Hyundai N TCR Cars: A New Era of Racing Excellence

In the motorsport realm, Hyundai has recently heralded its Customer Racing division's significant strides in both rally and circuit racing. This season, the Hyundai i30 N TCR, Hyundai Veloster N TCR, and Hyundai Elantra N TCR are all set to grace the tracks, with customer teams wielding these machines in various global series. Let's delve into what the TCR championship entails and the distinct features of Hyundai's offerings.

TCR Championship: A Primer

The TCR Championship serves as a globally recognized racing series for touring cars. In 2018, a novel circuit racing challenge emerged, conjoining the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) and the TCR International Series. Thus, the FIA – WTCR World Touring Car Cup was born, showcasing ten riveting rounds across three continents.

Hyundai's TCR Line-up

1. Elantra N TCR: A recent entrant to Hyundai's racing arsenal, this car has quickly made its mark. With the distinctive Hyundai Motorsport 2.0 liter direct injection turbocharged engine, which pumps out 350 hp and a torque of 450 Nm, its performance is undeniably top-notch. The 6-speed sequential transmission coupled with the front-wheel drive assures optimal power delivery.
2. i30 N TCR: The i30 N TCR was a powerhouse in the early years of the WTCR. With the same technical specifications as the Elantra, this car has registered significant victories and podium finishes. Four of these cars competed in the inaugural season of 2018, securing 13 wins and 20 podiums.
3. Veloster N TCR: Continuing the legacy of Hyundai's performance-driven engineering, the Veloster shares the signature engine and transmission configuration.

Key Drivers

Hyundai's TCR journey wouldn't be complete without mentioning its star drivers. Norbert Michelisz, having been with Hyundai since 2018, has an impressive record with 8 WTCR wins and clinched the title in 2019. Joining him is Mikel Azcona, a newcomer to Hyundai in 2022 but not new to winning. With 7 WTCR victories and a title in 2022, he's set to bring more accolades.

TCR: A Walk Through History

For those unfamiliar with TCR, it represents a platform where performance meets competition. The Elantra N TCR is all set to embark on a new adventure in 2023: the TCR World Tour, representing the pinnacle of TCR competition. A look back into the annals of TCR history reveals a journey of resilience, adaptability, and triumph.

• 2018: The year witnessed the birth of the FIA – WTCR World Touring Car Cup, a merger between the WTCC and the TCR International Series. Hyundai's i30 N TCR emerged as a force to be reckoned with, securing 13 wins and 20 podiums.
• 2019: With an enriched driver line-up, new tracks, and an overhauled points system, the WTCR landscape was rife with excitement. The i30 N TCR maintained its victorious streak, reinforcing its top position in the global TCR category.
• 2020: While the pandemic led to the postponement of the season, the revised calendar saw glimpses of brilliant performances. It was also the year which marked the final appearance of the i30 N TCR in WTCR, setting the stage for the Elantra N TCR.
• 2021: The Elantra N TCR made an emphatic debut, capturing multiple victories and podium finishes. The year also saw Gabriele Tarquini hanging up his racing boots, transitioning into a managerial role.
• 2022: Marking the end of WTCR, this year saw a slew of triumphs for Hyundai's Customer Racing drivers, especially Mikel Azcona, culminating in winning the coveted driver's title at the Race of Saudi Arabia.

Give us a call today to learn more about the impressive Hyundai racing heritage as well as our lineup of Hyundai N Models.