Hyundai Motorsport have become the latest brand to enter the TCR world, with the South Korean manufacturer set to make its first forays into circuit racing with the new i30 model.
Hyundai Motorsport are perhaps best known for their exploits in rallying, with the manufacturer currently competing in the World Rally Championship, where they scored victories in the 2016 season.
The company, which was established in 2012, are now expanding their customer racing department to include the various TCR championships which continue to develop around the world.
The car is to be based on the new generation i30, which was launched in 2016, and will feature a two-litre turbocharged engine from within the Hyundai range, a six-speed gearbox and 100-litrew fuel tank.
The move will see Hyundai going up against its sister marque KIA, which were already confirmed as entering the TCR fray with its STARD-developed Cee’d TCR.
Work began on the new Hyundai TCR car in September 2016. Build and development of the cars will be completed at the company’s headquarters in Alzenau in Germany.
“The beginning of our first project specifically for circuit racing is a very important step for Hyundai Motorsport,” said Hyundai Motorsport Team Principal Michel Nandan. “The TCR regulations have proven incredibly successful, and are being embraced by a growing number of series around the world.
“By representing Hyundai in these championships our TCR car will promote the manufacturer in motorsport, together with our WRC and R5 projects.
“The coming months will be very busy for the Customer Racing department, with the TCR development running alongside the continuing support of our existing customers. I know, though, that we will create a strong car for an increasingly competitive category. Let’s look forward to seeing it on TCR starting grids.”
TCR Promoter Marcello Lotti believes the addition of Hyundai will give the TCR championships even more prestige, with an increasingly diverse grid of different makes and models.
“We are delighted to welcome Hyundai into the ever-growing TCR family,” said Lotti. “The arrival of the Korean manufacturer adds even more prestige to a long list of famous brands that have decided to embrace the TCR concept and compete with their production models in an expanding number of racing series worldwide.
“We can’t wait to see them join the International Series where we believe that they will be competitive straight away.”
The i30 TCR is scheduled to begin testing in early spring, while the first deliveries to customers are planned for December.