After several months of waiting and many teasers, we finally left today for this presentation that is taking place in Düsseldorf, Germany, and which you can follow on our Instagram.
Expectations regarding the Hyundai i30 N couldn't be higher. Why? To begin with, the Hyundai i30 N is the result of a development process unprecedented at Hyundai, which made the Nürburgring Nordschleife its “headquarters” during the design of this new sports car.
This is the first model in the N Performance department, developed under the baton of Albert Biermann, a German engineer with established credits in the automobile industry – Biermann was for some years the head of BMW's M Performance division.
In addition to the snow tests in northern Sweden – with driver Thierry Neuville at the wheel – the ultimate test of the Hyundai i30N was at the Nürburgring 24 Hours. If there were any doubts, Hyundai was not to be trifled with.
The presentation of the new i30N in Düsseldorf was therefore a special moment. Lets go to what matters.
A sports car for everyday life, starting with design
Developed based on the new Hyundai i30, the i30 N was designed as a car able to travel comfortably during the week but perfectly capable of providing extra fun on the circuit. In terms of design, the i30 N doesn't stray too far from the series model.
Abroad, in addition to the signature N on the front grille, brake calipers and Hyundai Motorsport-inspired blue, the front and rear bumpers are visibly more aggressive. The slightly lowered bodywork, rear spoiler and black headlight bezels contribute to the sporty silhouette.
Inside , the exclusive “N” steering wheel stands out, which brings together all the high-performance features, and the sports seats, with greater lumbar support.
official numbers
As planned, the Hyundai i30 N will be equipped with a 2.0 T-GDi block , available in two power levels. In the Standard Pack, this engine delivers 250 hp to the front wheels, while in the Performance Pack it is capable of delivering 275 hp . The 250 hp version accelerates to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds and the 275 hp version takes 6.1 seconds to complete the same sprint.
In both versions the maximum torque is 353 Nm, delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. In addition to the additional 25 hp, the Performance Pack also adds 19-inch Pireli P-Zero tyres, red brake calipers and larger brake discs (18 inches front, 17 inches rear). The locking differential and the exhaust system with variable valve are other goodies included in this Performance Pack, in order to allow for a more exciting experience behind the wheel.
In addition to being the home of Namyang, Hyundai's research and development center in South Korea, and the home of the Nürburgring, where the European test center is located, the "N" logo also symbolizes a chicane.
Technology at the service of the driving experience
The driver can choose five driving modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, N and N Custom , and all of them can be selected using the dedicated buttons on the steering wheel. Through these modes it is possible to change the car's behavior, adjust the engine mapping, the suspension, the electronic stability control (ESC), the limited-slip differential, exhaust note, the steering and finally, the automatic heel tip (rev matching).
The Hyundai i30 N arrives in Portugal in November. As for prices, we still have to wait for more brand news.