Hyundai’s upcoming take on the compact hot hatch segment, the i30 N, has been spied on camera on the Nurburgring.
With its eyes set on the Volkswagen Golf GTI, Ford Focus ST and other competitors, the brand’s first model to adopt the ‘N’ designation will push roughly 260 horses to the front wheels from a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-banger, via a manual gearbox at first, and a dual-clutch automatic that’s expected to arrive several months after the hot hatch’s launch.
A tweaked chassis, an electronically-controlled limited-slip differential, modded suspension and sportier steering will ensure improved grip over the standard model(s), while contributing to its final look will be a more aggressive body kit, a larger set of wheels and dual exhaust pipe setup.
Some sources have also stated that Hyundai might attempt to go after the Ford Focus RS as well, with a more upscale version of the i30 N, which, just like its main competitor, could see the introduction of an all-wheel drive system, to cope with the additional power.