Hyundai has begun the testing of its new all-electric Veloster N ETCR car, completing two problem-free days of testing at the Hungaroring last weekend.
The brand is the second, after CUPRA, to reveal its electric touring car, having taken off the covers at the Frankfurt International Motor Show earlier in the month.
By taking the car to a circuit which has featured extensively on top-level touring car calendars, Hyundai’s engineers were able to learn more about the chassis balance of the technical circuit and harness the power of the mid-mounted electric motor to maximise performance and efficiency.
“The first test for any new project is always a very important milestone, but with the Hyundai Veloster N ETCR it takes on greater significance,” said Hyundai Motorsport Team Director Andrea Adamo.
“It is our first electric race car, and our first chassis to have a mid-mounted motor and rear-wheel-drive.
“We have shown with the i30 N TCR and Veloster N TCR that we can produce a very strong Touring Car, and we are eager to learn about this new package before the racing starts in 2020.
“The next few months will be very busy – we essentially have two challenges; we have to develop the chassis, but also work to use the power from the batteries and motors effectively.
“However, with the testing schedule ahead I am confident that our engineers will be able to produce another race winning car.”
Hyundai states that the chassis is “radically different from any previous Hyundai Motorsport project” as it has to adapt to the challenges of electric power, the weight of the battery system, and rear-wheel drive, amongst many other areas.
ETCR is scheduled to get underway in 2020, with further brands expected to join the fray alongside CUPRA and Hyundai.