The WTCC reaches the half way point in the season, and Volvo's Polestar racing is chasing for wins.

The FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) reaches its half way point on the fast street circuit of Vila Real in Portugal this weekend, with just eight points separating the top three and a new “Joker Lap” being introduced.

Polestar Cyan Racing driver Nicky Catsburg heads the standings, with team-mate Thed Björk third, following their historic double win at the Nürburgring Nordschleife a month ago.

“It’s definitely a good feeling heading to Portugal in the lead, but it also applies some pressure as you really want to remain there. Vila Real is a demanding and very fast street circuit. I think the fight with the Hondas, and especially Tiago (Monteiro), will be very tough. They usually perform well at street circuits and they are 30 kilos lighter. But we have been fast with weight this year and, as always, we will try to score as many points as possible,” said Nicky Catsburg.

Four-time STCC champion Björk reduced the gap to the championship lead from 42 points to just eight after his strong victory in the first race at the WTCC Race of Germany.

“The championship is really close and we expect the Hondas to be strong here. Some people have them as the favourites for this track and therefore the pressure is on them. While we are on full weight, we were strong in Portugal last year. I am bringing that positivity, together with the feeling from the win in Germany, with me to this weekend,” said Thed Björk.

Team-mate Néstor Girolami is looking for revenge this weekend as his streak of bad luck continued at the Nürburgring where he suffered a puncture at over 200 km/h while leading the race. The Argentinian escaped unharmed but lost vital points in the championship.

“This is motorsport. Sometime you have bad luck and sometimes you are lucky. The important thing is to stay motivated and I am definitely fired up because I know that I have the speed to be on the top. Vila Real is a really challenging street circuit with both slow corners and some very fast, blind corners at over 200 km/h. I will again do my best and work even harder with the team for our goal to win both championships,” said Néstor Girolami.

A new addition to this WTCC weekend is the introduction of Joker Laps to improve overtaking possibilities on street circuits that can prove hard to overtake on. The Joker Lap route is located at turn 26 and all drivers must take it once during both races. It is estimated to be two seconds slower than the normal lap.

“I have worked as an engineer in rallycross before where the Joker Lap originates from and it is definitely an element that creates more excitement. It’s completely new for us in the WTCC, so there are of course many unknowns. But I am leaving the tactics for our brilliant engineers,” said Thed Björk.

The fight for the manufacturers’ World Title is close heading to Portugal, with Volvo leading main rivals Honda by 40 points.

“We are looking forward to this race. It is a great event with a fantastic crowd. On paper, this should be a tough race for us but we are confident in our car, the team and drivers. We intend fight for every point available to defend our twin championship lead,” said Alexander Murdzevski Schedvin, Head of Motorsport at Polestar.

WTCC Race of Portugal

Circuit: Circuito Internacional de Vila Real

Length: 4785 m

Lap record (WTCC): 1:58.385 (Huff)

Championship Standings

Drivers’ – Top 5

1 Nicky Catsburg Volvo S60 127 pts

2 Tiago Monteiro Honda Civic 125 (-2)

3 Thed Björk Volvo S60 119 (-8)

4 Tom Chilton Citroën C-Elysée 106 (-21)

5 Rob Huff Citroën C-Elysée 102 (-25)

…

9 Néstor Girolami Volvo S60 52 (-75)

Manufacturers’

