Following a bunch of camouflaged prototypes over the last few months, Hyundai has finally pulled the covers off the 2017 i20 WRC at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza in Italy.

Significantly updated over its predecessor to meet the new car regulations for the 2017 World Rally Championship (WRC), Hyundai’s racer features a more aggressive look.

The new i20 WRC benefits from improved aerodynamics and mechanical grip, but modifications do not stop here, as its overall weight has been reduced, and an additional 80 horsepower bring the total output to 380 HP.

Hyundai Motorsport has high expectations for the third iteration of the rally car, which is expected to build on the success of last year’s season, during which the team secured two victories and 10 podium finishes, placing second overall in the Manufacturers’ Championship.

All teams are starting from scratch, so we are on equal footing. Having finished in a fighting second in 2016, we want to demonstrate our ability to fight for the Championship next season – and we are confident the i20 Coupe WRC will help us do just that“, said Team Principal Michel Nandan.

The Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team will field three cars at the 2017 WRC series, with drivers Thierry Neuville, Hayden Paddon and Dani Sordo behind the wheel.

PHOTO GALLERY