The Hyundai I30 N Performance is a true revelation in the peppery hatchback segment, dominated since years by the most famous GTI and RS and many other competitors. Now Hyundai, thanks to Albert Biermann (father of many BMW M), does the trick again and, after a hard training in rallies, is ready to launch this new interesting project.

This small everyday sports car comes with a 2-litre twin-scroll 275 hp performance version, oversized brakes, bars to stiffen the body, a time overboost and manual gearbox.  The acronym “N” comes from the name of the centre where the Namyang Hyundai sports cars are developed, but there is a waste of references with the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit, where this Korean all pepper has travelled many kilometres to refine its sporting DNA.

In its debut year, the baptism of fire was Hyundai’s participation in the Nürburgring 24-hour race, using as much as possible on the race car, the components of the production car. 

Check our Exhaust for Hyundai

It’s always a pleasure for us fans when a young promise comes up in the ring ready to undermine the big names that have been competing for the world title for years. This i 30 N seems to have started with the right spirit and to have all the papers in order to have its say.

The sporty interior, together with a rich standard equipment and technology suitable for this type of car, are certainly the perfect ingredients for a good recipe. The breath-taking sound is the best soundtrack for driving on the track or on mountain roads and, at the touch of a button, the manual gearbox activates automatic rev-matching which, in addition to making you look good, gives you a further thrill of pleasure along the back during each climb.

Let’s face it, we like this car, and even those who twist their noses a bit because of the brand of origin that does not (yet) have too many affinities with the world of racing, remember that Hyundai is committed to the World Rally Championship and the TCR championship, just to name a few examples.

Come on, now we want to find some criticism too. Well, the i30N has an aesthetic appearance all too sober, proper of those who have a real potential but do not want to show it off. But is that a real criticism? In reality, this figure leaves a lot of room for customizations aimed at making the car even more unique, almost like a blank canvas, with few frills and frills, to create their own masterpiece. As in the Asian tradition, the colours proposed are simple and very “basic”; for the bravest, therefore, design solutions are needed to stand out from the crowd.

By now you know us a little and you know that we like to enhance the cars also for their predisposition to be able to give that something more. And here on the i30 N you can indulge yourself. The sports components can be further improved to emphasize the performance in terms of power, trim and sound, extrapolating the best from all its parts.

In short, what can I say? A new car coming from Korea is getting ready to raise its voice in the segment of practical sports cars with strong character. And they confirm that soon a more racing and lighter version will be presented.

We welcome this new bomb and accept the challenge, and you?

Read also this review of the Hyundai i30N by Top Gear

Porsche just released the pictures and the technical data of the new Cayman GT4`s successor, the automobile that (almost) every car-enthusiast would like to write a cheque for, immediately.

The previous Cayman GT4 was (and has been until today) a car that makes people dream of driving it.

As soon as every Porsche model away from the 911 standards reached the market, the “real” Porsche fans were always ready to demonise them, criticising every single aspect. The Cayman had no better treatment, despite its mission of not being a rival to the 911, but simply another model in range with different characteristics as well as different driving style requirements for its intrinsic features.

Check our Exhaust Systems for Porsche

But today we are not talking about any Cayman, but the GT4 version, the model which was put on diet and got a generous amount of power that, together with the real wheel drive, a mid-engine, a neutral balance and the manual gearbox made most of the 911 fans doubting (at least secretly inside them) if their 911 (we are not talking about GT3, GT2 and Turbos) were, at the end, worth their price.  

This new Cayman 718 GT4 made our hearts start beating again. After Porsche announced the 992 going for the sole 3.0 turbo engines and the 718 going for the 2.0 we all started to wonder what we would have to expect next from Stuttgart´s offices.

Luckily, we did not have to wait too long for Porsche´s reply, and what a reply. This new model comes back roaring with its new 4.0 lt. engine (based on the 3.0 lt. of the 992) but without turbos. And when you were beginning of wondering how the Cayman GT4 could have even possibly improved, Porsche delivers this unbelievable receipt.

The perfect track day car: well balanced, bucket seats and roll cage, an aerodynamic improved by 50% from the previous model, a totally new engine, 3 pedals, more horse power and more torque. “The perfect car to drive on the racetrack, win on Sunday and going to work on Mondays”… and here is where the problems start. 

Yes, because this slogan characterised the story of the 911 and that is how this car was sold over in the United Stated. But know, the 911 seems no longer the sole car that reflects this motto. For its features the new GT4 can really upset the bigger sister GT3 992, yet to come. We are not talking about technical data, because here, what matters are the emotions. You don`t like a car because of its time from 0 to 60 mph.. it is the feeling that this acceleration gives you, that makes the difference.

Check also this Review from topgear.com

To conclude, this new GT4 goes fast (faster than its predecessor), has a totally new 4.0 naturally aspirated engine, has a manual transmission, an improved aerodynamic to turn faster and is cheaper than any other 911 with a fancy racing name next to its series number.
Will this Porsche turn upside down the entire paradigm that 911 actually represents?
Is this Supercar the best answer for those who are desperately looking for an analogic taste in this (hyper)digital world?
Let`s see what will happen.