1 Volvo 404 pts

2 Honda 364 (-40)

Compensation weights for Portugal

Model – Time difference – Weight

Volvo S60 Polestar – 0.0 sec – +80 kg

Citroën C-Elysée – 0.0 sec – +80 kg

Honda Civic – +0.3 sec – +50 kg

Chevrolet Cruze – +0.6 sec – +20 kg

Lada Vesta +1.2 sec – +0 kg

2017 FIA World Touring Car Championship Entry List

No – Driver – Team – Car

3 – Tom Chilton – GBR – Sébastien Loeb Racing – Citroën C-Elysée WTCC

5 – Norbert Michelisz – HUN – Honda Racing Team JAS – Honda Civic WTCC

8 – Aurélien Panis – FRA – Zengő Motorsport – Honda Civic WTCC

9 – Tom Coronel – NED – ROAL Motorsport – Chevrolet RML Cruze TC1

12 – Rob Huff – GBR – Münnich Motorsport – Citroën C-Elysée WTCC

18 – Tiago Monteiro – POR – Honda Racing Team JAS – Honda Civic WTCC

24 – Kevin Gleason – USA – RC Motorsport – Lada Vesta WTCC

25 – Mehdi Bennani – MOR – Sébastien Loeb Racing – Citroën C-Elysée WTCC

27 – John Filippi – FRA – Sébastien Loeb Racing – Citroën C-Elysée WTCC

34 – Ryo Michigami – Honda Racing Team JAS – Honda Civic WTCC

61 – Néstor Girolami – ARG – Polestar Cyan Racing – Volvo S60 TC1

62 – Thed Björk – SWE – Polestar Cyan Racing – Volvo S60 TC1

63 – Nicky Catsburg – NED – Polestar Cyan Racing – Volvo S60 TC1

68 – Yann Ehrlacher – FRA – RC Motorsport – Lada Vesta WTCC

86 – Esteban Guerrieri – ARG – Campos Racing – Chevrolet RML Cruze TC1

99 – Daniel Nagy – HUN – Zengő Motorsport – Honda Civic WTCC

FIA World Touring Car Championship 2017 Calendar

WTCC Race of Morocco (Marrakech): 7-9 April

WTCC Race of Italy (Monza): 28-30 April

WTCC Race of Hungary (Hungaroring): 12-14 May

WTCC Race of Germany (Nürburgring Nordschleife): 25-27 May

WTCC Race of Portugal (Vila Real): 23-25 June

WTCC Race of Argentina (Termas de Río Hondo): 15-16 July

WTCC Race of China (Shanghai Ningbo Circuit): 13-15 October

WTCC Race of Japan (Twin Ring Motegi): 27-29 October

WTCC Race of Macau (Circuit de Guia): 17-19 November

WTCC Race of Qatar (Losail International Circuit): 30 November-1 December

USA - The first all-new Honda Civic Type R to go under the hammer for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.

• All auction proceeds benefit the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation
• Auction goes live at 
• www.bringatrailer.com/listing/2017-honda-civic-type-r-for-charity.com  on June 7
• 2017 Civic Type R to be first new production vehicle available for purchase on BringATrailer.com vintage and collector car auction site

The very first 2017 Honda Civic Type R in the world, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) 01, will be auctioned online beginning June 7, with all proceeds benefitting the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. The Civic Type R is the fastest, most powerful Honda of all time produced for the U.S. and the first Honda Civic Type R to be sold in America. Enthusiasts eagerly anticipating the Civic Type R's arrival can visit http://bringatrailer.com/listing/2017-honda-civic-type-r-for-charity/ to bid1 on the exclusive model with the auction closing on June 15.

"The Civic Type R has long been forbidden fruit for enthusiasts in the U.S., so we thought it would be fun to offer one lucky customer a shot at owning the first of its kind in America while benefitting the leading nonprofit solely dedicated to finding a cure for childhood brain tumors, the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation," said Jeff Conrad, Senior Vice President, Automobile Division, American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

The first production 2017 Civic Type R will be the first new vehicle to be sold on the vintage and collector car auction site, Bring A Trailer. This first-ever Honda Civic Type R to be sold in America is the pinnacle fun-to-drive vehicle of the Honda brand and recently established itself as the fastest front-wheel-drive production car in the world, having set a record lap time of 7 minutes 43.80 seconds on Germany's 12.9-mile Nürburgring Nordschleife (north loop), more than three seconds faster than the previous record. Video of the new Civic Type R's record-setting lap can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibvMm8bVQXY.

