Hyundai will enter the ADAC Zurich 24-hour race at Nürburgring with two close-to-series-production Hyundai i30 N models - ahead of the global launch later this year.
The participation in the endurance race at the Green Hell also represents the final testing phase for the first model from Hyundai’s high-performance 'N' sub-brand.
The N stands for Namyang, Hyundai's global R&D Centre, and for the N in Nürburgring, home to Hyundai’s European Test Centre. At the Nürburgring, the i30 N has undergone much of its testing and chassis development, so Hyundai says it wanted its high-performance model to 'finally prove its race track capability in the challenging race'.
The two cars participating will enter the SP3T class (1.6- to 2.0-litre turbo charged engines) and are equipped with a 2.0-litre turbo-charged petrol engine in combination with a six-speed manual transmission. The same powertrain combination will be applied in the i30 N series model.
For the participation in the 24-hour race the two cars have been modified with a focus mainly on the drivers’ safety; featuring a FIA homologated roll cage, a fire extinguisher and a race seat. For enhanced grip and braking performance the i30N’s are fitted with racing tires and race brakes. Additionally the vehicle’s exterior design, based on the new i30 series production model, has been fitted with a front splitter and rear spoiler to enhance aerodynamics and increase downforce.
“The 24-hour race at the Nürburgring is one of the most challenging endurance race in the world. We will use the race as a final test for our Hyundai i30 N development to check how the vehicle is performing under these extreme conditions and where we can still fine tune the car before its market launch,” says Albert Biermann, Executive Vice President and Head of Vehicle Test & High Performance Development at Hyundai Motor Company. “With the Hyundai i30 N we want to offer a car that feels direct, responsive and predictable and that performs well on the track without compromising every day driving capabilities. Most importantly the i30 N should be fun to drive for everyone.”
Race car #1 will be driven by Vincent Radermecker from Belgium and Stuart Leonard from the UK, both professional drivers, with Team #2 driven by Pieter Schothorst from the Netherlands.