Limited-edition hot hatch sheds the kilos, gets lower track-focused suspension and new downforce-boosting aero

A lighter, faster limited-edition Hyundai i30 N Project C hot hatch has been previewed ahead of its launch later this year.

First images of the camouflaged limited-edition hot hatch testing on the Nurburgring show how the i30 N Project C will be heavily influenced by the N Option concept shown at the 2018 Paris motor show.

Changes over the standard i30 N include a new front splitter, finned side skirts and lower, more track-focused suspension.

Crucially, other Project C additions include carbon-fibre body panels and a set of ultra-lightweight 19-inch alloy wheels that slash weight in a bid to boost performance.

How much weight will be shed hasn’t been announced, but in standard trim the i30 N tips the scales at a portly 1429kg.

There are no interior pictures, but the i30 N Project C is said to come with a pair of Alcantara-trimmed sport seats and liberal use of carbon-fibre for the vents, door-handles, dash, steering wheel and gear shifter.

Under the bonnet the i30 N Performance’s 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder carries over unchanged. That means it produces the same 202kW and 353Nm of torque.

Hyundai hasn’t announced how much quicker the Project C is compared to the 6.1 seconds it takes for the regular car to hit 100km/h, but with less weight to haul it should improve on that.

Hyundai has announced it plans to limit production of the i30 N Project C special-edition to just 600 cars for selected markets in Europe by the end of this year, when it’s expected to command a large price premium over the i30 N Performance it’s based on.

However, given there’s no mention of the UK and therefore right-hand drive production, it’s unclear whether the faster i30 N will come to Australia.

That said, Hyundai Australia says it remains keen to offer some of the extras previewed by last year’s i30 N Option concept, including a carbon rear wing, carbon bonnet with air vents, quad mufflers, lightweight 20-inch rims with semi-slick tyres, matte paintwork, sports pedals, carbon interior components and an Alcantara-clad upper dash, sports bucket seats and steering wheel.

The Hyundai i30 N Project C is set to be unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show this September alongside the redesigned i10 city-car and a new concept for a pure-electric car.