The 2017 Civic Type R features the most powerful engine ever offered in a Honda production vehicle in America, a 306-horsepower 2.0-liter 16-valve DOHC direct-injected TURBO powerplant with i-VTEC® valvetrain mated to a short-shifting six-speed manual transmission. Type R's fully independent suspension with dual-axis strut front strut and Adaptive Dampers at all four corners can be controlled through three selectable driving modes – Comfort, Sport and +R. Additional design elements of the track-ready Type R include cross-drilled front brake discs squeezed by Brembo 4-pot calipers and a comprehensive aerodynamic package for outstanding high-speed stability and low drag.

The 2017 Civic Type R for the U.S. market will be produced exclusively in Honda's Swindon, UK plant. Its turbocharged engines will be produced in Anna, Ohio, Honda's largest automobile engine plant in in the world, using domestic and globally sourced parts.

Honda's Longtime Commitment to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation

Honda is a longtime partner of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF). Since 1991, Honda has supported the organization through many efforts, including its quarter-century sponsorship of Ride for Kids (www.curethekids.org/events/ride-for-kids). This support has helped fund research to understand, diagnose and treat pediatric brain tumors, the top cause of cancer-related deaths in children. The PBTF is the world's largest nonprofit solely dedicated to funding childhood brain tumor research and caring for diagnosed families. Since 1991, it has funded more than $29 million in research to improve quality of life, increase survivorship and ultimately eliminate pediatric brain tumors.

All proceeds from the auction of Type R VIN 01 on Bring A Trailer will benefit the PBTF. More information about the PBTF's mission can be found at www.curethekids.org/mission.

To view and bid on the 2017 Honda Civic Type R VIN 1: http://bringatrailer.com/listing/2017-honda-civic-type-r-for-charity/

Testing continues for the "Hot" Hyundai i30N, ready to take part in the Nürburgring 24 hours.

• Following the extreme weather testing in Sweden with Thierry Neuville, the Hyundai i30 N prototype gets tested on the most challenging roads in the UK
• When developing the i30 N, Hyundai Motor’s engineers focus on creating the maximum driving fun and responsiveness in everyday life, as well as on the track
• Two modified i30 N vehicles will enter the ADAC Zurich 24-hour race at the Nürburgring end of May 

The Hyundai i30 N is continuing its intensive development through numerous tests by Hyundai engineers. Following the recent winter test in Sweden with Thierry Neuville, World Rally Championship driver of Hyundai Motorsport, the i30 N has now completed its testing programme on the most challenging roads in the UK. 

With the i30 N, Hyundai Motor will launch its first high performance model carrying the ‘N’ logo. Based on the New Generation Hyundai i30, the i30 N is developed from the ground up to deliver maximum fun to drive on the road and on the track. 

The ‘N’ stands for Namyang, Hyundai Motor’s global R&D Centre, and for the Nürburgring, one of the most demanding race tracks in the world and home to Hyundai Motor’s European Test Centre. The ‘N’ logo resembles a chicane, representing the ultimate driving experience on winding roads. 

In the UK, the i30 N prototype was tested on public roads by Hyundai Motor’s engineers to fine-tune and check the current status of development, focusing on the car’s adaptive suspension and different drive modes. 

“We are getting closer and closer to the final development stage of the i30 N,” said Albert Biermann, Executive Vice President and Head of Vehicle Test & High Performance Development at Hyundai Motor Company. “The road testing serves to check if the driving performance of our first Hyundai N high performance car can meet our future customers’ requirements. 

We have to make sure that on these challenging UK roads the driving performance is also well suited to everyday use. There are plenty of fun and challenging corners out here – the N Team loves corners!” 

At the end of May, two close-to-production i30 N vehicles will enter the ADAC Zurich 24-hour race at the Nürburgring. Both cars will be competing with a 2.0-litre turbo engine and six-speed manual transmission – the same powertrain and transmission set-up that will be used in the production i30 N. The race will give Hyundai Motor’s engineers more valuable insights about necessary refinements and potential performance enhancements for the i30 N ahead of its launch this summer.

