• Hyundai Motorsport has announced its first project for circuit racing, a TCR-specification design based on the Next Generation i30
• The new car will be built and developed by the Customer Racing department at Hyundai Motorsport’s headquarters in Alzenau, Germany
• Testing will begin in early spring, with deliveries to customers scheduled to start in December

Hyundai Motorsport will take its first steps into circuit racing this year, with the development of a car for the TCR regulations. The project, built to compete in the growing number of TCR championships around the world, continues the growth of Hyundai Motorsport. The company was established in 2012, and consists of the rally-winning WRC team, now contesting its fourth season, and the Customer Racing department.

The new car will be based on the Next Generation i30, which was launched globally last year. The racing version is designed to take advantage of the best qualities of the road-going model, which went through its own rigorous testing plan, including mileage on the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit.

In line with current TCR regulations the car will be powered by a two-litre turbocharged engine from within the Hyundai range, and fitted with a six-speed gearbox and 100-litre fuel tank.

Work on the design began at Hyundai Motorsport in September last year. The building and development of the cars will also be completed at the company’s headquarters in Alzenau, Germany. The creation of the new project continues the work started by the Customer Racing department on the New Generation i20 R5 rally car by showing the high-performance, dynamic side of Hyundai to a wider audience.

Hyundai Motorsport Team Principal Michel Nandan said: “The beginning of our first project specifically for circuit racing is a very important step for Hyundai Motorsport. 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 said: “We are delighted to welcome Hyundai into the ever-growing TCR family. 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 car is scheduled to begin testing in early spring. The first deliveries to customers are planned for December.