Another Korean performance car is on the horizen

The Hyundai i30 N, Hyundai Motor Company’s first high-performance model, has been tested to the limit on a frozen lake in temperatures as low as minus 30°C at Arjeplog, Sweden, by FIA World Rally Championship driver Thierry Neuville as part of its final development program.

This is promising as it shows the Korean companies commitment to the project.

Set for launch in the second half of 2017, Hyundai’s first N model draws on the brand’s rally and racing experience and its fast-growing expertise in high-performance road vehicle development to deliver  fun on the road and on the track. The car is rumoured to have around 200kW and a host of performance features such as adjustable dampers and a trick Limited Slip Differential (LSD).

Engineers at Hyundai Motor Europe’s Technical Center conducted the winter test on the edge of the Arctic Circle, focusing on the i30 N’s performance and handling characteristics, adjusting the set-up to ensure it will be a performance vehicle for everyone. The team worked with Neuville to develop and tune the i30 N’s dynamic systems, and to test the Electronic Stability Control (ESC), LSD, as well as the steering, dampers, suspension and tires.

“So many people have been looking forward to this car, so it’s a pleasure for me to be testing it,” said Neuville. “The engineers have done a good job on the gearbox and the differential. There is good traction and stability in the slippery testing conditions and it’s very easy to handle. A normal driver should get a sensation similar to a race car.”

The Hyundai i30 N will be the third member of the i30 family, joining the five-door i30 and the i30 Wagon, which was launched at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month.