Hyundai has announced a limited edition version of
its i30 N hot hatch called Project C. Available only to European
customers, the lighter, lower i30 N is inspired by the high-performance vehicle
testing and development “Area C” track facility at Hyundai’s Namyang R&D
center. Debuting at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month, the Hyundai i30 N
Project C brings a range of design and performance upgrades for the 275 PS version of the Korean hot hatch.
Those include carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP)
materials and motorsport-inspired 19-inch wheels which are said to make the i30
N Project C “notably lighter than the standard i30 N and more responsive than
ever to driver input.” Probably inspired by the i30 N Option Concept unveiled
in Paris last year, these CFRP parts are likely to include the bonnet and roof
spoiler, among other components.
Aerodynamic tweaks have also been made to the i30 N
Project C and Hyundai says they “contribute to the exhilarating experience
behind the wheel, offering even greater driving pleasure.” For now, we only have official
images of a camouflaged i30 N Project C to show you and the only visual
differences we’ve been able to spot are the more pronounced rear diffuser, a
new chin spoiler added to the front bumper, beefier side skirts, and
lightweight alloy wheels. The camouflage features a deep-orange sticker design
of the Area C track from Namyang.
The wording of the press release does not indicate
that the i30 Project C will get more power than the i30 N Performance on which
it’s based. This means we can expect the same 2.0-liter turbocharged
four-cylinder engine rated at 275 PS and 353 Nm of
torque.Hyundai will only build 600 units of the i30 N Project C, which will
become available in select European markets later this year.
