The Hyundai i30 N Project C Is A Lighter, Angrier Hot Hatch

The Hyundai i30 N blew us all away when it was launched a couple of years ago. The Korean company’s creation of a world-beater - despite having no past experience building hot hatches - was an incredible achievement, but the N sub-brand is far from done with the i30 yet.

It’s been confirmed that there’ll be an i30 N ‘Project C’, and although the standard car’s 271bhp output will be retained, it should be quite a lot quicker on track.

The limited-run special - named after the ‘Area C’ test track of Hyundai’s Namyang R&D base - will be lighter than the standard car thanks to the use of carbonfibre-reinforced plastic parts and “motorsport-inspired” 19-inch wheels. By the looks of the prototype images Hyundai has released, the latter will be wrapped in bespoke Pirelli P Zero tyres, rather than the ultra-focused Trofeo Rs that are available on the standard car as a dealer-supplied accessory.

It’ll sit lower than the standard car, although Hyundai isn’t saying how much by at this stage. In fact, it hasn’t detailed any of the suspension changes. We are told that it will receive “dedicated aerodynamic touches,” however.

Given how good the standard i30 N Performance is, we’re on board with all of this. Apart from one crucial thing: Project C will only be available in “selected markets across Europe,” of which the UK isn’t one. When asked, a Hyundai UK spokesperson ruled out the prospect of the fettled i30 N arriving on our shores. Boo and hiss.

The car will be limited to 600 units and is set to be revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month.