News this morning that
the debut of the new generation Hyundai i20 World Rally Car has been delayed.
Originally it had been hoped that we would see the car in action some time mid
season, but this has been put off till next year. There’s nothing wrong with
the car or its spec, it is simply down to a delay with FIA Homologation requirements.
Apparently Hyundai is
having to alter production plans for its new generation 3 and 5 door i20 due to
its soaring public demand. Last year the company achieved record volumes of car
sales in the UK and more records have been set in the first three months of this
year!
Meanwhile, over in Spain
the Hyundai World Rally Team have just completed a four day test in Almeria
with the new car. Test driver Kevin Abbring was joined by Thierry Neuville for
the test which concentrated on engine and chassis development, as well as
altitude testing
A series of upgrades
will be introduced to the current Hyundai i20 WRCs in the remaining rallies of
2015 in a bid to help the team fight for podiums regularly in only its second
season in the competitive World Rally Championship.
Team Principal Michel
Nandan commented: “Kevin and Thierry
worked on engine and chassis development, as well as altitude tests, which will
help us to further develop the car as we move through 2015. We had hoped to
introduce the new car later this season but unfortunately an issue with the
homologation schedule - related to production of the three-door road version –
will delay our programme. We have therefore opted to continue focus on the
five-door version of the New Generation i20 WRC which will compete at Rallye
Monte-Carlo 2016. This revised schedule gives us extra time to ensure the car
is where we want it to be performance-wise. At the same time, the current
Hyundai i20 WRC will undergo a number of important updates which we hope will
keep us in the fight for podiums this season.”
