Hyundai Motorsport brings performance-boosting updates for i20 R5

Hyundai Motorsport brings performance-boosting updates for i20 R5

Posted: November 26, 2019 6:56 AM

Hyundai Motorsport has revealed the Hyundai i20 R5 ‘20, the latest iteration of the company’s Customer Racing department-built rally car.

While carrying forward the core of the car that has already scored championship victories across Europe the Hyundai i20 R5 ‘20 features a number of important updates that will give customer drivers and teams greater performance on the stages.

The chassis features all-new dampers in both its tarmac and gravel configurations, offering improved balance and handling. Together with an updated steering system the changes to the chassis will give drivers added confidence in the car, and a more responsive package in all conditions.

Other significant changes are focused on the 1.6 litre, turbocharged engine. New pistons and liners will help boost the output to around 290hp. This increase in power, together with a step up in torque, can be felt throughout the power band in each of the five gears in the sequential gearbox. The improvement in performance was confirmed in recent trials, which included extensive running on a number of stages on both loose and sealed surfaces. Further tests will help to fine tune the changes before the new parts are homologated for the start of the 2020 season.

Externally the car can be differentiated from the previous versions by redesigned door mirrors and a re-profiled roof-scoop to improve airflow to the driver and co-driver, while the gearbox and brakes will also benefit from improved cooling ducts.

The new parts will be fitted as standard to cars delivered by the Customer Racing department from the start of 2020, while also being available as a kit for Hyundai Motorsport’s existing customers to update their machines and enjoy the improved performance on offer.

Hyundai Motorsport Customer Racing Senior Sales Associate Andrew Johns said: “The R5 category is incredibly competitive, and in order to keep our customers at the front of rally championships around the world we need to almost continuously develop the package that we offer to our customers. The Hyundai i20 R5 ‘20 represents the largest single upgrade to the car since it was revealed at the end of 2016. The first tests we have completed show a good increase in performance, and the feedback from our drivers on the handling and balance has been very positive. We will continue to work to finalise the exact specifications of the new parts, but I am already confident that the updates will make the i20 R5 ‘20 a very strong contender for national and international rallying.”