HYUNDAI is promising to bring motorsport-bred excitement to the showroom, as it progressively reveals more of its plans for the company’s new ‘N’ sub-brand of performance models. With its latest high-performance N concept unleashed at the 2016 Paris Motor Show last week, the Hyundai RN30, Hyundai created a racing machine developed to deliver passion and pleasure on the track for everybody. While the RN30 is a showpiece for what Hyundai can achieve, it also offers an insight into some of the technology that can be expected as part of the first N model, currently under development.
[caption id="attachment_91681" align="alignright" width="300"]
RN30 delivers driver-focused technology and lightweight engineering to enhance the thrill of driving[/caption]Based on the New Generation Hyundai i30, the RN30 was developed in close collaboration with Hyundai Motorsport (HMSG), Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center (HMETC) and Hyundai Motor’s Performance Development & High Performance Vehicle Division. The striking concept is distinguished by its purposeful aerodynamic design and specialized high-performance technologies that deliver thrilling high-speed driving.
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 everybody 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.”
Hyundai N was launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2015, bringing to life the company’s philosophy for providing engaging and thrilling driving pleasure for its customers.
RN30’s power is supplied by a high-performance 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, under development by Hyundai for N production models, upgraded with an enlarged turbo to increase thrust at full throttle. To manage the additional power, the engine blocks have been applied by forging parts, instead of casting parts, to increase their durability and resistance. As a result, the RN30 is primed for performance, boasting 380 PS (279.5 kW) and a maximum torque of 46 kgf.m (451 Nm).
Managing the impressive levels of torque is a wet-type dual-clutch transmission (DCT), delivering quicker responses during gear shifting and direct coupling to provide dynamic acceleration. To manage the car’s power while enabling precision driving at high speed, the RN30 is equipped with an all-wheel drive (AWD) system.
“The RN30 brings us a step closer to the arrival of the Hyundai N models, and makes a promise that these will be true drivers’ cars to satisfy the most committed enthusiasts,” said Mike Song, Head of Operations for Hyundai in Africa and the Middle East. “Building on our experience in the World Rally Championship, and by pushing cars to the limit under the most challenging of conditions, our engineers are working to create some of the most exciting road cars available on the market.”
The RN30 shows what Hyundai’s engineers can achieve, featuring specialized high-performance technologies designed to increase excitement for drivers and enable them to tame the most challenging of race tracks. Rev-matching encourages spirited driving by quickly and accurately revising the engine’s speed whenever the driver shifts gear while in sport mode. Adding to the sense of thrill for the driver, the Electronic Variable Exhaust system provides a surge of aural pleasure by emitting a strong exhaust sound consistent with the visceral sensations produced by the rapid acceleration.
Other technologies are specifically aimed at enhancing safety and control. The sophisticated electronic limited-slip differential system (eLSD) makes sure each wheel is receives sufficient torque, measuring the driving force of the tires. This helps prevent skidding and ensures fast, precise cornering when navigating high-speed curves – allowing drivers to control this powerful racing machine easily, accurately and confidently.
When developing the RN30, Hyundai’s designers and engineers established a new approach to reducing weight and lowering the center of gravity. Instead of using carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) common to most high-performance cars, Hyundai broke the mold with an all-new high-performance plastic materials, developed in collaboration with leading global chemical company BASF.
This weight-saving innovation is light, highly durable and environmentally-friendly and is used throughout the new concept to help boost handling and acceleration. Inside, redundant parts were removed, while heavier parts sit in the lowest possible position. The center of gravity is lowered further by pushing back and lowering the seats, with all these elements combining to achieve a lightweight, ideal for performance driving.
The silhouette of the RN30 is unmistakably inherited from the clean and cohesive lines of the New Generation Hyundai i30, but with a lower, wider stance to enable greater stability during high speed driving and cornering. To achieve the more purposeful proportions 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.
Further exterior design details hint at the RN30’s capabilities and accommodate high-performance technologies and aerodynamic enhancements. A ‘floating’ fender over each wheel enhances the visual impact of RN30 and work with the side splitters to improve aerodynamic performance, producing the sensation that the car is being sucked-down onto the track.
The front design features Hyundai’s new signature cascading grill and high-tech headlamps, which creates a strong, aggressive image when combined with the distinctive daytime running lights. The airflow from the front to the rear passes through the mesh cascading radiator grill and the air intake, not only improving downforce but also optimizing cooling for performance driving. On the upper part of the engine hood, a large air outlet hints at the dramatic engine power of the RN30.
The large rear spoiler, which generates downforce during high-speed driving, distinguishes the car, giving it aesthetically balanced proportions. Also, a fin placed along the central line of the roof and penetrating the rear spoiler, creates a unique rear look. For optimal and balanced downforce, the car features a large rear diffuser set above centrally-mounted white ceramic twin exhaust pipes, while the 19-inch light-weight alloy wheels complete the car’s dynamic appearance.
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, which perfectly fits the driver’s body and an integrated roll cage, which increases the vehicle body strength, support and protect the driver in all situations.
To capture the driver’s reactions and dynamic moments while on the road or track, image-stabilizing gimbal cameras are attached inside each A pillar, with an outside camera attached to the center fin on the roof. Drivers can create professional-looking racing footage or present their experiences as if on television, to share their exciting stories with friends.
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. All N performance models draw on Hyundai’s successful motorsport experiences and demonstrate Hyundai’s desire to put thrilling driver experiences at the heart of new car developments. The i30N model will soon be available next year, making our passion for high-performance driving accessible to everyone.
All N models are developed by passionate experts in Namyang, the heart of Hyundai Motor’s global R&D network – then pushed to their limits at Nürburgring, the world’s most challenging race track. The N logo represents the chicane of a racetrack – where the balance of cars is proven rigorously.
