Hyundai i20N Rally1: unveiling of the Korean brand's new WRC contender

About six months ago, Ford presented its Puma Rally1 WRC still camouflaged, to give us an idea of what the car would look like that would fight for the World Rally Championship. Also, just a month ago, Toyota presented its GR Yaris Rally1, the Japanese weapon with which Toyota will challenge its rivals.

Continuing with these presentations, it is the turn of today’s protagonist, the new Hyundai i20N Rally1, which, unlike its rivals from Toyota and Ford, has been presented uncovered, sporting an image in pure WRC style and a hybrid powertrain to adapt to the new regulations that will debut next season.

The powertrain of the new i20N Rally1

The aforementioned hybrid powertrain has been developed from scratch using an electric motor of 100 kW, supporting a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine, resulting in an incredible power figure of around 500 CV, since the electric motor delivers around 134 CV extra.

The new i20N Rally1 will feature a simplified five-speed gearbox and a simpler suspension system than its predecessor, and it will no longer have centre differentials.

On top of all this, the styling of the new WRC i20N is quite similar to the previous model, although the most notable novelty is at the rear, thanks to the new LED rear lights of the compact and the new spoiler that reduces aerodynamic downforce in accordance with the regulations.

To power its electric motor, Hyundai will use a small 3.9 kWh battery which, together with the other components of this hybrid system, has increased the weight figure by 70 kilos.

To keep its battery charged, the new WRC cars will feature regenerative braking, and teams will also be allowed to recharge their batteries at the start of each stage to have 100% of their capacity.

Hyundai’s squad

With all this said, as last year, Hyundai will field three cars crewed by Dani Sordo at the wheel with Candido Carrera as co-driver in the first, Oliver Solberg and Elliott Edmondson in the second, and finally, Thierry Neuville and Martin Wydaeghe in the third.

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackHyundai i206 versions · from 21,520 €