It?s more than two years since we first told you about Hyundai?s plans to introduce a range of N-badged performance models, and now we?ve learned that the first one is set to hit the market next year, with a tuned version of the next-generation i30 hatchback.
While the i30N is primarily aimed at Europe, N Division?s boss, Albert Biermann, assures us that two other N-badged models will be introduced shortly afterward, with at least one of these having broader appeal to the U.S.
Although we?ve only seen a prototype version of the i30N and weren?t allowed to take detailed photographs of it, Hyundai entered a prototype fitted with the production car?s powertrain into last weekend?s Nürburgring 24 Hours race (above).
It uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and drives the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential that Hyundai engineered itself. We have not been given any official power output, but we were shown a video of the new engine being dyno tested, which showed numbers peaking at 264 ps (260 horsepower), which we’re betting will be the minimum output. Biermann, who was formerly the head of development for BMW?s Motorsport Division, says he doesn?t want the i30N to be targeting performance numbers or lap times; rather, the focus will be on the driving experience. ?It is not just about the output,? he said, ?if you look at the data our car will not look like the winner [compared with rivals], but when...