Hyundai is going after the Honda Civic Type R with the RN30 Concept, unveiled at the Paris motor show.
The car is based around the latest i30 hatchback, which also debuts at the Paris show.
Hyundai is planning a high-performance range of N cars across its line-up, and the RN30 is described as “a motor sport-inspired racing concept developed to deliver passion and pleasure on the track.”
It is revealed at Paris just as the next version of its Honda rival breaks cover. The Hyundai will also target the Ford Focus ST.
The car will use the i30’s 2.0-litre turbo engine uprated to deliver 380hp and allied to all-wheel drive. This has been developed in close collaboration with Hyundai Motorsport and its World Rally Championship programme.
The exterior gains extra aggressive panels, in similar form to the Type R that the car will rival, and added for both visual appearance and more effective aerodynamics.
According to Hyundai high performance development head Albert Biermann, the 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 everybody can enjoy effortlessly.”
A launch date for the first production Hyundai N models is yet to be announced though it is expected to be sometime in 2017.
