Hyundai i30 N Project C Lightweight Special Rushing To Frankfurt

Hyundai has announced a limited edition version of its i30 N hot hatch called Project C.

Available only to European customers, the lighter, lower i30 N is inspired by the high-performance vehicle testing and development “Area C” track facility at Hyundai’s Namyang R&D center. Debuting at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month, the Hyundai i30 N Project C brings a range of design and performance upgrades for the 275 PS (271 hp) version of the Korean hot hatch.

Those include carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) materials and motorsport-inspired 19-inch wheels which are said to make the i30 N Project C “notably lighter than the standard i30 N and more responsive than ever to driver input.” Probably inspired by the i30 N Option Concept unveiled in Paris last year, these CFRP parts are likely to include the bonnet and roof spoiler, among other components.

Aerodynamic tweaks have also been made to the i30 N Project C and Hyundai says they “contribute to the exhilarating experience behind the wheel, offering even greater driving pleasure.”

For now, we only have official images of a camouflaged i30 N Project C to show you and the only visual differences we’ve been able to spot are the more pronounced rear diffuser, a new chin spoiler added to the front bumper, beefier side skirts, and lightweight alloy wheels. The camouflage features a deep-orange sticker design of the Area C track from Namyang.

Also read: Our in-depth review of the 2019 Hyundai i30 N

The wording of the press release does not indicate that the i30 Project C will get more power than the i30 N Performance on which it’s based. This means we can expect the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine rated at 275 PS (271 hp) and 353 Nm (260 lb-ft) of torque.