Hyundai i30N Project C: the most radical recipe reaches the streets

The Hyundai i30N Project C is the spiciest recipe of the Korean compact and will be limited to just 600 units.

We had already seen images of prototype Hyundai i30N Project C testing at the Nürburgring in eye-catching camouflage paint. However, at the recent Frankfurt Motor Show, the Korean brand unveiled the definitive version of the spiciest recipe of its compact model.

Hyundai will have a limited run, and the Hyundai i30N Project C will be limited to 600 units leaving the factory with some upgrades to further improve the brand’s compact. It is a variant that is 50 kilos lighter, so it has followed a diet similar to that of models such as the Volkswagen Golf TCR or the Renault Megane R.S. Trophy R.

The Hyundai i30N Project C has been put on a CFRP diet

One of the elements that has contributed most to reducing the weight on the scale of the Hyundai i30 N Project C has been the wheels signed by OZ Racing. These measure 19 inches and weigh no less than 22 kilograms less than those of the conventional model thanks to the material they are made of: carbon fibre reinforced plastic -CFRP-.

Hyundai has used that same material for various parts of the car, such as the rear diffuser or the backrests of the spectacular Sabelt competition bucket seats. The bonnet has also been a very important part in the slimming regime of this sports car Made in Korea, and thanks to the material we have mentioned, it is 7.2 kilograms lighter than the standard one.

Not all of the lightened parts are visible at first glance; you have to crouch down and look under the car to see them. For example, the steering knuckles are now aluminium, so the weight has been reduced by 4.66 kilograms.

The Hyundai engineers have revised the suspension of the Hyundai i30N Project C, so the body has been lowered by 6 millimetres and, more importantly, the centre of gravity has been reduced by 8.8 millimetres.

Same engine as the Performance version

Where there are no changes is under the bonnet, so the Hyundai I30N Project C features the same engine powered by petrol. This is none other than the 2.0-litre, 275 CV unit fitted to the Performance version of the Hyundai i30N, with a maximum torque of 378 Nm and an almost pornographic sound.

The first units of the Hyundai i30N Project C will begin to be delivered at the end of this year, so if you want to start 2020 on the right foot, start writing the name of the most radical Hyundai on your Christmas wish list.

We will have to see what the future holds, since new emissions regulations may lead future sports cars to be electric. However, if they arrive looking like the Hyundai Veloster N ETCR, we won’t have many problems with that.

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackHyundai i3012 versions · from 29,250 €