We’re pretty big fans of the current Veloster here at GTPlanet. We’ve driven it in warm Turbo and genuinely hot N form and liked ’em both. But Hyundai’s gone and created another model that makes both look super tame.
The Veloster N TCR is what happens when the already athletic normal N starts doubling down on protein shakes and gym visits. As the name implies, it fits within the popular TCR formula. It still packs a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder, but the corral has swollen to 350hp, with 332lbft backing that up. All those horses get funnelled to the front racing slicks via a six-speed sequential gearbox.
Slowing things down are 15-inch brake discs up front with six-piston calipers. That’s quite a lot bigger than the 11-inch items in the rear, clamped by two-piston calipers.
It weighs quite a lot less than either of the road cars too. Hyundai doesn’t reveal exactly how much the TCR tips the scales, only that its light enough to take on a driver and still meet the class’ 1285kg (2833lb) minimum.
Depending on how you look at it, the Veloster TCR is either a deal or a very expensive thing indeed. It rings in at roughly $155,000 at current exchange rates, which is enough for five of its road-going siblings. But that buys you a fully-certified, card-carrying race car. Not a bad deal, then.
If you want one, deliveries start in March, with Bryan Herta Autosport as the designated sales agent in the US. If that name sounds familiar, it’s the same team responsible for taking the Veloster’s TCR predecessor, the i30 N TCR, to a 2018 Manufacturer’s Championship in the Pirelli World Challenge. This year, BHA is moving to the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge series with a two-car squad. Michael Lewis and Mark Wilkins will return in the #98 car, with young newcomers Mason Filippi and Harry Gottsacker sharing the #21.
The Veloster will be on track in a matter of weeks. The first race of the season will be a four-hour affair at Daytona on Friday, January 25 — one day before the Rolex 24.
We’re just going to start the campaign here: if you’re offering any test drives, Hyundai, we’d be glad to do another review…
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