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Paris 2016: Hyundai goes hot with "N"
The impressions that comes to mind of Hyundai are probably boring cars from the land of kimchi. However in 2013, the Korean manufacturer announced that they will be competing in the 2014 season of the World Rally Championship (WRC). That was the first appearance of the "N" branding on their i20 rally cars. And "N" symbolises the connection between the division HQ in Namyang and Nurburgring where the cars are honed
Motorsports-inspired technology
That is the first arm of a three-prong approach. Hence the competition in the WRC is the perfect testing bed for the "N" division. The Hyundai WRC team has taken things in their stride. Despite only in its third season in the sport, the team is currently running second in the 2016 constructor's standing. Which is a brilliant achievement over a short period of time.
Balanced Performance
Balance is the key to life. And it is no different when it comes to building a car. In 2012, "N" started out in life as Project RM (Racing Midship). Technologies were constantly being developed and boundaries constantly pushed so that they can be harnessed in the future. To push the division forward, Hyundai appointed Albert Biermann the head of "N" division in 2015. A very smart move. After all, Biermann was the head of the "M" division.
Emotional delight
Lastly, a performance car cannot not evoke emotions when driven. The sensation of speed and excitement is all part of the experience of driving such a car. And the recent unveiling of the RN30 concept proves that Hyundai can do crazy. A 374bhp track-ready concept with the looks to boot. That is pretty radical. Just don't expect the road-going version to be that outrageous. Because the i30N has been previewed to have between 230 to 250bhp. I guess one can never be too conscious when playing with the big boys. Especially when its your first swing at a highly competitive segment. The "N" is one to watch.
Source: Hyundai, Top Gear
Paris 2016: Hyundai goes hot with "N"
Curious, where N will evolve to...
