Hyundai i30 N Performance will launch in 2017 with at LEAST 260bhp (+video)

The Hyundai i30 N Performance – destined to be Hyundai’s first performance model – will launch in 2017 with at least 260bhp.

Last week, Hyundai revealed that a prototype version of the i30 N Performance – Hyundai’s first N Performance car – would be running at the Nurburgring this weekend to help engineers judge the progress they’re making. But now we know a bit more.

Albert Biermann, the man in charge of the new ‘N’ brand, has been talking at the Nurburgring about the 130 N, and has revealed that it will debut as a production model in 2017, after the next generation i30 launches.

To start with, the i30 N will come with front wheel drive and a manual gearbox, although there will be an automatic version by 2018, and a 4WD version looks a possibility too.

Power will come from a newly-developed Hyundai engine, which will deliver at least 260bhp and feature improved exhaust, a limited slip diff and bigger brakes, and there will also be a ‘Performance’ Pack available too, although we don’t know if that will add extra power.

The 260bhp figure comes from a Hyundai teaser video for N Performance (below) which shows the new engine developing 260bhp and 228lb/ft of torque at 6,000rpm, although it could be more.

That sort of output would see the i30 N taking on cars like the Ford Focus ST and Volkswagen Golf GTI (and even the GTI Clubsport 40), with enough power and torque to cause a little consternation, especially if the i30 N is priced to challenge.

Somewhere around £25,000 would seem about right to really put the car amongst the pigeons.

Hyundai N Performance Engine Video