It's a shame Hyundai was scant on details for the prototype engine, though I'd imagine it's destined for an updated Elantra N–heck, maybe even a special edition more special than the TCR Edition. 
From the press release:
What is the pre‑production engine used in the ELANTRA N1 RP?
Powering the Elantra N1 RP is a prototype engine featuring improved power and response characteristics with enhanced race capability while meeting current emissions standards. The objective is to test the new engine’s endurance.
The tradition of race proving production engines began in 2016 when a prototype 2.0T Theta engine was fitted to a i30 test vehicle that successfully completed the 24H Nürburgring Race of that year. This engine entered production the following year in 2017 with the i30N and helped expand a full lineup of N performance cars as well as opening an era of TCR dominance recording multiple championships and starting a popular one make race series in Korea.
We've got some pretty good insider information on the EN facebook groups (not going to post the source, but they do SEMA development for HATCI). Sounds like it's going to be an modified version of the 2.5L T-GDi, variable geometry turbo, water to air charge air cooler - some good upgrades. Someone did the audio analysis (FFT) and it looks like it was shifting at 7,300 rpm per Hyundai's video. Cool stuff, looking forward to more production details as time goes on.
In reply to goingnowherefast :
Wow. Thanks for that insight.
That's the engine used in the current Sonata N Line and non-hybrid Santa Fe (sans variable geometry turbo and water-to-air charge air cooler, of course), right?
Colin Wood said:
In reply to goingnowherefast :
Wow. Thanks for that insight.
That's the engine used in the current Sonata N Line and non-hybrid Santa Fe (sans variable geometry turbo and water-to-air charge air cooler, of course), right?
That's right. It's proven to be pretty stout in the Sonata N-Line, but no doubt Hyundai will upgrade things to ensure it works in a performance application. Even in their stock form (in a more "pedestrian" tune) they make some good power with just a tune. Assuming that they are doing some additional changes to it, it could be a bit of a monster.
In reply to goingnowherefast :
Awesome. I have a soft spot for the N Line. It'd be a shoo-in for my next car if it were available with a limited-slip. (I mean, it's not a total deal-breaker, but it'd be nice to have.)
digijoe
New Reader
4/28/26 11:34 a.m.
In reply to goingnowherefast :
I just hope the next gen Elantra N doesn't look like the current renders even if the engine is more impressive. IMO the current facelift generation looks better.
Glad Hyundai is continuing to do interesting things for driving enthusiasts at more of the “affordable” side of the pricing spectrum.
It may not suit everyone’s taste, but at least they’re providing their vision and product.
