by Limited Edition Hyundai Elantra N TCR Hits the American Market
Just ten years ago, the idea that a Hyundai Elantra could compete with a Honda Civic Si seemed incredible. Today, it’s not only a reality, but the Elantra N TCR model is targeting the even more powerful Honda Civic Type R. After an active global advertising campaign, the hottest version of the Elantra is finally available in America, with a starting price of $39,250 excluding destination charges.
This is not just a regular Elantra N with a big wing. This is a true limited edition of Hyundai’s hot sedan, which has borrowed heavily from the company’s touring car racing program. Even more importantly, the car goes on sale with a price that seems surprisingly reasonable, considering all the technology Hyundai has invested in it.
Technical Improvements and Design
The version with the six-speed manual transmission costs $39,250 excluding destination, while the option with the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic raises the price to $40,750. Including the $1,245 destination charge, the total amounts are $40,495 and $41,995 respectively. If dealers manage to sell them without markups, this sedan will become a truly attractive product.
The huge swan-neck-style carbon fiber wing on the rear is the most obvious update, but far from the only one. Hyundai also adds lightweight 19-inch forged wheels inspired by the TCR series, and four-piston monoblock calipers with two-piece front brake discs. The lighter wheels reduce unsprung mass and improve handling, while the more powerful brakes help the car withstand the demands of lap after lap on the racetrack.
Race-Inspired Interior
Inside, Hyundai has fully embraced the motorsport-inspired theme. Alcantara trim has appeared on the steering wheel, gear shift lever, handbrake, and center armrest. There is also a blue Performance Blue marker in the center of the steering wheel, which matches the blue seatbelts, aluminum door sill plates, and even special projection lamps with the TCR logo.
Each TCR Edition version will be painted in Hyundai’s familiar Performance Blue shade, and production will be limited. Hyundai has not announced exactly how many such cars it plans to produce, but exclusivity is clearly part of their appeal.
The regular Elantra N was already one of the most agile and exciting sports sedans in its class. This TCR Edition simply adds a few more degrees of sharpness to the sensations, filling the car with enough racing spirit to make it feel special, but without raising the price to absurd levels. The Type R remains the better overall package, as it should be, since it costs at least $7,000 more in most cases.
The arrival of the Elantra N TCR on the market could change the balance of power in the affordable sports sedan segment. It offers a unique combination of authentic racing technology derived from touring car racing and relative affordability. This makes the car an interesting choice not only for enthusiasts seeking driving thrills but also for those who value limited editions and exclusive design. The success of this model could be a signal to other manufacturers that the market is ready for more radical, track-oriented versions of even compact cars.
