Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cars
  3. News

Hyundai Veloster N ETCR will compete in a new all-electric race series

By
1 of 4
hyundai electric race car 2019 frankfurt motor show veloster n etcr
Image used with permission by copyright holder
hyundai electric race car 2019 frankfurt motor show veloster n etcr
Image used with permission by copyright holder
hyundai electric race car 2019 frankfurt motor show veloster n etcr
Image used with permission by copyright holder
hyundai electric race car 2019 frankfurt motor show veloster n etcr
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Hyundai doesn’t have the motor sports history of many of its rivals, but the Korean automaker is looking to make up for lost time. At the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show, Hyundai unveiled its first all-electric race car, the Hyundai Veloster N ETCR, which will race in a new all-electric series beginning in 2020.

Recommended Videos

The Veloster N ETCR is basically an electric version of an existing Hyundai race car. Hyundai turned its Veloster N hot hatchback into the Veloster N TCR racer to compete in TCR, a relatively new class for race cars based on affordable production models. Hyundai modified the Veloster N TCR with an electric powertrain for the new, all-electric ETCR championship, which will presumably feature electric cars from other manufacturers as well.

Please enable Javascript to view this content

While the TCR race car shares a substantial amount of DNA with the Veloster N road car, the electric ETCR version takes things in a different direction. The stock Veloster N uses a front-mounted turbocharged four-cylinder engine to drive the front wheels. The Veloster N ETCR has a mid-mounted electric motor driving the rear wheels. That was done to satisfy ETCR rules, Hyundai said in a statement, but it should also offer performance benefits. That’s why supercars like the McLaren 720S have a mid-engine, rear-wheel drive layout, after all.

Hyundai did not release any performance specifications, but we can see from photos that the Veloster N ETCR has the pumped-up bodywork and massive rear spoiler of a typical race car, which should improve aerodynamic downforce. The car was designed and built at Hyundai’s motor sports facility in Alzenau, Germany, and completed its first shakedown in August 2019. Hyundai plans to follow that up with a more thorough testing program ahead of the car’s racing debut in 2020.

Hyundai isn’t the only automaker unveiling an electric race car at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show. Opel is showing off an electric rally car that will compete in Europe starting in 2020. Elsewhere, Formula E is attracting big-name automakers like Porsche, and is planning to launch a companion electric off-road racing series. An electric rallycross series is also in the works, and the Volkswagen I.D. R electric car has already set records on three continents.

Updated on September 11, 2019: Added photos and full details of the car.

Editors’ Recommendations

Topics
Stephen Edelstein
Stephen Edelstein
Contributing Editor
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
Soon you’ll be able to enjoy Dolby Atmos Music in Cadillac EVs
A red Cadillac EV on a dark background with the Dolby and Cadillac emblems underneath.

Dolby Atmos is a pretty remarkable experience when heard within a properly tuned car cabin setup, as implemented by Rivian R1S and the Cadillac Optiq, in particular. Now, Dolby and Cadillac have announced that Atmos will be support across the entire line of Cadillac EVs -- which includes the Escalade IQL, Escalade IQ, Lyriq-V, Optiq (as we heard at CES), and Vistiq. Support will also extend into select 2025 models with an over-the-air update, although which are not a part of this announcement.

As we now seem to be spending more and more time in our cars (according to the Federal Highway Administration, Americans drive a staggering 3 trillion miles a year), having the best possible sound in our cars is even more desirable than in the past. As John Couling, Senior Vice President of Entertainment at Dolby Laboratories says, "Whether you are listening to music to pass the time on a long commute or sharing a special moment on a family road trip, music has the power to transform mundane moments into something remarkable." Chief Engineer at Cadillac, John Cockburn adds, "Together, [Cadillac and Dolby] are taking audio to new heights by ensuring the music experience stays true to the artist's original vision, delivering a sound experience that makes consumers feel like they are in the music studio with them."

Read more
This DJI kit launches drones from a car roof
DJI and BYD have teamed up to put a drone station on top of a car.

Drone specialist DJI has partnered with Chinese auto giant BYD to create Lingyuan ("Sprite Kite"), which puts a drone station on the top of a car.

At first glance, the idea looks a little goofy. Actually, it looks a little goofy at second glance, too. But trust us, this is for real. You can check it out in the video ad below:

Read more
Morgan’s new Supersport is a charming British classic to rival Porsche
Morgan Supersport

Classic British sports car brand Morgan has unveiled its newest model: the Morgan Supersport, designed to have all the fun and stylish charm that the brand is known for, but in a package that's easier to live with for your practical car needs.

Morgan holds a cult status among classic sports car fans, but its cars are typically considered fun weekend indulgences rather than something you'd actually use day to day. But the Supersport could change that, with a hefty BMW engine, softer and more comfortable handling, and reduced drag thanks to computer-aided design. Overall, it's an attempt to position the Supersport as a meaningful alternative to, say, a Porsche 911.

Read more