Hyundai Enters World Time Attack Challenge With i30 Fastback N

Hyundai will compete at the 2019 World Time Attack Challenge at Sydney Motorsport Park in Australia with a specially-designed i30 Fastback N later this month.

The World Time Attack Challenge is dominated by tuning companies, privateers and racing teams putting their vehicles to the test in various classes to see who’s the fastest. In entering a modified i30 Fastback N, Hyundai will become the first factory manufacturer to enter the series, and will compete in the Clubsprint class.

Hyundai’s High Performance Team in Korea has developed a more powerful powerplant for the car, and while figures have yet to be released, it features a bespoke ECU tune as well as an upgraded turbocharger and intercooler, while all the engine’s stock internal components have been retained.

Also Watch: Hyundai i30 Fastback N Keeps Driving Fun, Adds Practicality

Then we come to the aerodynamics. Australian aerodynamicist Dr. Sammy Diasinos, who has previously worked in Formula 1, developed the racer’s package, which includes a large front splitter that produces 250 kg of downforce at 200 km/h (124 mph) and a rear wing that delivers 450 kg of downforce at the same speed.

“The great challenge with the Clubsprint class is we’re quite restricted with the aerodynamic changes we can make to the car,” Diasinos said. “But with the front splitter and wing package we have developed there should be a significant increase in the downforce and cornering ability of the i30 Fastback N.”

A host of parts from the i30 N Project C road car are also featured on the Time Attack car, including a carbon fiber hood, Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and lightweight OZ Racing forged alloys. The interior has also been stripped out.

As professional racing drivers aren’t allowed to compete in the Clubsprint class, Hyundai Australia product planning and development specialist Tim Rodgers will be the one behind the wheel.