Mission accomplished – both Hyundai i30 N models completed the Nürburgring 24-hours race

· This weekend the two close-to-series production i30 N models accomplished the hardest durability test in the world, the Nürburgring 24-hours race

· In total both cars completed 240 laps which equals 6000 km on the race track proving its race-track capability and durability of the i30 N series model

· Hyundai Motor’s first high performance model will be launched in Europe this autumn

Hyundai Motor is one step closer to finalising the development of the i30 N after completing the ADAC Zurich 24-hour race at Nürburgring this weekend. The i30 N is Hyundai Motor’s first high performance launch that will be launched this autumn. The two close-to-series production models accomplished in total 244 laps, which equals more than 6000 km on the track, proving that Hyundai Motor’s first high-performance model N is truly race-track capable.

“The 24-hour race at the Nürburgring was a real success for us. The two i30 N completed the race without any technical problems and we are really happy with the performance and durability of the cars”, said Albert Biermann, Executive Vice President and Head of Vehicle Test & High Performance Development at Hyundai Motor Company. “With only slight modifications on the two cars, we could really prove the track-capability of the i30 N series model in the most challenging race in the world.”

At the 45th ADAC Zurich 24 hour race more than 205,000 fans celebrated over the course of the weekend the 156 participating cars with a lot of sunshine and temperatures of about 30 degrees Celsius. The legendary race is a festival for all motor sports enthusiasts who camp in the forest surrounding the racetrack with its 24 corners to stay close to the action. In the paddock area Hyundai Motor’s N Fan Truck offered fans the chance to re-fresh and follow the race on the livestream.

The two i30 N cars, close to series production, competed in the SP3T class (1.6- to 2.0-liter turbo charged engines). Although the car with the No. 95 had an accident with damage on the rear that needed repair, the cars No. 92 and No. 95 completed 135 laps and 109 laps respectively during the course of 24 hours race period without any technical difficulties. The Nürburgring length in the 24-hour race is 25 km combining the Nordschleife and parts of the Grand Prix Circuit. Thus the cars completed together more than 6000 kilometres under the toughest race conditions in the daytime and at night, delivering valuable insights for the car’s chassis, engine performance and overall durability.

The i30 N with No. 92 finished on 4th rank in its SP3T class out of 10 contenders (out of 12 initial entrants) and on 50th place in the overall ranking (out of 109 contenders) - an astonishing performance given that 51 cars out of the 160 initial entrants had to resign before the end of the race, as well as the wide field of competing race-cars with higher performance.

The two cars were equipped with a 2.0-litre turbo-charged petrol engine in combination with a six-speed manual transmission. The same powertrain combination will be applied in the Hyundai i30 N series model. For participation in the 24-hour race the two cars have been modified focusing mainly on the drivers’ safety, featuring a FIA homologated roll cage, a fire extinguisher and a race seat. For enhanced grip and braking performance the i30N were fitted with racing tires and race brakes. Additionally the vehicle’s exterior design based on the New Generation i30 series production model has been fitted with a front splitter and rear spoiler to enhance aerodynamics and increase downforce.

The Hyundai i30 N will be Hyundai Motor’s first high performance model under the N sub-brand. The ‘N’ stands for Namyang, Hyundai Motor’s global R&D Centre in Korea, and for the Nürburgring, home to Hyundai Motor’s European Test Centre. The ‘N’ logo resembles a chicane, representing the ultimate driving experience on winding roads.