Hyundai i20 N Rally1 Is Ready For The WRC's New Hybrid Age

Hyundai i20 N Rally1 racing vehicle was unveiled by the carmaker for the 2022 WRC season. All participants will use a hybrid configuration, as required by the new rules. In contrast to its competitors, Hyundai is the first to completely display its new hybrid racer. 

The new Hyundai i20 N Rally1 racing vehicle is based on the new-gen i20 N. Hyundai, on the other hand, has added a large rear wing with expansions, as well as broad front and back fenders, reworked bumpers, and central exhaust. A new teal, blue, and orange livery complements the racecar's tarmac-specification multi-spoke wheels, which are shod with Pirelli P-Zero tires.

The Rally1 category's cars will all be built on a new steel spaceframe chassis with a hybrid motor. A direct-injection turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine will be combined with an electric motor to create an extra 134 hp (100 kW / 136 PS) and 132 lb-ft (180 Nm) of torque.

A sequential gearbox will deliver power to all four wheels, whereas the e-motor will be powered by a 3.9 kWh battery pack with a carbon fiber casing. In between phases, the battery will be charged both through regenerative braking and from an external power source.

According to Motorsport, Hyundai Motorsport GmbH president Scott Noh is optimistic that the team has what it takes to defend their third manufacturers' championship, which they won in 2019 and 2020. Thierry Neuville, the five-time runner-up, and 2019 Champion Ott Tanak will participate in all 13 races for Hyundai in 2022, while debutant Oliver Solberg will share the driver's seat in Hyundai's third entry with WRC veteran Dani Sordo. On January 20, Hyundai i20 N Rally1 will have its racing premiere in the Monte Carlo Rally.