Limited edition Hyundai i30 N Project C launched

The special-edition Hyundai i30 N Project C has made its official debut at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show. It’s a lighter, lower, restyled version of the Korean brand’s Golf GTI-rivalling hot hatch, inspired by the brand’s i30 “N Option” show car from the 2018 Paris Motor Show. Production will be limited to just 600 units. 

Hyundai says the Project C is 50kg lighter than the standard i30 N, thanks to a set of 19-inch forged aluminium alloy wheels and a host of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic components. The front splitter, rear diffuser, bonnet, side skirts and seats backs are all made from the material, saving a total of 23.5kg.

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Chassis revisions for the i30 N Project C include a lowered suspension system, stiffer springs, and lightweight aluminium hangers at the rear wheel hubs. It also features the i30 N Performance’s electronic limited-slip differential, adaptive dampers, larger-diameter brakes, and rear suspension bracing.

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It’s powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, developing 271bhp and 353Nm of torque – although this figure can be temporarily increased to 378Nm, thanks the i30 N’s “overboost” function. Like the standard car, the engine feeds its power to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission.

Hyundai is yet to reveal any performance specifications for the Project C but, thanks to its lightweight alloys and CFRP body panels, we expect it to be quicker than the standard car’s 6.1-second time. It’s top speed will likely remain unchanged though, at 155mph.

Inside, the Hyundai i30 N Project C features a pair of leather-and-Alcantara-trimmed Sabelt bucket seats, a brushed aluminium gear knob and a new Alcantara steering wheel, which features a pair of red drive mode thumb paddles in place of the usual blue units. A numbered plaque also features on the dashboard, marking the car’s place in the limited-production run.

Unfortunately, the Hyundai i30 N Project C is only available in left-hand drive, which means it won’t be coming to the UK. First deliveries for European customers are expected to arrive by the end of 2019. Prices are yet to be confirmed.

Hyundai i30 “N Option” show car unveiled

Hyundai’s i30 “N Option” show car was revealed at the 2018 Paris Motor Show, previewing a planned list of customisation options to spruce up the standard i30 N hot hatchback. Since then, Hyundai’s accessories package has morphed into a standalone, limited-edition model, restricted to the left-hand-drive European market.

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Cosmetic upgrades for the show car included a more aggressive aero package, a vented carbon fibre bonnet, quad exhausts, a vast rear wing and a set of lightweight 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in semi-slick track-day tyres. It was finished in unique matte-white paint with ‘N’ graphics.

Inside, the N Option show car featured carbon-fibre door handles, a carbon-fibre dashboard and new air-vent surrounds, along with an Alcantara steering wheel, a range of red dashboard highlights, a pair of leather and Alcantara-trimmed bucket seats and a set of sports pedals.

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