First impressions can often be the most lasting, that’s why when it comes to our cars the work of our Chassis team is instrumental in creating dynamic-looking but ultimately competitive rally and racing challengers.
Their responsibility is to create a framework for our WRC and Customer Racing cars from which we can develop the winning advantage on the world rally stages.
Since joining the WRC back in 2014, we have built four different specifications of World Rally Car in nine seasons. With the introduction of the WRC’S hybrid era in 2022, the ever-changing technology has required the challenges of innovative chassis design to align with it. With the addition of our Customer Racing department in 2015, we have also created two rally and three TCR cars for privateer teams. In 2020, our first-ever electric racer – the Veloster N ETCR – was born.
Our Chassis employees have been integral in this process, but it is a team effort with involvement of other departments within our family. To optimise the design process, the Chassis team works particularly closely with the Engine Department to create the best all-round technical package for all of our cars.
The hybrid era in WRC came into effect at the start of the 2022 season. This meant new homologations and regulations for not only the batteries and engines, but also the chassis. The Hyundai i20 N Rally1 Hybrid’s new design was carefully crafted by our team in order to hold the new technology and become the fastest car we have produced yet.
Although not in attendance at rallies or races, the Chassis design department plays a key role behind the scenes before and after events to further enhance the car’s performance.
After WRC rallies, the team will methodically analyse every aspect of the car’s performance to see where improvements on their design can be made. Then, ahead of the next rally, they spend time looking at these areas where they can progress.
Rally-by-rally, the i20 N Rally1 Hybrid continues its evolution into one of the most competitive cars in the WRC. Our i20 N Rally2 has been quick from its very first competitive stage in 2021, and has gone on to win titles with our customers. Our TCR cars took five titles in five seasons of WTCR, and set the benchmark in many series around the world – thanks in no small part to our Chassis designers.
