Hyundai developing 2.3-litre turbo engine for future N models – report
More rumours emerge of a high-revving performance engine from Hyundai.
The next-generation Hyundai i30 N may see the introduction of a new turbocharged 2.3-litre engine.
According to Korean newspaper Kyunghyang Shinmun, Hyundai is developing the new 2.3-litre turbo powertrain with a 7000rpm redline for its future performance 'N' models.
This isn't the first time rumours of the engine have surfaced. Back in April 2020, a mid-engined Veloster-based track car was caught on a tow truck in Korea, with the prototype showing 'MR23T' graphics.
At the time, The Korean Car Blog suggested MR23T translated to 'mid-engine, rear-wheel drive, 2.3-litre turbo'.
Some unconfirmed reports also suggested the powertrain had a hybrid element, using a 60kW electric motor to hit a total output of 300kW.
While Hyundai did show off a similar concept in September 2020 – with the all-electric 'RM20e', which sent 596kW to the rear wheels – the MR23T spotted in April has never made an official public appearance.
An updated version of Hyundai's current i30 N is expected to be launched in Australia soon with an uprated 2.0-litre turbo engine producing 206kW and 392Nm (top). With ever-tightening emissions laws being introduced globally, it's plausible the next-generation Hyundai i30 N could receive the high-revving hybrid 2.3-litre when it arrives around 2025.
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