Hyundai previews new-gen i20 WRC Rally Car alongside new RM15 and N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo high-performance N concepts, as well as N Bobsleigh.

The driving force behind Hyundai ‘N’ is the development of future performance-oriented models, which to casual automotive fans and especially fans of the brand, is excellent news. Albert Biermann, Head of Hyundai’s High Performance Vehicle Division, said that “by revealing this exciting high performance sub-brand N to our customers, we’re challenging expectations of the Hyundai Motor brand. Drivers will soon experience the thrills and emotion of our proven motorsport prowess for themselves. Our future model line-up will include performance-oriented and race track-capable cars that will be full of energy. These models are just the start of what we know will be a fast and exhilarating journey for our brand.”

All Hyundai ‘N’ cars will feature new powertrains, lightweight materials as well as performance-oriented handling and aerodynamics inspired from Hyundai Motor’s WRC participation. Hyundai ultimately seeks to achieve harmony with their performance cars and to deliver thrills to customers who seek an engaging driving experience.

For those wondering what the ‘N’ stands for, well, it’s related to the tight connection between Namyang (Hyundai Motor’s global R&D network) and the Nurburgring. The ‘N’ logo depicts the corners of a race track where cars are being pushed to their limit.

The first car “off the boat” at Frankfurt for Hyundai is the i20 WRC Rally Car, which is based on the new-gen i20 hatchback. The i20 WRC features optimized weight distribution, enhanced aerodynamics and solid powertrain efficiency.

The new-gen i20 WRC will debut in final rally-spec form at the Rally Monte Carlo in January 2016, and will help pave the way for Hyundai N’s full road-going car line-up in the future.

With the mid-engined RM15 (Racing Midship 2015) concept, Hyundai hopes to attract people looking for an aggressively-styled high-performance coupe. At its core lies an aluminum spaceframe, covered by light, stiff N-signature body panels formed in carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP).

Its total weight is 1,260 kg (2,777 lbs), while the center of gravity is just 491 mm (19.3 in) from the ground. Power comes from Hyundai’s Theta 2.0 liter T-GDI engine, tuned to 300 PS at 6,000 rpm.

The N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo is clearly Hyundai’s ultimate concept car, and people will be able to enjoy its handling characteristics as long as they have a PlayStation in their living room. The N 2025 Vision GT powertrain is based on the world’s first mass-produces hydrogen fuel cell system. The total power output is a whooping 871 HP (650 kW), with the dual fuel cell stacks providing 670 HP (500 kW), and the super capacitor system generating the additional 201 HP (150 kW) when braking, through energy regeneration.

The power is then delivered through four high-powered independent in-wheel motors, which also aid traction.

The 2025 Vision GT’s race car roar will be produced by the air blower’s turbine (spinning at 200,000 rpm), as well as the hydrogen cooling system and the in-wheel motors.

As for the Bobsleigh we mentioned at the beginning, Hyundai have designed it for the Korean national Bobsleigh team. Using their ‘N’ know-how, Hyundai worked to minimize air resistance and did a lot of wind tunnel aerodynamic testing, creating a bobsleigh design with ideal weight distribution and a low center of gravity.

The materials used were carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP), as they will improve cornering and acceleration.

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