Hyundai showed off an “interim” version of their 2017 World Rally Championship competitor at the Paris Motor Show knowing that they’re still tweaking everything from its powertrain to its aerodynamics, but it’s still among the hottest of all hatches to behold. Drool with us at the close-ups.
Like all the other manufacturers this year, Hyundai’s WRC test camouflage fits their #corporate #branding. In Hyundai’s case, it’s pushing their performance-centric N-brand, which we’re certain stands for Not Cars You Can Buy Yet, but seems cool nonetheless.
Under that ski-N lies up to 380 hp, an Electronic Active center differential, and more downforce. The WRC has allowed considerably more freedom to design around the base car—in Hyundai’s case, the i20—which has made them ridiculously quick on the stages.
Hyundai continues to test and tweak their WRC car heading into the 2017 season, so they gave few certain details besides some pretty pictures of their car (or rather, what their car looks like for now). Looks cool, though!
The 2017 spec for rally cars is supposedly so fast, the WRC barred privateers from driving them, a decision that was confirmed yesterday with the establishment of a Privateers’ Cup using older-spec cars, per a tweet by WRC broadcaster Becs Williams. While that’s a bit of a garbage move by the FIA, it does speak to the beastly nature of the new cars. That being said, I will still miss the antics of the Fuckmatiè World Rally Team in the top class. Boo, WRC. BOO!
At least I can console myself with how awesome the new cars are. Here’s Hayden Paddon driving the crap out of another “interim” 2017 Hyundai i20 WRC in Portugal, just in case you were curious what a running model looks and sounds like. There’s no fancy N-camo out on the test stages, however, there is plenty of Hyundai’s lovely periwinkle and dirty brown. Plenty of dirty brown.
Hyundai Motorsport also has a gallery of stills up of their test car in action on Facebook. Like any good rally car, I think it looks better covered in dirt.
Photos credit: Hyundai