Porsche has hit the million with the 911 reaching this massive milestone.

• Zuffenhausen celebrates the original sports car and design icon

It is the quintessential sports car for everyday driving, and a style icon that is unmistakable as both the face and heart of the Porsche brand: the 911. In Zuffenhausen today, the one-millionth model rolled off the production line – a Carrera S in the special color "Irish Green," with numerous exclusive features following the original 911 from 1963. 

The two-door car remains the most important model in the product range and is key in helping Porsche maintain its position as one of the most prestigious car manufacturers in the world.

Dr. Wolfgang Porsche, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Porsche AG, has been a part of the development of the 911 since day one: "54 years ago, I was able to take my first trips over the Grossglockner High Alpine Road with my father. 

The feeling of being in a 911 is just as enjoyable now as it was then. That's because the 911 has ensured that the core values of our brand are as visionary today as they were in the first Porsche 356/1 from 1948."

The Porsche 911 established a new category and remains at the pinnacle of the premium sports car segment. In 2016 alone, 32,365 vehicles were delivered worldwide – more than ever before. Nevertheless, it has maintained its exclusivity over the decades and has become a coveted collector's item. 

The quality of the 911 and Porsche vehicles in general, is legendary. Over 70 percent of all Porsche cars ever built are still ready to drive today. In addition, the Porsche 911 can consistently be found at the top of quality rankings such as the "Initial Quality Study" from the U.S. market research institute J.D. Power.

The mythology of the Porsche 911 has been cultivated by countless motorsport successes. No other sports car embodies this recipe for success quite like the 911. More than half of Porsche's over 30,000 race wins can be credited to the iconic car, and it still thrills private motorsport enthusiasts around the world in numerous racing series.

Porsche has never strayed from the founding concept of the original 911. "But we have continued to enhance the technology of the 911, refining and perfecting the sports car," says Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG, "that's why it remains a state-of-the-art and technically innovative vehicle. We have also been able to expand the model line very successfully through derivatives."

One significant factor in this success is the production site at the headquarters in Zuffenhausen, where all 911s ever built have been manufactured. Today, all two-door cars – 911, 718 Boxster, and 718 Cayman – and their various derivatives are handled on one assembly line thanks to a sophisticated production approach. 

The assembly workers are experts in up to 200 different tasks and, with their passion and knowledge, they ensure that each Porsche is delivered with the quality typical of the brand. Uwe Hück, Chair of the Group Works Council of Porsche, says: "I cannot imagine the success story of the 911 without our unique Porsche employees. Today, we have the one-millionth 911. The good thing about it is that our colleagues still make them with the same devotion as the first car. The construction of the Mission E at the Zuffenhausen site is ringing in a new era at Porsche. 

And it is clear that if we are to make it a success, we will need our highly qualified and motivated employees. They will make sure that the Mission E is an emotional experience just like our 911 has always been – and always will be."

The one-millionth 911 will not be sold. Before it moves on to enrich the collection at the Porsche Museum, it will embark on a world tour and will take road trips in the Scottish Highlands, around the Nürburgring, and in the USA, China, and beyond.

The new Mercedes-AMG GT R* has set the fastest-ever lap time on the Nürburgring Nordschleife

• Around the Nürburgring in 7:10.9 minutes

Just ahead of the winter break due to weather, the new Mercedes-AMG GT R* has set the fastest-ever lap time on the Nürburgring Nordschleife in a test drive conducted by “sport auto”. 

In a time of 7:10.9 minutes, the new spearhead of the AMG model range was faster through the “Green Hell” than any other road-going rear-wheel drive sports car ever tested by the German motoring magazine.

Through the Green Hell in just 7:10.9 minutes – the Mercedes-AMG GT R was faster than any other road-going sports car ever tested. 

