Hyundai has introduced a more aggressive-looking version of its already potent Elantra N, the Hyundai Elantra N TCR Edition. This limited-production model joins the two existing Elantra N variants in Vietnam, boasting 286 horsepower and direct competition to the Honda Civic Type R.
The standard Elantra N has already made a name for itself in the compact sedan segment with its potent combination of a 286-horsepower turbocharged engine, sharp handling, and the option of a manual transmission, all at a reasonable starting price of $34,000.
Now, with the introduction of the Elantra N TCR Edition, Hyundai’s N division is turning up the heat. This special edition takes inspiration from its Touring Car Racing (TCR) World Tour sibling, and the result is a thrilling prospect.
Design
Named the Hyundai Elantra N TCR Edition, it is positioned as a love letter to enthusiasts who crave a race-bred car that’s street-legal. And the pièce de résistance, a feature long sealed on race cars, is the inclusion of a massive rear wing.
This detail on the Elantra N TCR Edition is called the Carbon Swan Neck Spoiler, an adjustable aerodynamic element designed to increase downforce at high speeds, promising to keep the tail planted for those who truly take their cars to the track.
Other enhancements include lightweight 19-inch N TCR forged wheels, which reduce unsprung weight for sharper handling, and upgraded N Performance monoblock brakes with four-piston calipers for improved stopping power. The Korean models will also feature exclusive TCR Edition decals not found elsewhere.
Inside, an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel with Hyundai’s signature Performance Blue stitching is complemented by matching seatbelts and scattered TCR Edition badges. These accents add a touch of refinement, but beyond that, it’s standard Elantra N territory.
But before you don your racing helmet, let’s address the elephant in the room: there are no significant performance upgrades here, including anything under the hood.
Same 2.0L Turbo Engine
Unfortunately, Hyundai hasn’t sprung any mechanical surprises for its Elantra N TCR Edition. It features the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine as the standard Elantra N, producing 276 horsepower or 286 horsepower with Hyundai’s cleverly named “N Grin Shift” overboost function, along with 289 lb-ft of torque.
If this is all that Hyundai N has to offer (and there are no hidden surprises), the Elantra N TCR Edition seems more like a marketing exercise than a true performance variant.
While its upgrades are functional, they are not substantial, and much of what’s new could easily be replicated with readily available aftermarket parts, or even designed to be more aesthetically pleasing and mischievous.
Global Sales
The new special edition will debut in South Korea in December 2024, followed by a global rollout in 2025. With Hyundai’s presence at the LA Auto Show next week, we might witness the TCR Edition’s global unveiling, although this information remains unconfirmed.
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