Hyundai revamps hot sedan
Hyundai has celebrated the eighth anniversary of its high-performance N brand by unveiling the refreshed i30 Sedan N, which is sold as the Avante N in South Korea and Elantra N in the rest of the world.
First launched in 2021, it has become a favourite “hot sedan” of driving enthusiasts, and has helped accelerate the N brand’s spread into the US and down under.
The enhanced i30 Sedan N boasts upgraded technological capabilities transferred from motorsport for improved handling balance in high-performance driving, enhanced safety and comfort.
It originated from the i30 Sedan N TCR, which took the crown for the TCR class at the Nürburgring 24-hour endurance race in 2021 and 2022, and won the WTCR team and driver championship in 2022.
Knowledge from the i30 Sedan N Cup One Make Racing (OMR) series then resulted in detailed refinements in software and hardware to create the new i30 Sedan N and a more competitive race car.
“The N brand has always been inspired by competition,” says Till Wartenberg, vice-president and head of N Brand and motorsport at Hyundai. “Now the TCR has proved its advanced technology with a successful race career, the new i30 Sedan N is evidence of our commitment to bring motorsport-winning DNA into our road cars.”
Performance boosted
Ride and handling enhancements include a reinforced engine-mount membrane for reduced after-shake and improved agility, g-bushing reinforcement for improved yaw response and steering precision, and a new rear-suspension S/ABS insulator changed from rubber to urethane on rear support for improved damping and yaw response.
The electronically controlled suspension has been improved for enhanced body control and optimised software for the hardware change.
The gearbox yoke specification has been improved for better steering feedback and direct feeling. The low-friction universal joint is used to increase steering precision. The motor-driven power steering software has been optimised according to new chassis and steering changes.
Front and rear tyre pressure has increased to 36/34psi – compared to the current 35/33psi – to compensate for front-axle load increase while maintaining front-to-rear ride and handling balance.
The new i30 Sedan N receives improved cooling without compromise in efficiency. For maximum cooling on the radiator surface, a duct-style air guard guides airflow to maximise speed, improve aerodynamics, fuel efficiency and cooling ability in extreme conditions. The wing-type spoiler improves aerodynamics for maximum speed and faster corner exits.
The new model’s front-bumper air guide, derived from motorsports, improves braking performance by allowing air to flow directly towards the brake to cool off the heat generated from braking.
Braking is further enhanced with upgraded electronic stability control and by adding a thermal protector on the front brake hose for increased endurance.
In addition, the new i30 Sedan N’s software has been reprogrammed for optimal use of high-octane petrol to boost performance.
Its two-litre GDi engine was especially developed for N models. It’s paired with 6MT/8DCT transmission to deliver 206kW of power, 392Nm of maximum torque and a top speed of 280kph.
Racing-inspired looks
The front of the new i30 Sedan N features a lower stance with enlarged black trim and exterior colour garnish, which combined with the bolder bumper design gives it a dynamic and aggressive look “that embodies the N brand’s high-performance spirit”.
On the sides, N-specific red strips across the front and rear bumpers, including the side-sill mouldings, complete the look of a high-performance vehicle. The black anodised emblem, which will be the new design identity of the N brand starting with the i30 Sedan N, accentuates the model’s sporty image.
At the rear, the black bumper has been enlarged and a boat-tail detail has been added to bolster the car’s image while improving aerodynamics.
Inside, there’s an N-specific steering wheel and shift knob, instrument cluster and infotainment systems, as well as N light sport bucket seats with an illuminated logo.
New film released
Since its launch in 2021, the i30 Sedan N has quickly gained recognition among N fans to become one of the best-selling N models and one of the world’s most competitive in TCR races.
One of the first drivers to compete in major events with a Hyundai was Australian rally legend Wayne Bell. In 1991, he raced the Lantra – an i30 Sedan predecessor made from 1991 to 2000 – in events across his country and south-east Asia, picking up class wins almost from the start.
The new i30 Sedan N builds on motorsport heritage first initiated by enthusiasts such as Bell. Hyundai N says it will continue to listen to the collective voice of fans and has committed to petrol-powered performance as long as regulations allow.
For N brand’s eighth birthday, it has released an i30 Sedan N performance flick featuring actual vehicles owned by fans. You can watch it online below, or at YouTube.
Expansion into China
Since its launch in 2015, Hyundai N has been expanding its market globally to position itself as a high-performance brand. With the new i30 Sedan N design world premiere at Auto Shanghai 2023, N brand made its first step into China.
Moreover, the i30 Sedan N TCR proved its technological advancement at this year’s TCR China Touring Car Championship with multiple race victories.
With its entry into China, Asia’s largest high-performance car market, Hyundai Motor is promoting the N brand’s product competitiveness and differentiated customer experiences while building a local fan base and strengthening its competitiveness in there. Customers will start seeing the new i30 Sedan N in China as its global rollout begins. It’s slated to arrive down under in 2024.
