Hyundai’s 2017 WRC challenger unveiled

We don't make a habit of covering reveals of race car liveries, but in this case we'll make an exception for Hyundai's cool new i20 Coupe WRC -- which will be piloted by a quick Kiwi and is the first car to be revealed for the 2017 World Rally Championship.

Unveiled in Monza overnight following its global unveiling -- sans livery Shell Mobis stickers -- at the Paris motor show in October, the new three-door is loosely based on the latest i20 city-car sold in Europe but not destined for Australia after the old i20 was discontinued here earlier this year.

Hyundai's i20 Coupe WRC conforms with new technical regulations to be introduced from next season. A larger 36mm turbo restrictor has enabled the Korean manufacturer to raise outputs from 224kW to 280kW from the car’s 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

The i20 also promises to be quicker courtesy of significantly more aerodynamic downforce, a 55mm wider track and a new centre differential. Boosting performance further is a 25kg reduction in weight, to just 1175kg.

The i20 will be run under the Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team banner. Hyundai has named three point-scoring drivers under new regulations: Kiwi Hayden Paddon, Belgian Thierry Neuville and Spaniard Dani Sordo.

Motoring.com.au recently rode shotgun in the outgoing WRC car from Hyundai at the recent Rally Australia event in Coffs Harbour.

The first round of the 2017 season will take place at the Rally of Monte Carlo event on January 19 and the championship was yesterday confirmed to conclude at the 25th WRC Rally Australia on the NSW Coffs Coast over November 16-19 next year.