Hyundai: i30 N Project C in the first test 🎥
LESS IS MORE Despite the electric boom, the Swiss still have a preference for power compacts. With the i30 N Project C, Hyundai is now launching a new, attractive model with reduced weight and a sharpened chassis. What has been done to reduce the weight of the i30 N Project C is explained in the video. From the love of the Swiss [...]
What have been done to reduce the weight of the i30 N Project C is explained in the video.
Hyundai is currently profiting from the Swiss love of sporty top versions with the i30 N, which is offered as a hatchback and a fastback. Around a third of i30 customers have so far opted for an N model.
Now the Koreans are going one better: The Project C variant has become even sportier.
Less kilos due to many carbon parts
Like many sporty Hyundai models, the i30 N Project C received its final polish on the Nürburgring's Nordschleife. The development team at the European headquarters in Rüsselsheim had two major goals: Reduce weight and further optimize driving dynamics.
The C in the model name stands for carbon. The lightweight carbon fiber material was used to slim down the hood, front splitter, side skirts and rear apron with diffuser, as well as the bucket seats, resulting in a net weight reduction of 50 kilograms. The forged alloy wheels also made a significant contribution.
Safety center test drive
But C also stands for center of gravity, which the German tuning experts lowered by 8.8 millimeters to bring it closer to the ground.
And because the wheel geometry and steering have been trimmed more for sports use and the lateral inclination in curves has been further reduced with new spring/damper characteristics, the result is extremely spontaneous handling characteristics.
Proof of this was provided by a first test drive on the handling course at the TCS Betzholz Safety Center in Hinwil.
No change in engine power
To enable the increase in driving dynamics, the engine output did not need to be changed. The two-liter turbocharged engine delivers an unchanged 275 hp and a maximum torque of 378 Nm in overboost mode between 1750 and 4200 rpm.
The four-cylinder develops torque and power in a pleasingly spontaneous and linear manner. The quick-shifting 6-speed transmission is the same as in the base N version, but in the Project C a brushed aluminum knob protrudes from the shift lever. More details in the gallery.
Out of 600 copies 125 for Switzerland
In N mode, the car can be optimally chased out of the starting blocks with Launch Control - and the quick throttle release provokes animated exhaust rattles.
Hyundai is building only 600 units of the Project C, 125 of which are coming to Switzerland - at a price of 52,900 Swiss francs each.
