Hyundai is releasing a new trim for the Elantra N delivering track-day sensibilities. The manufacturer’s goal seems to be making what’s an inarguably fun sports sedan a more serious performance machine. However, it might be a bit of a stretch to call the Hyundai Elantra N TCR Edition a factory touring car.
For those not in the know, the FIA TCR World Tour is an international racing series for front-wheel drive production vehicles (typically sedans). Hyundai Motorsport has actually fielded numerous closely-related models, all equipped with the Hyundai Theta II G4KD I4, including the Elantra N.
While the forthcoming Hyundai Elantra N TCR Edition is technically a street car, it’s about as close to the 2.0-liter racers as you can get without gutting the interior — which is something I’m sure some owners will do in service of making it a better track vehicle and horrible daily driver.
But the standard Elantra N (pictured above without the massive spoiler) was already tuned for track use and is about as much fun as you can have with a new vehicle priced under $35,000. Keep in mind that’s coming from a person who is heavily biased toward front-wheel drive performance vehicles priced low enough that you’re not afraid to really hammer it on the backroads.
Obviously, neither the base N or upcoming TCR Edition cars are suited to someone who is already set on needing rear or all-wheel drive. But if your primary concern is having a massive rear wing, the TCR comes equipped with an adjustable Carbon Swan Neck Spoiler. Aerodynamic accouterments and weight savings are actually the central focus of the trim, with the TCR Edition likewise getting a lightweight 19-inch N TCR forged wheels. Inside of those wheels owners will find N Performance four-piston brakes as standard equipment.
Other upgrades include a race-inspired Alcantara steering wheel with a Performance Blue top marker, “Performance Blue” seat belts and some exclusive TCR Edition badging.
Ed. note — remember the RM19 Veloster we tested? Hyundai is definitely giving performance some thought.
“Hyundai Motor has incorporated the experience and expertise accumulated in motorsports into Elantra N TCR Edition,” is how Joon Park, Vice President of N Brand Management Group, explained the forthcoming model. “We will continue to enhance the DNA of Hyundai N, so that N-thusiasts can experience the thrill of motorsports in their daily lives.”
That said, I’m not totally convinced that Hyundai is targeting would-be weekend racers and is instead trying to catch the attention of prospective Honda Type R buyers that don’t want to spend $47,000 or more. While the Koreans may not have built a sedan that matches the Japanese Type R in terms of outright performance, particularly on the track, they have already delivered a sedan that comes pretty close for significantly less money. By adding some racy bits and a larger wing, Hyundai might be able to close that gap even further and steal some more business from Honda.
The Hyundai Elantra N TCR Edition isn’t an appearance package per se. But it’s definitely close. While the performance upgrades are indeed real, they’re not something you’re likely to notice driving around on the street. The Korean market also receives TCR Edition decals that are about as unsubtle as they are massive. Regardless of whether or not they migrate to our shores, they are going to add any performance — just more zazz.
I would argue that the standard Elantra N is already zazzy enough due to its red exterior piping, contrasting black bumpers, and exuberant exhaust note. But I am also someone who likes fast street cars to (ideally) fly under the radar, which is something the winged TCR will have more trouble doing. The target demographic will undoubtedly love the massive spoiler and may even be hopping and praying those loud Korean graphics make it our way.
The point I should be making, however, is that the 2.0-liter turbo equipped to the standard N (again above) model has migrated to the TCR Edition unchanged and that it’s probably okay. The 276 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque are already sufficient for the platform. But those seeking more can leverage the overboost feature (called N Grin Shift) to make 286 peak hp.
Transmission options are also likely to carry over, meaning the TCR Edition can be had with either an eight-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission.
Pricing has yet to be announced. However, the Hyundai Elantra N TCR Edition will assuredly retail for more than the roughly $35,000 dealers are currently asking for its spoiler-free counterpart. Depending on how much more dealerships end up asking could decide how many you see on the road vs DIY versions produced by ordering parts from the aftermarket.
We should have more information on the model relatively soon, as it’s practically guaranteed to appear at the Los Angeles Auto Show later this week in some form. Production is slated to commence soon with the first deliveries taking place in South Korea next month. Meanwhile, North America should see the TCR go on sale sometime in 2025.
[Images: Hyundai]
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Source: The Truth About Cars
