Hyundai Motor today revealed its latest high-performance N concept with the world premiere of RN30 at the 2016 Paris Motor Show. Based on the New Generation Hyundai i30, the RN30 has been developed in close collaboration with Hyundai Motorsport (HMSG), Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center (HMETC) and Hyundai Motor’s Performance Development & High Performance Vehicle Division.
Albert Biermann, Head of Vehicle Test & High Performance Development for Hyundai Motor said; “RN30 embodies the concept of a strong, high-performance car that brings dynamic, sporty driving. Soon to evolve into our first N model, the RN30 is inspired by our passion to provide a high-performance car that our customers can enjoy effortlessly. We have drawn on our technological expertise – honed through our motorsport successes – to deliver emotional delight through an engaging blend of performance and control, the goal Hyundai’s N strives to achieve in future performance models.”
Power
The RN30 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, under development by Hyundai for future N production models, upgraded with an enlarged turbocharger. The engine makes 380 PS and a maximum torque of 451 Nm. To manage the additional power, the engine blocks have been applied by forging parts, instead of casting parts, to increase their durability and resistance. Managing the torque is a wet-type dual-clutch transmission (DCT) with a rev-matching feature, along with an all-wheel drive (AWD) system. The RN30 also features an electronic limited-slip differential system (eLSD) and an Electronic Variable Exhaust system that does sound the part.
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Construction
Instead of using carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) common to most high-performance cars, Hyundai has introduced all-new high-performance plastic materials on the RN30, developed in collaboration with global chemical company BASF. Claimed to be light, highly durable and environmentally-friendly, the new materials have used throughout the new concept. Inside, redundant parts were removed, while heavier parts sit in the lowest possible position. The centre of gravity is said to be lowered further by pushing back and lowering the seats.
Exterior design
The silhouette of the RN30 is unmistakably inherited from the New Generation Hyundai i30, but with a lower, wider stance to enable stability during high speed driving and cornering. The width of the RN30 has been increased by 30mm compared to the i30, to 1,950mm. Height has been significantly lowered by 84mm to 1,355mm. Aerodynamic enhancements include a ‘floating’ fender over each wheel, along with side splitters to improve aerodynamic performance.
The front design features Hyundai’s new signature cascading grill and unique headlamps with distinctive daytime running lights. On the upper part of the engine hood sits a large air outlet. The large rear spoiler, a fin placed along the central line of the roof and penetrating the rear spoiler, a large rear diffuser set above centrally-mounted, white ceramic twin exhaust pipes, along with 19-inch light-weight alloy wheels complete the RN30’s racy appearance.
Interior design
It is said that during the interior design process, RN30 designers and racing experts from Hyundai Motorsport (HMSG) worked together closely to ensure drivers can focus attention exclusively on the car and the road. A bucket seat and an integrated roll cage rear up the racing credentials, while image-stabilizing gimbal cameras attached inside each A pillar and an outside camera attached to the centre fin on the roof capture the driver’s reactions and moments while on the road or track.
Hyundai N
Hyundai N was launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2015. The RN30 is the latest in a succession of high-performance sports concepts that point towards the future of N production models, furthering the ‘N’ model characteristics first seen in the Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo, RM15 and RM16 concepts. The i30N model will soon be available next year. All N models are developed in Namyang, the heart of Hyundai Motor’s global R&D network – then tested at Nürburgring. The N logo represents the chicane of a race track.
