Hyundai engineers have successfully given technology for their under-development ‘N’ series of performance cars its first real-world test on the racetrack, with an i30 2.0 Turbo development car completing the grling Nürburgring 24h Race at the legendary Nordschleife in Germany. The endurance race at one of the world’s most demanding racetracks was an intense, and very public, test for the new, performance-orientated engine that will be fitted in the first ‘N ‘model – a one-letter badge that will identify a new breed of hot Hyundai.
“The endurance race at the Nürburgring is the toughest race in the world. It’s the perfect environment for testing the resilience of our new turbo-charged two-litre engine with direct fuel injection under extreme strain,” said Albert Biermann, Head of Vehicle Test & High Performance Development.
The newly designed engine, which is the heart of the development vehicle, coped with the strains of the 24h Race, proving that it is powerful and reliable. That is important information for Hyundai Motor in the future high-performance engines for the road.
“We are on a very good way regarding the design of our first N vehicle. In the process of designing high-performance engines, the highest possible horsepower output is not the top priority. Instead, the engineers focus on maximum driving pleasure and driving fun without compromising the every-day-usability,” added Albert Biermann.
Many components of Hyundai i30 2.0 Turbo were changed to run at the Nordschleife. Components such as the engine, the adapted suspension and shock absorbers were enhanced as well as improvement in other areas such as wheels, steering, fender extensions and safety components were made for motor racing. The experience will help ensure that cars for the road are truly exciting to own.
“The most thrilling cars to drive are those that have proved themselves on the racetrack,” said Mike Song, Hyundai Head of Africa and Middle East Region. “It’s easy to add some sporty options for the showroom, but by proving a car on the track we can make sure it keeps its edge. That’s what Hyundai has in mind for the N cars – genuinely driver-focused cars.”
In addition to the important findings that will be incorporated in the design of future Hyundai engines, the race also proved to be a major success from the motor racing point of view. The i30 2.0 Turbo outpaced quite a number of the other 159 cars that contested the endurance classic. The development vehicle took the chequered flag after 24 hours in 90th position in the overall rankings. Altogether, the drivers Bruno Beulen (BE), Michael Bohrer (DE),
Alexander Köppen (DE) and Rory Pentinnen (FI) completed 91 laps at the gruelling racetrack, representing a distance of 2,309.39 kilometres at racing speed and recording the fastest lap time of 9:55.636 minutes, which even broke the 10-minute barrier.
The development vehicle that contested the Nürburgring 24h Race was designed and built by Hyundai Motor dealer and racing-car constructor Peter Schumann. The racing cars successfully run by Hyundai Motor Deutschland also were developed, designed and built by the Schumann motorsport department.
Over 185,000 people gathered to watch the Nürburgring 24h Race. About 12,000 people were at the ‘Hyundai N Fan Arena’ to cheer for the Hyundai cars. The three Hyundai cars that contested the 24 Race all completed the race with the Veloster 1.6 Turbo ranking first in its class. — SG
