Hyundai has released the first official images of its facelifted i30 N while also confirming the front-driven hot hatch will gain the option of a dual-clutch transmission.

Yes, the i30 N is in line to receive the company’s eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (a gearbox it dubs “N DCT”), which will include “dedicated N performance shifting functions”. The current version, of course, is available exclusively in six-speed manual guise.

The trio of shadowy teaser images suggests the hot hatch will gain new front and rear bumpers, revised LED headlamps (with V-shaped daytime running lights), a wider grille, fresh taillamps and larger (round rather than oval) tailpipes. Of course, we've already seen the standard facelifted i30 hatchback, which was revealed in February 2020.

The Korean firm furthermore says the updated i30 N will ride on “newly developed” 19-inch forged alloy wheels, which are lighter than those of the original model.

No word yet on what’s happening under the bonnet, though earlier reports suggested the mid-cycle update would bring a smidgen more power from the turbocharged 2,0-litre, four-cylinder engine (which currently makes current 202kW and 353 N.m in its most potent form).

Original article from Car