Hyundai I20 WRC Gets Upgraded in Time for Geneva Motor Show
As Hyundai gets ready to take on the 2014 FIA World Rally Championship with its i20 WRC, the Korean automaker is showing off an upgraded version of its race car at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.
The first iteration of the i20 WRC was presented at least year’s Paris Motor Show and has been thoroughly updated since. The latest i20 WRC features improvements to its aerodynamics, chassis, and suspension to improve cooling, enhance suspension kinematics, and chassis stiffness. Private testing of the i20 WRC will kick off later this year at various locations in Europe.
SEE ALSO: 2013 Geneva Motor Show Coverage
The extensive changes comes through a collaboration between Hyundai’s R&D facility in Korea and the newly-formed Hyundai Motorsport GmbH in Germany, which is headed by veteran WRC competitor Michel Nandan. Though Hyundai’s WRC program is still in its infancy stage, the team is excited to tackle all the challenges that comes along with building a true competitor in such a rigorous series.
“Building up a new motorsport facility from scratch is an ambitious and rewarding challenge,” said Michel Nandan. “We have begun the recruitment process but already have a number of key people in place who bring with them a wealth of rally and motorsport experience. We are rapidly building up the team infrastructure and are pleased that everything is running to schedule.”
GALLERY: Hyundai i20 WRC
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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