Hyundai i30 N to get ultimate shakedown

Hyundai has confirmed that it is entering two, near production spec, Hyundai i30 N models in this year's Nürburgring 24 Hours this May.

The two stripped-out hatches, that are due to be unveiled officially in September at the Frankfurt motor show, will be powered by the road car's turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder and even come with the i30 N's standard six-speed manual transmission.

Power is still to be confirmed, but it's thought the Korean Volkswagen Golf GTI-rival will come around 200kW/300Nm that should be enough for a sub-six second 0-100km/h dash and a top speed approaching 250km/h.

The decision to compete will prove the hot hatchback's durability and speed, especially since Hyundai N division boss, Albert Biermann, claims the i30 N that will race will be closely related to the cars customers will buy.

"We want our high-performance brand to have considerable racing pedigree so it is important that we compete with minimal modifications. Nürburgring is where the i30 N has undergone much of its testing and chassis development."

It won't be the first time the fledgling i30 N has paid a visit to the fearsome German road circuit.

Hyundai already has an R&D hub a stone's throw from the Nürburgring and the i30 N has performed countless laps of the former F1 circuit's tortuous 73 corners while the road car was being developed.