The head of Hyundai’s high-performance division has confirmed that the Hyundai i30 N hot hatch will be launched in 2017, with a top speed of around 250 km/h.
Albert Biermann, Head of Vehicle Test & High Performance Development, officially confirmed the news after a development car made an appearance at the recent Nürburgring 24h Race.
“We are on a very good way regarding the design of our first N vehicle. In the process of designing high-performance engines, the highest possible horsepower output is not the top priority,” said Biermann, who once headed up BMW’s M performance division.
“Instead, the engineers focus on maximum driving pleasure and driving fun without compromising the every-day-usability,” he added.
Still, Biermann hinted to Autocar that the i30 N will boast a top speed of around 250 km/h, and be available initially with a manual gearbox only. He added, however, that a self-shifting transmission will likely be added to the range in 2018.
Although he would not be drawn on exactly how much power the uprated engine produces, a recent teaser video from Hyundai shows promising dynamometer figures of 194 kW and 309 N.m.
The production version of the front-wheel drive Hyundai i30 N – which Biermann promises “will be affordable” – will be based on the third-generation model, and will employ a version of the 2,0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine tested at the Nürburgring.
