2019 Hyundai i30 N Project C

At the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show, Hyundai Motor launched the i30 N Project C limited edition, a lighter, lower and more extreme version of the critically acclaimed i30 N. The Project C interpretation of the brand’s first-ever high-performance model intensifies the i30 N experience using ‘added lightness’ and even more responsive handling – for more smiles for our most demanding drivers. It is 50 kgs lighter (officially: 50.004 kgs lighter), sits 6 mm closer to the road, and features strong exterior and interior design.

Inspired by motorsport, the i30 N is Hyundai Motor’s original high-performance car to wear the N badge and debuted in 2017 to rave reviews and multiple awards. Built on the i30 five-door, it was developed from the ground up to deliver maximum fun-to-drive in everyday life on the road as well as on the track. N is Hyundai Europe’s emotional expression for dedicated customers, and Project C is its truest expression yet.

The Hyundai i30 N Project C’s unique specifications include clearly visible carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) body parts lacquered smooth to show the perfect carbon fibre weave. The front splitter, rear diffuser, bonnet and N-branded side sills are all made from CFRP, making the special edition model not just lighter but also tighter to the tarmac at speed while being stunning to look at. Despite featuring a larger frontal area and standing lower to the ground, the Project C drag coefficient of 0.32 remains the same as on the i30 N. Meanwhile, dedicated aerodynamic touches placed high and low on Project C also contribute to an exhilaratingly quicker but even more steady drive for confident curve slicing.

Why the letter ‘C’ specifically? First, the ‘Area C’ high-performance test track at Hyundai Namyang R&D Center is the birthplace of N. Then also, Project C is the first use ever made by Hyundai of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) body parts for a road car. Lastly, the effective centre of gravity for Project C is lowered by 8.8 mm as compared to the 275-PS specification of i30 N. These three Cs combine to make this captivating performance car possible.

“The i30 N Project C is the next emotional step in following the success of the i30 N, demonstrating that Hyundai is pushing the envelope even more to excite motorsport enthusiasts,” says Thomas Schemera, Executive Vice President and Head of Hyundai Motor Group’s Product Division. “With this limited edition, we have strategically reduced the weight of the car where it can help most, made its overall handling more immediate and optimised its design for even greater performance.”

Hyundai i30 N Project C cuts weight with CFRP and aluminium

With the i30 N Project C, Hyundai has made no compromises in order to optimise the i30 N’s high-performance credentials. The forged OZ racing wheels play a big part in vital unsprung weight reduction. The imposing 19-inch wheels alone account for 22 kgs of shed weight.

Using CFRP in the bonnet (-7.2 kgs), both side sills (-499 grams each), front splitter (+240 grams of pure aerodynamic function and good looks), newly designed integrated rear diffuser (-386 grams) as well as the lighter manually operated Sabelt® competition front bucket seats with CFRP backings (-7.5 kgs each), helps account for the lost weight. The Sabelt seats also provide the driver and front passenger with perfect lateral and shoulder support in an enhanced seating position geared toward performance driving.

Power remains 275 PS and overboost-torque at 378 Nm as with the i30 N with Performance Package, while the Hyundai i30 N Project C’s reduced weight and added responsiveness make for noticeably enhanced feedback to the driver.