The Hyundai RN30 concept has been revealed at the Paris Motor Show with the Korean car maker saying it will develop into the brand’s first hot hatch.

THE HYUNDAI RN30 Concept hints at the first model to be developed by the Korean car maker’s N division which is responsible for performance-oriented models. Based on the new-generation i30, the RN30 was “born as a racing machine”.

At the Paris Motor show, 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 our customers 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.”

Under the bonnet is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine which is being developed for future N models and makes 279.5kWand 451Nm of torque. This is mated to a wet-type dual-clutch transmission, and all-wheel drive. The RN30 features Hyundai’s new electronic limited-slip differential system which “makes sure each wheel receives sufficient torque, measuring the driving force of the tyres. 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”.

While the RN30 looks like the i30, it’s 30mm wider at 1950mm while the height has been reduced by 84mm to 1355mm. At the back there’s a large diffuser sitting above white ceramic twin exhaust pipes. It sits on 19-inch light-weight alloys. On the inside, there’s a bucket seat and integrated roll cage… stabilizing gimbal cameras can be mounted inside the cabin.

The RN30 follows on from other performance-oriented concepts, the Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo, RM15 and RM16 concepts. Hyundai said the new i30N will be revealed soon and go on-sale in 2017.