GR86

Make
Toyota
Segment
Coupe

The upcoming Hyundai i30 N hot hatch will mark an exciting new era for the Korean manufacturer. In stark contrast to some of the dreary cars the automaker has been churning out lately, the i30 N represents the first car in Hyundai's N performance division to take on the likes of the Ford Focus ST and Volkgswagen Golf GTI. We were recently treated to a glimpse of the i30 N being put through its paces on rough British roads, and now Hyundai's teaser campaign continues with a brief audio sample of the hot hatch's snarling exhaust note.

Of course, it lacks the bite of Hyundai's i30 WRC car, but the road-going version still sounds satisfyingly sporty. We particularly like the menacing growl as it roars into life and the audible crackles when upshifting. The jury's still out on whether the i30 N will be a worthy contender to the more established Golf GTI and Focus ST, but at least it sounds like it means business.

What you're hearing is the sublime sound of the i30 N's rumored 2.0-liter turbocharged engine which is expected to pack 250 horsepower and be mated to a six-speed manual transmission, though no specifications have been revealed yet. An optional performance package will apparently bump up the power to 275 ponies. Hyundai isn't concerned about making the i30 N the fastest car in its class, however, but the most fun to drive. Fortunately, we don't have long to wait for the Hyundai i30 N to make its public debut, as two prototypes are being unleashed at this weekend's 24-hour race at Nurburgring. The production i30 N will then be revealed later this year, possibly at the Frankfurt Auto Show.