The Hyundai i30 N has been a runaway success for the South Korean automaker and for 2021, it will receive a facelift and be available with a dual-clutch transmission.
Following in the footsteps of the rest of the i30 range, the new hot hatch will receive updated front and rear fascias that promise to make it look a touch more aggressive. For example, there will be slimmer headlights with sharp new LED daytime running lights, an enlarged grille, and refreshed taillights with new inner graphics.
Power will continue to come from a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 246 hp in standard form and 271 hp in Performance guise with a maximum torque of 278 lb-ft (378 Nm) on overboost. Drive will be sent exclusively to the front wheels via an electronically controlled limited-slip differential.
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The dual-clutch to be used by the 2021 i30 N will be the same eight-speed wet dual-clutch transmission as the 2021 Hyundai Veloster N. As such, the gearbox will feature a host of unique features aimed at increasing driver involvement. For example, there will be an ‘N Grin Shift’ (NGS) mode that increases torque by 7 per cent by allowing turbocharger overboost and maximizing transmission response for 20 seconds. The transmission also includes ‘N Power Shift’ (NPS) that engages when the car accelerates at more than 90 per cent throttle and upshifts at the perfect time to deliver maximum power to the wheels.
This particular prototype features this very transmission, but for those that like to row their own gears, a six-speed manual will continue to be offered. It will be interesting to see if the dual-clutch ends up outselling the manual.