The new Hyundai Elantra N TCR version has wings

The Hyundai Elantra N has earned a reputation in the dull compact sedan segment by blending a powerful 286-horsepower turbo engine, sharp handling, and a manual transmission option, all for a reasonable starting price of $34,000. Now, Hyundai Motor’s N division is launching the Elantra N TCR Edition, a special model inspired by its Touring Car Racing (TCR) World Tour sibling.

var adpushup = window.adpushup = window.adpushup || {que:()}; adpushup.que.push(function() { if (adpushup.config.platform !== “DESKTOP”) { adpushup.triggerAd(“4d84e4c9 -9937-4f84-82c0-c94544ee6f2a”); } else{ adpushup.triggerAd(“6a782b01-facb-45f3-a88f-ddf1b1f97657”);

Named the Elantra TCR Edition, it’s billed as a love letter to track enthusiasts, complete with an oversized rear wing that’s impossible to ignore. But before we put on our racing helmets, let’s address the elephant in the paddock: There are no major performance upgrades here, including anything under the hood.

Track style, everyday charm

The showpiece of the TCR version is the massive carbon swan-neck spoiler, an adjustable aerodynamic wing designed to increase downforce at high speeds. While it’s unlikely to help you dominate your grocery carts in the parking lot, it promises to keep the rear end stable for those who actually take the car to the track.

var adpushup = window.adpushup = window.adpushup || {que:()}; adpushup.que.push(function() { if (adpushup.config.platform !== “DESKTOP”) { adpushup.triggerAd(“5646c171 -cb6e-4e2c-8440-49013ca72758”); } else { adpushup.triggerAd(“e7c4c913-3924-4b2d-9279-6c00984dd130”);

More: Hyundai Elantra N owner gets ticket after running out of stock, police say dealer will be sued

Other enhancements include lightweight 19-inch N TCR forged wheels that reduce unsprung weight for sharper handling, and upgraded N Performance integral brakes with four-piston calipers for improved stopping power. Korean models will also get exclusive TCR Edition decals that won’t be available elsewhere.

Inside, the Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel features Modern Performance Blue top badging and is complemented by matching seat belts and scattered TCR Edition badging. These details add some style, but otherwise, this is standard Elantra N territory.

The same 2.0L turbo engine

var adpushup = window.adpushup = window.adpushup || {que:()}; adpushup.que.push(function() { if (adpushup.config.platform !== “DESKTOP”) { adpushup.triggerAd(“e96f0476 -8b1d-4bb8-b64c-33f9656987b2”); } else { adpushup.triggerAd(“0f9edca9-aa84-4c07-8987-4cad23928c2d”);

Unfortunately, the TCR version doesn’t offer any mechanical surprises. It’s powered by the same turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine as the standard Elantra N, producing 276 hp, or 286 hp with Hyundai’s cheekily named “N Grin Shift” overboost, and 289 lb-ft of torque.

More: Hyundai refuses to provide $10,000 in warranty repairs for Elantra N, accusing owner of over-revving

If that’s all the Hyundai N has to offer, and there are no hidden surprises, then the Elantra N TCR Edition feels more like a marketing campaign than a true leap in performance. Its upgrades (while fully functional) are minimal, and many of the new features can be easily replicated with aftermarket modifications.

global sales

The new special edition will be launched in South Korea this December and in global markets in 2025. With Hyundai set to debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show next week, we may see the TCR version make its global debut, although this is yet to be confirmed.