Words: Kyle Cassidy
Published 23 April 2026
Hyundai is set to return to the Ring with a clear focus on the future, confirming it will run a prototype production engine during the 2026 24 hour Nürburgring enduro.
The Korean manufacturer will line up for its 11th consecutive appearance at the German race this May, but beyond chasing silverware, the spotlight is on real-world validation of next-generation performance technology destined for future road cars.
Central to that effort are two Hyundai i30 Sedan N1 RP entries competing in the SP4T class. Both cars will be powered by a new pre-production engine.
Hyundai says the new donk, which will likely be some kind of four pot turbo, features improved power delivery, sharper response and enhanced race capability, while also meeting modern emissions standards.
Pounding around the Ring for 24 hours should give the power units a good work out with sustained max throttle running down the long straights while the plethora of bends will test the oiling system.
Hyundai has done this sort of thing before. Back in 2016, Hyundai entered a prototype 2.0-litre turbocharged Theta engine in the same event. After successfully completing the race, that engine found its way into the Hyundai i30 N.
Alongside the prototype-powered cars, Hyundai will also field a Hyundai i30 Sedan N TCR in the TCR class, where it is targeting a sixth consecutive class victory.
Drivers for the TCR entry include Mikel Azcona, Marc Basseng, Manuel Lauck and Nico Bastian. Meanwhile, the SP4T-class prototype cars will feature a mix of experienced racers and emerging talent from Hyundai’s junior programmes.
The company operates a dedicated technical centre at the circuit, and its N performance division takes its name in part from the legendary Nordschleife layout, widely known as the “Green Hell”.
This year’s race, scheduled to run from 14–17 May, will again see around 150 cars competing across multiple classes on the 25.378km circuit, which combines the Nordschleife with the modern Grand Prix track.
