Hyundai’s N tuning arm, will be busy developing a much potent version of the second generation Hyundai i20 that was recently launched. The N performance arm stands for Hyundai Namyang’s R&D center. This comes as no surprise, as the N badge was launched some 10 months ago, with the i20 being the first few Hyundais to wear the hotter N badge.
The second generation i20 is Hyundai’s second foray into the stiff B-segment category. The i20 N is said to produce some 250 hp, from a turbocharged 1.6 L engine. Other than the increase in engine output, the hotter i20 N will also benefit from various chassis enhancements, like stiffer suspension, stronger brakes, better aerodynamics, grippier tires and likely a retuned steering system.
“Think i20, there is a big logo called N and it is a sporty brand. They are thinking to set-up such a car with 1.6-litre turbo, 250 horsepower, something like that, as a kind of replica for a WRC car,” said Jurgen Grimm, Hyundai’s Head of Powertrain Engineering.
If anything, this new hot Hyundai i20 N will give pressure to the Volkswagen Polo R and the Ford Fiesta ST. It is also highly possible that the i20 N will mirror some of the i20 WRC’s styling cues.
