TCR to the streets: Hyundai i30 Sedan N revealed

The new 2021 Hyundai i30 Sedan N follows in the wheel tracks of its TCR sibling

Hyundai’s latest addition to its growing N Performance range has arrived – fresh off the racetrack.

The Hyundai i30 Sedan N (known as the Elantra N overseas) made its debut as the South Korean brand’s new-for-2021 TCR entry in the World Touring Car Cup and IMSA TCR series, but now it’s headed to a showroom near you. It’s due to arrive in Australia in the fourth quarter of the year, joining its soon-to-launch i30 N hot hatch sibling as well as the upcoming i20 N and Kona N. However, it will effectively replace the i30 Fastback N as the four-door member of the range, although Hyundai Australia has previously hinted it may return as a limited-run special.

COMING SOON: Hyundai i30 Sedan N

As expected the i30 Sedan N takes its lead from the hatch, using the same upgraded 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 206KW of power and 392Nm of torque. Unlike the hatch though, which has a six-speed manual option, the four-door will be paired exclusively with the new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The new Hyundai i30 Sedan N is powered by the same 2.0-litre turbo as the hatch

It will include the company’s new gearbox gimmicks – N Grin Shift (which bumps power to 213kW for short bursts), N Power Shift and N Track Sense – as well as an electronic limited slip differential.

While the i30 Sedan N is the latest TCR model, it also uses WRC-inspired technology, specifically something the company calls integrated drive axle (IDA). It combines the drive shaft, wheel hub and bearing into a single unit that not only reduces weight but also makes it stronger and capable of taking more lateral g-forces, according to Hyundai.

REVIEW: Hyundai i30 N v Ford Focus ST comparison test

Another racing-inspired element is the N Sound Equaliser (NSE), which creates “virtual engine sound” including a TCR exhaust note. It also includes the ability to alter the “whine, throat, bass” of the engine noise like you would the stereo equaliser.

The Hyundai i30 Sedan N will be on sale locally late in the year

Even the look of the new model was influenced by motorsport, with the front end design inspired by a race helmet. The large intake with black surrounds is meant to be reminiscent of the helmet visor, while the lip spoiler has been shaped to create the appearance of a low-slung stance.

The other obvious racing element is the rear wing, which sits above the boot thanks to centre posts and features a depressed centre section for better aerodynamic efficiency. The sedan also includes a similar rear diffuser with F1-style triangular rain light integrated into the design as the rest of the N range.

Pricing and final specifications will be revealed closer to the car’s local arrival.