TCR has become one of
the hottest classes in racing. The cost-effective touring car category has
automakers scrambling to develop entries of their own, and the next will come
from Hyundai.
Replacing the current i30 TCR, the new model is
currently undergoing testing before it's ready to turn its wheels in anger on
circuits and in championships around the world. To
comply with regulations, it packs a 2.0-liter turbo four with about 330
horsepower channeled to the front wheels through a six-speed paddle-shift
sequential transmission.
The New Generation i30 TCR has already started testing
on the Aragon circuit in Spain before heading back to Hyundai Motorsport
headquarters in Germany. Once ready, it will have to face stiff competition
from similarly prepared versions of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, Audi RS3, Ford
Focus, Kia Cee'd, Honda Civic, Opel Astra, Peugeot 308, Seat Leon, Subaru WRX
STI, and VW Golf GTI.
A more cost-effective alternative to existing
touring-car championships, TCR cars compete in the TCR International Series and
in local and regional series around the world, as well as making up distinct
classes in other prominent events like the Nürburgring 24 Hours.
