Photo: SB-Medien
After successfully launching a new hot hatchback, many manufacturers like to step up their game with a stripped out track version. The Renault Megane RS is probably best known for this, but the Golf GTI Clubsport and TCR are undeniably cool as well. Pretty soon, their ranks will be joined by the Hyundai i30 N.
N boss Albert Biermann has already announced this model is coming. And these are the first spyshots of his baby, featuring new aero parts for the chin, diffuser, skirts and more. Also, it's expected that the i30 N may feature lightweight seats, wheels and even a carbon-fiber hood.
Unfortunately, we've been told not to expect a bump in power. But considering future Hyundai products are supposed to have as much as 300 HP from 4-cylinder engines, we really don't know what to believe. Maybe the output bump will be reserved for the eventual transition to AWD.
It's worth remembering that with the relatively inexpensive Performance Pack, the i30 N goes from 250 to 275 HP. And while that's not on par with the Civic Type R, getting to 100 km/h takes only 6.2 seconds. The car is quite technologically advanced for a hot hatch, boasting adaptive suspension, a mechanical LSD and rev-matching system. But at 1,429kg, it's hardly the lightest thing in its class.
Interestingly, the lightweight i30 N might come out at the same time as a potential rival. Honda is refreshing the Civic Type R and has been seen playing with a stripped out version at the Nurburgring. Obviously, the Japanese rival will be more powerful but also obscenely expensive.
This is by no means the only thing Hyundai N is working on right now. We know that AWD is coming, as well as a dual-clutch gearbox for those who don't like to use their left foot. Even the affordable i20 N mini hatch seems to be on track, which is probably what you expect when a BMW M man is at the helm.
Unfortunately, we've been told not to expect a bump in power. But considering future Hyundai products are supposed to have as much as 300 HP from 4-cylinder engines, we really don't know what to believe. Maybe the output bump will be reserved for the eventual transition to AWD.
It's worth remembering that with the relatively inexpensive Performance Pack, the i30 N goes from 250 to 275 HP. And while that's not on par with the Civic Type R, getting to 100 km/h takes only 6.2 seconds. The car is quite technologically advanced for a hot hatch, boasting adaptive suspension, a mechanical LSD and rev-matching system. But at 1,429kg, it's hardly the lightest thing in its class.
Interestingly, the lightweight i30 N might come out at the same time as a potential rival. Honda is refreshing the Civic Type R and has been seen playing with a stripped out version at the Nurburgring. Obviously, the Japanese rival will be more powerful but also obscenely expensive.
This is by no means the only thing Hyundai N is working on right now. We know that AWD is coming, as well as a dual-clutch gearbox for those who don't like to use their left foot. Even the affordable i20 N mini hatch seems to be on track, which is probably what you expect when a BMW M man is at the helm.
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