► Hyundai i30 N Project C
► Just 600 to be made
► Lighter, but likely same power
There really is no stopping the hot hatch arms race at present. An output of 250bhp used to be impressive until 300bhp became the norm – and now the Mercedes-AMG A45 S’s 415bhp has left us wondering what’s next. It’s in this climate of oneupmanship that Hyundai has just revealed the Project C i30 N, an even spicier version of its i30 N fizz-machine.
The Project C gets its name from the brand’s high-performance vehicle testing and development Area C track in Korea. With that in mind, Hyundai is describing the Project C as a ‘lighter, lower, corner-slicing’ version of the Performance trim i30 N, so expect the same power with better driving dynamics and looks.
This is essentially a greenlit version of the i30 N Option concept we saw a little while ago.
A press release – which also features the car in testing camouflage – says the Project C will use carbonfibre-reinforced plastic along with 19-inch wheels and dedicated aerodynamic touches. Unfortunately, it seems as though the N Option’s vented bonnet and rear wing – arguably the two best bits – have not made the cut.
Only 600 of the hot hatch will be made, and we’ll get more info at the 2019 Frankfurt motor show.
The earlier Hyundai i30 N Option styling kit: what you need to know
Ever worry your Hyundai i30 N hot hatchback isn’t quite hot enough? Well, this N Option styling kit unveiled at the 2018 Paris motor show could be just the ticket, lending a degree more visual menace to Korea’s feted pocket rocket.
The Hyundai i30 N Option is a concept car for now, according to the manufacturer, presenting a well developed look at what a racier version could look like. It was unveiled alongside the more elegant go-faster i30 Fastback N, also making its world premiere at the Mondial de l’Auto.
The 2018 Paris motor show: our full guide
What’s new on the i30 N Option?
Hyundai says there are 25 different upgrades made to the show car, both inside and out. It’s clear now that this was a testbed for the new limited edition Project C road car.
Some are easy to pick out – witness the Boeing-spec carbonfibre rear wing and vented composite bonnet – whereas others are mechanical tweaks or more subtle interior changes.
Buyers will soon be able to spec 20-inch cast alloy wheels with track-ready semi-slick Cup tyres for more grip in corners. Handy for track days. Note also the red character line picking out the grille on this concept car, whose exhaust is bolstered by four chunky pipes.
Alcantara interior trim, sports pedals and a stubbier gearlever (above) complete the visual makeover.
Max Power ahoy! When can I buy the tuned Hyundai i30 N Option pack?
The personalisation scheme will launch ‘in the near future,’ says Hyundai. Count on the scheme going live in the next few months, with the full programme showroom ready by summer 2019, CAR understands.
If your funds run deep enough, you’ll be able to go the full hog and order a car like the one pictured here, but the personalisation programme will also let you mix and match different styling elements to create your bespoke i30 N.
Just goes to show that personalisation is the name of the game nowadays, as manufacturers offer punters ever pricier ways to upgrade their cars. The thing is, we reckon the i30 N is just about perfect straight out of the box…
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