International presentation of the Hyundai i30 N Project C

This year, at the Frankfurt International Motor Show, Hyundai Motor has launched the i30 N Project C. It is a limited edition lighter, lower and more extreme than the current praised i30 N. Project C reinterprets the brand's first high-performance model, intensifying the experience of the i30 N, providing extra lightness, as well as an improved driving experience, which will surely broaden the smile of our most demanding customers. It is 50 kilograms lighter (officially weighs 50,004 kilos less), 6 millimeters lower and has a sportier design both inside and outside.
Inspired by the competition, the i30 N is Hyundai's first high-performance car to carry the N badge. Since its debut in 2017, it has received praise and a multitude of awards. Built on the basis of the five-door i30, it was developed from the beginning to provide maximum driving fun on a daily basis when driving on the road, as well as when entering a circuit. N is the emotional expression of Hyundai Europe for the most committed customers; and Project C is the most authentic proof of it to date.

The unique specifications of the i30 N Project C include different pieces of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), whose perfect fabric can be seen through a soft lacquer. The front skirt, rear diffuser, bonnet and heels with the N logo are made entirely in CFRP. This makes this special edition lighter and attached to the asphalt at high speed … and impressive to the eye. Despite having a larger frontal area and being closer to the ground, the aerodynamic coefficient of 0.32 of Project C is the same as that of the i30 N. The different aerodynamic elements located at the top and bottom of the car give the Project C of a stimulating image, at the same time that improve stability and allow a more determined curve step.

Why the specific use of the letter ‘C’To name this model? First: The ‘Area C’Is the part of the high-performance circuit of the Hyundai R&D center in Namyang where N. Second was born: Project C is the first Hyundai street car to use fiber-reinforced plastic Carbono (CFRP) in different body parts. Finally, the effective CThe gravity of Project C is 8.8 millimeters lower than the current i30 N variant of 275 hp. These three C combine to improve the performance capabilities of the car. “The i30 N Project C is the next emotional step in the path of success of the i30 N, demonstrating that Hyundai wants to go further to satisfy motor sport enthusiasts”, said Thomas Schemera, Executive Vice President and Director of the Product Division of Hyundai Motor Group. "With this new limited edition, we have reduced the weight of the car in those parts where it was most useful, achieved better maneuverability and optimized the design for better performance."

The i30 N Project C reduces weight with CFRP and aluminum

With the i30 N Project C, Hyundai has not been reluctant to optimize the high performance of the i30 N. The imposing 19-inch OZ Racing forged wheels reduce the weight not suspended by 22 kilograms. The use of the CFRP on the hood (-7.2 kilos), the heels (-499 grams each), the front skirt (+240 grams of pure functional and aesthetic aerodynamics), the new integrated design of the rear diffuser (-386 grams), as well as the seats of competition of type baquet and manual regulation signed by Sabelt®, with backrests in CFRP (-7.5 kilos each), help to reduce the weight. Likewise, Sabelt seats also provide the driver and passenger with a perfect lateral and shoulder support in an improved driving position, oriented towards sporty driving.

The power is maintained at 275 hp with a pair of 378 Nm in “overboost” thanks to the Performance Pack of the i30 N, while the weight reduction and better response of the Project C give the driver a noticeable better feeling.

Optimized dynamics

“The steering and suspension of the i30 N Project C are considered a reference for the most enthusiastic drivers of the i30 N,” remarked Alexander Eichler, Head of Testing and Development of High Performance Vehicles of the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center. “Project C makes specific reference to the part of the high performance circuit of the Hyundai R&D test circuit in Namyang. But the car has also been tuned in the technical center that Hyundai has in Meuspath, next to the Nürburgring circuit. ”

The body of the i30 N Project C is 6 millimeters closer to the road – with a lower center of gravity 8.8 mm – thanks to a new internal calibration of the shock absorbers and shorter and harder suspension springs than in the current i30 N. The rear wheel hubs have been replaced by some aluminum and not steel, which saves an amazing 4.66 kilograms. The Project C also has a reinforcement bar, located in the trunk, available in the Performance Pack of the i30 N for better performance at high speeds and, particularly, to be able to link curves at high speed. All driving modes have been specifically calibrated for Project C, with the Sport and N selection giving drivers more information and fun at the wheel. The N mode is extremely dynamic and is designed for circuit use, where the agility and predictability required will delight the most experienced drivers.

An elegant and very functional design

The interior of the Project C incorporates Alcantara®-lined elements, such as the steering wheel, the handbrake or the gearshift lever. Like many of the changes inside the car, the gearshift knob, in aluminum and in the shape of a piston head, combines functionality and design, fitting perfectly in the hand to achieve short and precise changes. Both the brake calipers on the outside and the seat belts inside have the Deep Orange color, used for the most characteristic details of Project C. The completely new Sabelt seats also feature Deep Orange stitching and stripes. Now, the buttons of the driving modes and N modes are also in Deep Orange. A limited edition xx / 600 badge on the passenger side indicates the exclusivity of this vehicle.

The exterior design is dominated by the dark matt gray color, with the CFRP body parts bathed in glossy varnish. With Project C, Hyundai takes the i30 N to the limit, providing a new experience of pure dynamism and maximum response to the requirements of its driver. Visitors to the 2019 Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA) will be able to live the international presentation in the first installment of the i30 N Project C on September 11. The new model will be limited to a total of 600 units and deliveries will begin to be made to selected markets in Europe later this year.