Hyundai reveals the all new i20 N prototype for the first time

Hyundai Motor has released two new videos showing winter testing for its high-performance models, including a prototype of the all new i20 N in camouflage.

The videos, which were shot in Arjeplog, Sweden, show Hyundai WRC driver Thierry Neuville putting the i20 WRC, the RM19, and the i20 N through their paces in the snowy landscape. In addition, first images of the all new i20 N have been released.

The testing took place earlier this year on a frozen lake in Arjeplog, Sweden, a popular winter testing ground for automotive manufacturers. The year-round deep cold makes it the perfect place for testing vehicles in extreme weather conditions. Some days, the temperature can drop to minus 30 degrees Celsius.

Hyundai tests its cars in harsh climates to make sure its vehicles can still perform in extreme weather conditions. From searing summer heat to icy winter roads, vehicles must be able to function in every climate condition in Europe.

In this test, Hyundai wanted to evaluate the reliability of the vehicles under extreme cold, as well as test their performance in motorsport-like conditions. The high speeds and sharp turns put the vehicles under a high amount of mechanical stress, proving their capabilities in tough conditions. Following the success of the i30 N and i30 Fastback N, Hyundai is developing a high performance version of its newest European model - the all new i20 N. As with other N models, the i20 N will be racetrack capable and street legal.

In 2012, Hyundai established its Hyundai Motorsport division and signed Belgian rally driver Thierry Neuville as its lead driver. In 2014, the team began its first season in the WRC with its i20 WRC car.

That year, Neuville scored his and Hyundai's first WRC victory at Rally Deutschland. Overall, Neuville has achieved nine wins, 26 podiums and 129 stage wins driving for Hyundai. And in 2019, he once again led the team to victory as Hyundai Motorsport won its first WRC manufacturer's title.

In addition to its racing production cars, Hyundai Motorsport is also testing out new technologies on a series of high-performance concept cars, called Racing Midship, or RM for short. RM serves as a test bed or rolling lab to develop and test new ideas. The most recent concept, the RM19, features a 2.0-litre turbocharged rear-axle-mounted engine, a large rear spoiler, and 385bhp. Beyond rallying, Hyundai has also made a foray into touring as well. In 2017, Hyundai competed for the first time with its i30 N TCR. Since then, Hyundai has developed two successor touring cars - the Veloster N TCR and the all-electric Veloster N ETCR.