Lighter, more powerful, and Nurburgring-tuned.
Hyundai has proven itself to be a formidable new player in the ultra-competitive hot hatch segment with the overseas-only i30 N and America's latest Veloster N. At the time of the latter's launch, we asked Hyundai if its high-performance N division had additional plans for an even more hardcore version, but silence was the answer (though we couldn't help but notice a faint hint of a smile).
Today, that question has been answered. The South Korean automaker has revealed its i30 N Project C, a lighter, lower, and more formidable variant of the i30 N, which shares a platform, engine, and many other tidbits with the Veloster N. The i30 N Project C is slated to have its live debut in a couple of weeks at the Frankfurt Motor Show, sans the camouflage shown here.
Hyundai says the limited edition specification will include carbon fiber reinforced plastic materials and motorsport-inspired 19-inch wheels. The result is a lighter and more responsive car. There are also some aerodynamic upgrades but we don't know just yet whether there are any engine upgrades. Currently, the i30 N produces 271 horsepower while the Veloster has an additional four ponies.
Despite the camo, we're also really hoping that slick orange outline of the Nurburgring makes production, at least as an option. Now, for the not so good news. Production will be capped at just 600 units. If a Veloster N counterpart is planned, expect a similarly low production run as well. Bummer.
But still, this is yet another example of the N division turning things up a couple of notches. Hyundai is set to have quite a showing at Frankfurt. Along with the i30 N Project C, it'll show a radical new concept that supposedly "rethinks mobility," the also overseas-only next-generation i10 hatchback, and its first-ever all-electric race car, courtesy of Hyundai Motorsport. Nothing like seeing the Germans being challenged on their own turf by an outsider and unlikely opponent.
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