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

Hyundai i30 N TCR is a small race car that packs a big punch

Stephen Edelstein
By

The Hyundai i30 N is a performance model Hyundai doesn’t sell in the U.S., but this particular version wasn’t built for showrooms. The Hyundai i30 N TCR will hit the track later this year as part of a new class of race cars based on small hatchbacks and sedans.

TCR is short for Touring Car Racing, and it was conceived as a lower-cost class that could be added to multiple international racing series. Cars based on production models race in variety of classes, organized according to performance, the level of modifications allowed, and running costs. Just like regular car buyers, race teams are always looking for ways to keep costs down. TCR provides them with a lower-cost way to get on the track.

Recommended Videos

Unveiled at the 2018 Chicago Auto Show, the i30 N TCR will race in the Pirelli World Challenge, which added TCR-class cars to its roster at the beginning of the 2018 season (as did the rival IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge). The Hyundai will face off against racing versions of the Audi RS3 and Volkswagen GTI. Hyundai is partnering with Brian Herta Autosport, with drivers Micheal Lewis and Mark Wilkins.

Related

The i30 N TCR sports a modified version of the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine used in the stock i30 N. The engine sends 350 horsepower to the front wheels through a six-speed sequential transmission. The brakes and suspension were upgraded from stock, and the car features all of the necessary safety equipment, including a roll cage and fir extinguisher.

“N” is Hyundai’s performance sub-brand, and the i30 N was its first production model. The U.S. only gets the base non-N version, which is sold here as the Elantra GT. However, the i30 N powertrain will appearing the 2019 Hyundai Veloster N, which goes on sale in the U.S. later this year. The Veloster is basically an Elantra GT/i30 with funkier styling.

The i30 N TCR’s first U.S. race will be at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, March 23-25. Pirelli World Challenge organizers have five more TCR races planned this year at some notable tracks, including Virginia International Raceway, Connecticut’s Lime Rock Park, Portland (Oregon) International Raceway, Utah Motorsports Campus, and Watkins Glen International Raceway in upstate New York. It should be fun to see these little cars tear it up on the track.

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…
Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more
Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs
Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?
The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.

Read more