Yesterday at its German
headquarters, Hyundai Motorsport unveiled the next generation i20 WRC.
Piggybacking off its success in last year's World Rally Championship and the
new WRC-spec i20, Hyundai is
finally releasing an R5 edition of its five-door hatch. The R5-spec car will be
able to compete in more events than the WRC version, and will bring an even
heavier Hyundai presence.
The new i20 WRC sports a
turbocharged 1.6-liter I4 capable of 300 hp at 6,000 rpm and 295 ft-lbs of
torque – no change from last season. Naturally a paddle-shifted sequential
gearbox sends the power to the front and rear mechanical differntials -- also the
same from last year. In fact, there doesn’t appear to be a big change in any of
the hardware, besides the body of course. Hyundai says that this new
car is stiffer and more capable than last season's ride. The car still sports a
Shell and Mobis livery and carries over many of the styling characteristics of
the previous model.
It only takes one trip to
the pits of a WRC event to see that Hyundai has clear intentions
with its racing program – winning. Unlike the normal service areas that
generally include a tent for the cars, a semi-trailer and a rest area for
staff, Hyundai drags a completely enclosed garage to every event.
With all the experience the
drivers have had with the Hyundai i20 WRC cars, the improved car might put
Hyundai in a spot to take the championship. Watch out Volkswagen, Hyundai is
coming for you.
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