheels, red brake calipers, and two generous-sized exhaust tips. From the side, the i30 N appears to boast bigger rear windows than the current generation of the Hyundai i30. This detail should translate into more headroom and legroom for the rear occupants.

Under the hood of this front-wheel-drive hatchback lurks a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with something like 260 horsepower or so. If that output turns out to be the real deal, then the i30 N will be a more powerful machine than the Volkswagen Golf GTI and even the Ford Focus ST.

Provided that the 2017 Hyundai i30 N will get independent rear suspension, then Hyundai really deserves a big round of applause. The Elantra Sport has independent rear suspension, so why shouldn't the i30 N get it as well? Furthermore, the architect behind the N division is Albert Biermann, the former engineering chief at BMW M. Need I say anything more?

Oh, and another thing. Hyundai released a video in which it showcases the sound of the i30 N. Press play and then ask yourself whether you’d choose the drone of a Golf GTI over this bangin' and poppin' four-cylinder mill.

If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Mircea Panait
Mircea Panait profile photo

After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories