Hyundai Motorsport has revealed the Veloster N ETCR, its first-ever electric race car, at the International Motor Show media day in Frankfurt.

Based on the road-going Veloster N model, the new car is designed specifically for the new ETCR category, which will make its debut in 2020.

The vehicle capitalises on Hyundai Motorsport’s expertise in Touring Car racing and follows the success of the i30 N TCR and Veloster N TCR packages. Development of the ETCR project mirrors Hyundai’s wider strategy for development of electric road cars.

Designed and built at the company’s Alzenau headquarters, the Veloster N ETCR is fully electric, rear-wheel-drive with a mid-mounted motor, in line with ETCR regulations.

Design work began in November 2018, with the first shakedown of the prototype completed in August 2019. A full testing program will commence later this month, supported by Hyundai Motorsport’s trained and experienced engineers.

Head of Product Division, Executive Vice President of Hyundai Motor Group Thomas Schemera said: “Through our successful Customer Racing division, we have spent many years honing our skills in Touring Car racing, which has resulted in two packages capable of competing for championships around the world. ETCR is the natural next step in our journey, and one that aligns perfectly to Hyundai’s global strategy for electric vehicle production. We have a detailed test program for the Veloster N ETCR, supported by the fully trained and experienced team of engineers at Hyundai Motorsport. The Veloster N ETCR will make an ideal addition to our ongoing commitment to WRC and to Customer Racing through the i20 R5, i30 N TCR and Veloster N TCR.”

Marcello Lotti, president of WSC, the entity than has developed the TCR and ETCR commented: “The Hyundai Veloster N ETCR marks the arrival of a second premiere brand of car manufacturers into this new category that we have launched in the wake of TCR’s global success. And it won’t be the last one! We must have done something good so far if a company like Hyundai has chosen to follow us in this new adventure after having already trusted, successfully, the TCR concept.”