With Hyundai preparing to release a hot-shoe i30 via its N performance arm, an Hyundai i30 N development car has successfully completed the Nürburgring 24hrs.

CONSIDERED THE toughest endurance race in the world, last weekend’s Nürburgring 24hrs provided the backdrop for further testing of the new Hyundai i30 N. 

“The endurance race at the Nürburgring is the toughest race in the world,” said Albert Biermann, Head of Vehicle Test & High Performance Development and former BMW M vice president of engineering. “It’s the perfect environment for testing the resilience of our new turbo-charged two-litre engine under extreme strain.

“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 Mr Biermann.

While details of the new Hyundai i30 N are few and far between, it’s possible to glean from comments by Biermann that it won’t be out to hunt down the Focus RS or the upcoming Honda Civic Type R, rather it’s more likely to be chasing the likes of the Golf GTI.

For its excursion at the Nürburgring 24hrs, Hyundai said that in addition to the “2.0L turbo development drivetrain, many components of the i30 were adapted for racing at the gruelling Nordschleife; suspension and shock absorbers were enhanced, as well as wheels, steering, fender extensions and safety features required to meet racing regulations”.

So how’d it go? The development vehicle took the chequered flag after 24 hours in 90th position in the overall rankings (out of 159 cars entered). Altogether, drivers Bruno Beulen (BE), Michael Bohrer (DE), Alexander Köppen (DE) and Rory Pentinnen (FI) completed 91 laps of the track, a distance of 2,309.39 kilometres at racing speed, with a fastest lap time of 9:55.636 minutes.