Albert Biermann, head of Vehicle Test & High Performance Development at the Hyundai Motor Company, said: “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.
“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.”
Hyundai N was launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2015, bringing to life the company’s philosophy for providing engaging and thrilling driving pleasure for its customers.
High-performance powertrain
The RN30’s power is supplied by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, under development by Hyundai for N production models and upgraded with an enlarged turbo to increase thrust at full throttle.
To manage the additional power, the engine blocks have been applied by forging parts, instead of casting parts, for higher durability and resistance. As a result, the RN30 is primed for performance, with power output of 280 kW, and 451 Nm maximum torque.
A wet-type dual-clutch transmission (DCT) delivers lightning-fast gear shifts and direct coupling for dynamic acceleration. The RN30 is equipped with an all-wheel drive (AWD) system to manage the car’s power while enabling precision driving at high speed.
Specialized technologies for thrilling performance
The RN30 features specialized high-performance technologies to increase excitement for drivers and enable them to tame the most challenging of race tracks. Rev-matching encourages spirited driving by quickly and accurately revising the engine’s speed whenever the driver shifts gear in sport mode.
The Electronic Variable Exhaust system provides a surge of aural pleasure by emitting a strong exhaust sound consistent with the visceral sensations produced by the rapid acceleration.
Other technologies are aimed at enhancing safety and control. The electronic limited-slip differential system (eLSD) measures the driving force of the tyres to ensure that each wheel receives sufficient torque. This helps to prevent skidding and ensures fast, precise cornering when navigating high-speed curves.
Light weight, low centre of gravity
When developing the RN30, Hyundai’s designers and engineers established a new approach to reducing weight and lowering the centre of gravity. Instead of carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) common to most high-performance cars, Hyundai broke the mould by using all-new high-performance plastic materials, developed with BASF.
This weight-saving innovation is light, highly durable and environmentally friendly, and is used throughout the new concept to help boost handling and acceleration. Inside, redundant parts were removed, while heavier parts sit as low as possible. The centre of gravity is lowered further by pushing back and lowering the seats.
Exterior design shows high-performance DNA
The silhouette of the RN30 is unmistakably inherited from the clean and cohesive lines of the new-generation Hyundai i30, but with a lower, wider stance for greater stability at high speed driving and cornering. The width of the RN30 has been increased from that of the i30 by 30 mm to 1 950 mm. Height is significantly lower by 84 mm to 1 355 mm.
Further exterior design details hint at the RN30’s capabilities and accommodate high-performance technologies and aerodynamic enhancements. A “floating” fender over each wheel enhances the visual impact of RN30 and work with the side splitters to improve aerodynamic performance.
The front design features Hyundai’s new signature cascading grill and high-tech headlamps, which creates a strong, aggressive image when combined with the distinctive daytime running lights. The airflow from the front to the rear passes through the cascading mesh radiator grill and the air intake – not only improving downforce, but also optimizing cooling for performance driving. On the upper part of the engine hood, a large air outlet hints at the dramatic engine power of the RN30.
The large rear spoiler, which generates downforce at high speed, distinguishes the car, giving it aesthetically balanced proportions. Also, a fin placed along the central line of the roof and penetrating the rear spoiler, creates a unique rear look. For optimal and balanced downforce, the car features a large rear diffuser set above centrally mounted white ceramic twin exhaust pipes, while the 19-inch light-weight alloy wheels complete the car’s dynamic appearance.
Interior optimized for performance driving
During the interior design process, RN30 designers and racing experts from Hyundai Motorsport (HMSG) worked together closely to ensure drivers can focus attention exclusively on the car and the road. A bucket seat, which perfectly fits the driver’s body and an integrated roll cage, which increases the vehicle body strength, support and protect the driver in all situations.
To capture the driver’s reactions and dynamic moments while on the road or track, image-stabilizing gimbal cameras are attached inside each A pillar, with an outside camera attached to the centre fin on the roof. Drivers can create professional-looking racing footage or present their experiences as if on television, to share their exciting stories with friends.
RN30 is the latest in a succession of high-performance sports concepts that point towards the future of N production models, furthering the ‘N’ model characteristics first seen in the Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo, RM15 and RM16 concepts.
All N models are developed by passionate experts at Namyang, the heart of Hyundai Motor’s global R&D network, and then pushed to their limits during testing at the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife, regarded as the world’s most challenging race track. The N logo represents the chicane of a race track – where the balance of cars is proven rigorously.