The 430 kW (585 hp) “Beast of the Green Hell” more than lived up to its nickname. A lap of the legendary Nordschleife, which ranks as the world’s toughest race track, is the ultimate test of a sports car.

And this exceptional race track, the Nürburgring, is precisely where the Mercedes-AMG GT R has spent a large proportion of its development time. 

Numerous innovations and modifications bear witness that the road-going sports car has racing DNA in its blood. 

The foundations for such exceptional driving dynamics come courtesy of the front mid-engine layout with transaxle, a 430 kW (585 hp) V8 biturbo engine, extensively modified suspension, sophisticated aerodynamics, active rear-axle steering, bespoke tyres and intelligent lightweight design.

All 150 examples of Golf GTI Clubsport S allocated to the UK have been sold on release. Lucky buggers.

• All 150 examples of Golf GTI Clubsport S allocated to the UK have been sold on release
• Golf GTI Clubsport S is the most powerful production Golf GTI yet, with 310 PS
• GTI technology is proven with Nürburgring lap record
• Special model is part of the celebrations marking 40 years of the iconic Golf GTI
• Priced at £33,995 RRP on-the-road

Every single Golf GTI Clubsport S model allocated to the UK market has been sold on release of the new car.

Only 400 examples of the Golf GTI Clubsport S will be built, of which the lion’s share (150) will come to the UK – a country where the enduring popularity of the hot hatchback is unmatched anywhere else in the world.  Deliveries of these limited edition cars are expected to begin in early October.

The Clubsport S is the ultimate expression of the legendary Golf GTI.  The front-wheel-drive car’s 2.0-litre TSI engine packs 310 PS, enabling a blistering 7m 49.21 s record lap time around the gruelling Nürburgring Nordschleife back in May.

The Golf GTI Clubsport S is focused on outright performance.  It weighs 1,285 kg, resulting in a strong power-to-weight ratio of 4.15 kg/PS.  A revised fuel pump is only one example of how comprehensively this car has been evolved but of greater significance is the weight reduction compared with the Golf GTI on which this car is based.  Features such as an aluminium subframe on the front axle and aluminium brake covers illustrate the Wolfsburg engineers’ commitment to shedding the kilograms.

Continuing that theme, a smaller battery, along with the removal of components such as insulating material, the variable luggage compartment floor, the parcel shelf, floor mats and the bonnet damping have together pushed the weight tally down further.  Finally, fitting the car with a manual transmission and removing the rear seats completes the comprehensive weight-saving programme.

That weight reduction contributes to the incredible performance of the Golf GTI Clubsport S.  Standstill to 62 mph is reached in 5.8 seconds, and the top speed, where the law permits, is 164 mph.  It packs a torque figure of 380 Nm between 1,850 and 5,700 rpm, with maximum power available between 5,800 and 6,500 rpm.

To transfer this performance to the road and track are four 235/35 ZR Michelin tyres, which are mounted on 19-inch ’Pretoria’ alloy wheels.  The handling of the car can be adjusted by the driver thanks to Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC). DCC makes it possible to achieve the optimum response to driving conditions.  Comfort, Normal and Race modes are available, as well as a special ‘Nürburgring’ option that further modifies the suspension, sound, engine and steering parameters.

The Golf GTI Clubsport S features race-derived heated bucket seats to connect driver and car.  The character of the Clubsport S engulfs the driver through sound as well as feel thanks to a new exhaust system.  The diameter ahead of the tailpipes is 65 mm instead of 55 mm, which reduces backpressure and increases performance.  The side effect is the atmospheric backfire produced when decelerating.

This very special Golf has a recommended retail price of £33,995 on-the-road.  Three colours are offered: ‘Tornado Red’, ‘Pure White’ and ‘Deep Black’.  Air conditioning is available as a no-cost option, its inclusion adding around 10 kg to the lightweight car.  CO₂ emissions for the Clubsport S are 172 g/km and its economy on the combined cycle is 38.1 mpg*.

