Hyundai to Return to the WRC

HyundaiHyundaiRepublic of Korea, 1967 > present79 models
1921 photos
3 videos
announced during the Paris Motor Show that it would return to the WRC for the first time since 2003. 

The new car is based on the i20Hyundai i20Republic of Korea, 2008 > 201462 versions
110 photos
1 video
, and will begin competing next season. 

Hyundai competed with the Accent WRCHyundai Accent WRC 2Republic of Korea, 2001 > present1 photo
from 2000 to 2003 and managed a best position of fourth in the 2001 Rally Great Britain. 

“The World Rally Championship is recognized as one of the most dramatic sporting series on Earth.  It’s a spectacle filled with excitement and dynamism − the perfect embodiment of the Hyundai brand.

“The WRC also offers the most technologically-diverse challenge for an automotive manufacturer.  Our participation will demonstrate Hyundai’s engineering excellence and durability, and will also help to enhance our passenger vehicles in future," said Mark Hall, marketing director at Hyundai Motor Europe.

Current WRC rules force cars to use turbocharged 1.6-liter engines with a 33mm air restrictor and maximum turbo boost of 2.5 bar with a mechanically controlled transmission. All cars are all-wheel drive.