Korean auto giant Hyundai will run three cars at the iconic Nurburgring 24h Race taking place from May 26 to 29. As part of the development of its motorsport-inspired sub-brand ‘N’, Hyundai will race two production-based models - i30 1.6 Turbo and a Veloster, as well as the development car in the form of the i30 2.0 Turbo.
The i30 1.6 Turbo will be looking to defend its 2015 class win, while the i30 2.0 Turbo development car will be used to gauge further performance potential ahead of Hyundai’s future ‘N’ models. The i30 2.0 Turbo will tackle the challenging German circuit to test the performance-focused power-plant.
Around 40 per cent of the development i30 2.0 Turbo is new with a recently-developed engine, plus enhanced transmission, suspension and dampers. The brand has also worked on other areas such as wheels, steering, wider fenders and the safety features that are obligatory in motor racing.
In September 2015, Hyundai previewed the N sub-brand models which the company said would be focused on performance. While the brand is keen on achieving a strong result at the Nurburgring 24h, the real purpose of the i30 development car is to gather vital track-based data to help future mass production of N sub-brand performance cars.
