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Hyundai is using the Paris Motor Show to demonstrate just how serious it is in becoming a maker of truly sporting cars. The RN30 hot hatch concept is a preview of what it has in mind for its first ever proper hot hatch, based on the i30 and which will be launched next year under the N-brand.
The RN30 is 84mm lower and 30mm wider than the standard new i30, which is also making its debut at the show. It wears a massive, aggressive body kit with huge 'floating' wheelarches covering 19-inch alloys and an enormous rear wing. There are also Lamborghini-style dihedral door hinges but don't expect those to trickle through to production.
Under that bonnet lies Hyundai's new 2.0-litre Turbo petrol engine. When it comes to the market it will have around 260hp but here in the RN30, thanks to a bigger turbo and forged, rather than cast, components it makes a healthy 380hp. Power goes to all four wheels through a dual-clutch gearbox and there's an active differential setup too so that each wheel gets the power it can best handle.
Inside there are wraparound bucket seats and a full roll cage, plus cameras mounted to the a-pillar and the sharks fin on the roof. Gyro-stabilised for a clear picture they're for recording your hot laps on a track day. Or the more interesting parts of the school run, the choice is yours...
Albert Biermann, Head of Vehicle Test & High Performance Development for Hyundai Motor said: "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 our customers 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."