Based on the new-generation Hyundai i30, the RN30 was born as a racing machine, developed in close collaboration with Hyundai Motorsport, Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre and Hyundai Motor’s Performance Development & High Performance Vehicle Division. The striking concept is distinguished by its purposeful aerodynamic design and specialised high-performance technologies that deliver thrilling high-speed driving.
The RN30’s power is supplied by a high-performance 2-litre turbocharged engine, under development by Hyundai for N production models, 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, to increase their durability and resistance. As a result, the RN30 is primed for performance, boasting 380bhp and maximum torque of 451Nm.
Managing the impressive outputs is a wet-type dual-clutch transmission (DCT), delivering quicker responses during gearshifting and direct coupling to provide dynamic acceleration. To manage the car’s power while enabling precision driving at high speed, the RN30 is equipped with an all-wheel-drive system.
The RN30 features specialised high-performance technologies designed to increase excitement for drivers and enable them to tame the most challenging of racetracks.
Rev-matching encourages spirited driving by quickly and accurately revising the engine’s speed whenever the driver shifts gear while in sport mode. Adding to the sense of thrill for the driver, 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 specifically aimed at enhancing safety and control. The sophisticated electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD) makes sure each wheel receives sufficient torque, measuring the driving force of the tyres. This helps prevent skidding and ensures fast, precise cornering when navigating high-speed curves, allowing drivers to control this powerful racing machine easily, accurately and confidently.
When developing the RN30, Hyundai’s designers and engineers established a new approach to reducing weight and lowering the centre of gravity. Instead of using carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) common to most high-performance cars, Hyundai broke the mould with all-new high-performance plastic materials, developed in collaboration with leading global chemical company 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 in the lowest possible position. The centre of gravity is lowered further by pushing back and lowering the seats, with all these elements combining to achieve a light weight, ideal for performance driving.
The silhouette of the RN30 is inherited from the clean and cohesive lines of the latest i30, but with a lower, wider stance to enable greater stability during high-speed driving and cornering.
Further exterior design details hint at the RN30’s capabilities and accommodate high-performance technologies and aerodynamic enhancements. For instance, a “floating” fender over each wheel enhances the visual impact of the RN30 and works with the side splitters to improve aerodynamic performance, producing the sensation that the car is being sucked-down onto the track.
During the interior design process, the RN30’s designers worked closely with racing experts from Hyundai Motorsport to ensure drivers can focus attention exclusively on the car and the road. The bucket seat perfectly fits the driver’s body, while an integrated roll cage increases the vehicle’s body strength as it protects the driver in all situations.
To capture the driver’s reactions and dynamic moments while on the road or track, image-stabilising gimbal cameras are attached inside each A-pillar, with an outside camera attached to the centre fin on the roof. With these, drivers can create professional-looking racing footage or present their experiences as if on television. 
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