Hyundai Completes First Test With Veloster N ETCR

Photo: Hyundai

Hyundai completed the first on-track running of its Veloster N ETCR at the Hungaroring last weekend, getting its electric touring car’s testing program underway.

Hyundai’s engineers used the two days to learn about the car’s chassis balance on the technical circuit and to begin to harness the power from the car’s mid-mounted electric motor.

The Hungaroring is currently part of the FIA WTCR and TCR Europe calendars. Hyundai TCR drivers won one race in each of those series’ visits to the track in April.

The Veloster N ETCR was unveiled at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show earlier this month and is the second car built to ETCR regulations.

“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 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 hasn’t revealed which drivers took part in the two-day test.

Adamo previously told e-racing365 that reigning WTCR champion Gabriele Tarquini is unlikely to be a part of the testing program, despite appearing in promotional material ahead of the car’s launch, due to his current WTCR commitments.

Jake Kilshaw

Jake Kilshaw is a UK-based journalist. He is a graduate of Politics and International Relations.