The Clubsport S joins the Clubsport Edition 40 in the GTI line-up – also a special edition to celebrate the GTI’s 40^th birthday.  It boasts 265 PS – 45 PS more than the standard GTI – with an overboost function to take power up temporarily to 290 PS, and is priced from £30,935 RRP on-the road.  Both Clubsport versions of the Golf GTI share DNA with the successful Golf GTI TCR racing car that was launched at the start of the year.

FRANKFURT - Hyundai displays the National Bobsleigh tech, new i20 & WRC i20 & concept RM15 & 2025 Vision GT.

• Hyundai Motor’s high performance sub-brand N takes centre stage at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show
• A preview of the New Generation i20 WRC caris presented alongside N performance concepts
• A vision of high performance technology will be showcased in two dynamic concepts – RM15 and Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo
• Hyundai N Bobsleigh 2016, developed for the Korean national bobsleigh team, also displayed at the Motor Show

Hyundai Motor the fastest growing automaker by brand has showcased its high performance sub-brand N at the 2015 Frankfurt International Motor Show. Built on the foundation of the company’s intensive product development and motorsport experiences, Hyundai ‘N’ ultimately aims to develop future performance-oriented models.

Albert Biermann, Head of Performance Development & High Performance Vehicle Division said, “By revealing this exciting high performance sub-brand N to our customers, we’re challenging expectations of the Hyundai Motor brand. Drivers will soon experience the thrills and emotion of our proven motorsport prowess for themselves. Our future model line-up will include performance-oriented and race track-capable cars that will be full of energy. These models are just the start of what we know will be a fast and exhilarating journey for our brand.”

Hyundai ‘N’ cars will feature new powertrains and lightweight materials derived from Hyundai Motor’s World Rally Championship (WRC) participation, as well as performance-focused handling and aerodynamics. By providing carefully balanced levels of power and agility, Hyundai N cars will aim to achieve harmony in performance and deliver optimum thrills to customers who appreciate a focused and truly engaging driving experience.

In order to introduce Hyundai N’s roots and vision, Hyundai Motor is showcasing its latest motorsport challenger and two dynamic concepts during the motor show, the New Generation i20 WRC, RM15 and the Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo.

Inspired by Motorsport

Based on the New Generation i20, the i20 WRC Rally Car is the preview for the vehicle that will compete in the 2016 FIA World Rally Championship. Featuring optimised weight distribution, greater powertrain efficiency and enhanced aerodynamics, the car is already undergoing a punishing testing, engineering and development regime in build up to its final rally-specification ahead of its debut at Rally Monte Carlo in January 2016.

The New Generation i20 WRC will demonstrate Hyundai’s ability to enhance its high-performance DNA, and will continue to compete in motorsports as Hyundai ‘N’ builds towards producing a full road-going line-up of cars.

Accumulating high performance technologies from Hyundai Motor’s RM15

The mid-engined RM15 (Racing Midship 2015) concept is an aggressively-styled high-performance coupe that makes a confident statement about Hyundai Motor’s passion for performance and hints at the future direction of Hyundai N’s advanced technologies.

Although the RM15 is a new challenge for Hyundai Motor, it has adopted a ‘midship’ structure established when N technology was introduced by Hyundai Motor in 2013 to support the production of high-performance automobiles.

The RM15 features an aluminum spaceframe as its core structure, covered by light, stiff body panels formed in carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP), which together help to achieve a significant weight saving compared to a conventional all-steel vehicle. The body panels are painted in N’s signature colours.

Total weight is reduced to 1,260 kg – a saving of 195 kg compared to an all-steel structure. With weight distribution effectively balanced for a midship concept (43% front, 57% rear), the centre of gravity is just 491 mm from the ground and aerodynamic downforce is 124 kg at 200 kph, aided by a competitive lift-coefficient.

