A new photo from Hyundai has offered the first glimpse at what to expect from the manufacturer’s new N performance wing.
Aiming to compete with the likes of big-name performance brands like BMW M and Mercedes AMG, Hyundai N will use the manufacturer’s motorsport experience to build track-capable road cars.
The first car to wear the N badge is expected to be a performance version of the i30 hatchback, which is expected to get a newly-developed 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine.
All-new 2.0-litre turbo engine
Hyundai is currently busy prepping cars for the iconic Nurburgring 24-Hour Race later this week, and the photo reportedly shows a development racing version of the i30 N.
Sporting a wide and aggressive aerodynamic body kit, the development car also gets flared wheel arches, an integrated front splitter and a large rear wing.
The production i30 N is expected to look a little less race-ready, but will nonetheless feature the same angry splitter, larger alloys than the regular i30 and a bigger exhaust.
Rival to the Focus ST?
Along with its new 2.0-litre turbo engine, the i30 N will also get an upgraded transmission, firmed suspension and revised steering ratios compared to the regular hatchback.
It’s expected that the N version of the i30 will be built in small numbers, but it’s unclear whether it’ll aim to serve as a halo performance model or as a more usable hot hatch like the Ford Focus ST.
Due to arrive next year, the i30 will be the first Hyundai model to get the N treatment, but it’s expected that the line-up will benefit from additional models like an i20 version.
