i30 N: the best European driving routes for having fun
From spectacular mountain passes to a world-class racing track, we’ve selected three of the most exciting European driving routes that were made for cars like the i30 N.
Route de Gentelly, France
Located deep in the Alpes-Maritimes in southern France, the Route de Gentelly is one of the most scenic drives in the country. It’s recommended drivers begin their journey in the picturesque town of Vence, which is dotted with cobbled paths and rustic buildings, before heading up in the mountains to Col de Vence. This 19,3 km pass “only” has a height of 963 m at its peak, but far from being an underwhelming driving experience, it features a road lined by rocky green verges and lots of enjoyable corners.
From here, the road continues through to Gréolières, a village surrounded by rugged mountains and cliffs, and then onto the picture-perfect Route de Gentelly (D2). Along this road, drivers will encounter many twists and turns, with a host of stunning views of the deep green mountain valley behind every corner.
Stelvio Pass, Italy
Back in 2008, the Stelvio Pass was declared “best driving road in the world” by the BBC’s Top Gear; high praise indeed. Located in the Ortler Alps in Italy between Stilfs in South Tyrol and Bormio in the province of Sondrio, the Pass is just 200 m from the Swiss border. It’s also the highest-paved mountain pass in the Eastern Alps, sitting 2,757 m above sea level, making it one of the most dramatic driving routes on the continent.
The route is best approached from the north west side as from this direction you’ll get to drive up the Pass’ famous wall of switchbacks and experience the Stelvio National Park before starting the ascent. This route takes drivers through stretches of alpine forest and several kilometres of fast, sweeping roads. As well as offering magnificent views, the Stelvio Pass will satisfy all your cornering needs as it boasts a heart-clutching 48 hairpin turns.
Nürburgring, Germany
Scenic mountain passes aren’t the only way to get your cornering kicks in Europe, as there are a number of open race tracks. The best of these is the iconic Nürburgring in Germany, which is also home to Hyundai Motor’s European Test Centre, where the i30 N was developed and tested. The i30 N has undergone 10,000 km of driving on the Nurburgring's famous Nordschleife track for durability testing. The car has also twice taken part in the world's toughest endurance test, the ADAC 24 Hours Nurburgring. Drivers can therefore be sure that, when taking the i30 N to a track day, the car's performance will endure.
Meanwhile, the ’N’ logo stands for Namyang, Hyundai Motor’s global R&D Centre in Korea, and the Nürburgring, and even symbolises a chicane, which represents the ultimate driving experience on winding roads.
Since opening in 1927, the Nordschleife track has been used by driving enthusiasts and riders from all over the world. The circuit is 20,8 km long, and open to the public for “tourist drives” almost every day of the year. Nicknamed “the Green Hell” due to its demanding nature, the Nordschleife features 73 corners and a height difference of 300 m between its highest and lowest points, making it one of the most demanding race tracks in the world. Two close-to-production i30 N cars undertook their final endurance tests at the Nürburgring 24 Hours race. Both cars completed a total of 244 laps, equal to more than 6000 km on the race track, proving the i30 N is tailored to the Nürburgring.
Contacts
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Florian Büngener
Head of Department PR & Communications
fbuengener@hyundai-europe.com LinkedIn ProfileAdriana Cerami
Head of Section Corporate & Brand PR
acerami@hyundai-europe.comKatharina Kupper
Hyundai Newsroom Lead
kkupper@hyundai-europe.comAnja Wente
Product PR & Communications Expert
awente@hyundai-europe.comElvira Herrera
Corporate Communications Expert
eherrera@hyundai-europe.comÁngel Pino Pérez
Product Communications Professional
apinoperez@hyundai-europe.comMaria Bricio
Corporate & Brand Communications Expert