Power comes from Hyundai Motor’s Theta 2.0-litre T-GDI engine, tuned to deliver 300 PS at 6,000 RPM through a six-speed manual transmission. Mounted transversely behind the two-seater cabin and ahead of the rear axle, optimised weight distribution is ensured, with a low moment of inertia for excellent handling agility and high levels of traction. Vertical air-intake slots in the flanks of the car, ahead of the rear wheel arches, increase cooling airflow within the engine bay and enhance powertrain efficiency, ready for enjoyable and race track and robust driving.

All these elements combine to achieve Hyundai N’s aim of balanced performance, focusing on increasing power without sacrificing the driving experience.

Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo: leading the next-generation high-performance vehicles

At the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, Hyundai also introduces the ultimate concept car to show the global audience the brand’s unique perspective on future performance characteristics. The ‘Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo’ concept, inspired by N, will be coming exclusively to PlayStation®’s Gran Turismo video game series.

The Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo powertrain is based on the world’s first mass-produced hydrogen fuel cell system. The total system output is 650 kW (871 HP), with the dual fuel cell stacks providing 500 kW (670 HP), and the super capacitor system generating an additional 150 kW (201 HP) by using energy regeneration when braking. This remarkable power is delivered through four high-powered independent in-wheel motors, which provide uncompromised traction.

The compact, lightweight fuel cell stacks and rigid CFRP monocoque structure help to keep weight down to 972 kg, giving it a power-to-weight ratio that rivals the most exotic supercars in the world. Combined with a low centre of gravity, this power and performance sets the car up to perform on the most challenging of race tracks, encapsulating the thrilling premise of N cars.

As air flows through Hyundai’s trademark hexagonal grille to the boat-shaped underbody structure, the tube-type underflow air supply duct connected to the rear minimizes pressure to the underbody to produce maximum downforce. In addition, the air brakes activate according to speed and brake usage as well as reduce drag.

Although the Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo is based on eco-performance technology, the noise from its powertrain will tell a different story.  The sounds from the air blower’s turbine that spins at 200,000rpm, the frequency of the fuel cell stacks, the sound from the hydrogen cooling system and the high-pitched in-wheel motor combine to produce a distinct race car roar.

The Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo concept draws inspiration  aeronautics and speed.  Itlooks like a jet fighter on wheels that blurs the line between air and asphalt. Hyundai Motor designed this car to appear like it is floating.

Through Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo’s sustainable technology and innovative race car design, Hyundai is presenting N’s future potential to a wider global online community.

Born in Namyang, honed at the Nürburgring

The tight connection between Namyang and Nürburgring creates the foundation for N. Namyang is the heart of Hyundai Motor’s global R&D network and birthplace of all Hyundai cars, and Nürburgring is the world’s most challenging race track which will be used to hone N’s high performance technologies. Both locations play a crucial role in the development, testing and refinement of the responsive handling and vigorous acceleration that will characterise future N products.

The logo shape of N represents the corners of a race track where cars are pushed to the limit – namely, the chicane where the technical skills of the driver and the balance of the car are rigorously tested.

N technology drives Korean national Bobsleigh team

To showcase the breadth of Hyundai N’s high performance technology, Hyundai Motor debuts its independently developed ‘Hyundai N Bobsleigh 2016’ at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Utilising key advanced technologies and engineering learned from Hyundai N, Hyundai Motor has worked to minimise air resistance through wind tunnel aerodynamic testing and has created a bobsleigh design with ideal weight distribution and a low centre of gravity. Lightweight materials such as carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) will improve cornering and acceleration, combined with a strong chassis frame to reduce friction caused by vibration.

Hyundai Motor has also worked directly with the Korean National bobsleigh team to develop and customise ergonomic vessels to fit exactly each of the individual athletes..

The key technologies of Hyundai N Bobsleigh’s chassis, push handle, cabin, push bar, cowling and front bumper will be introduced at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. After participating in the upcoming 2015/2016 Bobsleigh winter season with the N Bobsleigh, Hyundai Motor plans to gear up for the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics with an upgraded bobsleigh.