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A High-Performance Hyundai? Not an Oxymoron, It’s the RN30 Racer Concept

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Hyundai RN30 Concept Race Car Paris Motor Show Debut

Hyundai is going through an identity crisis—and that may be a good thing.

While part of its lineup has split off to form the premium Genesis brand (which released its first two models this month), the European arm of Hyundai Motor has been working rigorously to develop a sportier identity for the Korean brand via its performance-driven N Division.

To establish this sporty reputation and lead to the release of more athletically-tuned models, Hyundai been showing off its high-octane concept cars, such as the N 2025 VISION GT at the Frankfurt Motor Show and the RM16 at the Busan International Motor Show.

The latest high-performance model on display is the RN30 concept, a racing-inspired compact car based off the redesigned i30. It took the stage today at the 2016 Paris Motor Show.


Lookin’ Good! Which Hyundai model was awarded for its excellent design?


RN30 Changes the Way You Think of Hyundai

The Hyundai RN30 concept that debuted at the 2016 Paris Motor Show is a racing-driven machine that exhibits the vision behind the Hyundai N line.

Hyundai RN30 Concept Race Car Paris Motor Show DebutFueled by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with a wet-type dual-clutch transmission and composed of durable forged parts, the RN30’s high-performance powertrain is meant to hold its own out on the track. That seems plausible with its impressive 385 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. Other highlights include an electronic limited-slip differential system, Electronic Variable Exhaust system, all-wheel drive, and specially-developed high-durability plastics for a lighter, more resilient body. Overall, it’s a light, fast, tight race car with a body and motor enhanced for optimal control.

The RN30 was developed through the close collaboration with Hyundai Motorsport, Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center, and the automaker’s Performance Development & High Performance Vehicle Division. As Hyundai works its way out of the corner it backed itself into with its lineup over-saturated by affordable, entry-level compact sedans, you can bet to see more cool products like the RN30 making laps.

According to reports from June, the first official N-badged production Hyundai will be a i30N marketed to European customers. Perhaps customers will see a sportier Hyundai in the form of the next generation Elantra GT, which will be getting a makeover in the next year.


Did You Know? We bet you didn’t know these 5 interested facts about the Elantra