Hyundai has unveiled the first full images of its new RN30 hot hatch concept, which is expected to offer some hint at what the manufacturer’s first performance car will look like.
Based on the new i30, the RN30 concept is clearly inspired by Hyundai’s various motorsports ventures, with a full widebody aero kit, bucket seats and even a roll cage.
Although the production version of the concept, expected to be called the i30 N, won’t be as hardcore, it does still offer some hints as to what the final car will look like.
375bhp, four-wheel drive
Power comes from a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which pumps out 375bhp and which comes with a dual-clutch sequential racing gearbox and four-wheel drive.
Other bits of note include an electronic limited-slip differential to better distribute torque, along with body parts made from a new high-performance plastic created by chemical company BASF.
The car sits a whole 84mm lower to the ground than the standard i30 and has a track that’s been increased by 30mm to allow for wider tyres and a much more purposeful stance on the road.
Production version due next year
Pictures taken at the Nurburgring show that Hyundai is currently developing the production version of the concept there, though solid details are still under wraps.
It’s expected that it will get a 2.0-litre turbo engine and upgraded transmission, though it’s not likely to be quite as powerful as the RN30 and unlikely to get four-wheel drive either.
The production version of the Hyundai RN30 is due to arrive next year, with additional performance models due to be released in the near future.