Hyundai Motorsport has finished two days of on-track tests with the new Veloster N ETCR, the company’s first electric race car project, at the Hungaroring.
The circuit run allowed engineers to learn more about chassis balance on the technical circuit, and to begin to harness the power from the mid-mounted e-motor to maximize performance and efficiency.
“The first test for any new project is always a very important date, but with the Hyundai Veloster N ETCR it takes on greater significance,” said Andrea Adamo, Hyundai Motorsport Team Director. “It is our first electric race car, and our first chassis to have a mid-mounted motor and rear-wheel-drive.
The test session in Hungary marks the start of an extensive testing program for the coming months, during which every system on the car will be scrutinized and honed to bring the strongest possible entry to the first ETCR grid in 2020.
“The next few months will be very busy – we essentially have two challenges; we have to develop the chassis, but also learn to use the power from the batteries and motors effectively,” added Adamo. “However, with the testing schedule ahead I am confident that our engineers will be able to produce another race winning car.”
Unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show, the Veloster N ETCR is the first electric racing car to be built by Hyundai Motorsport. The mid-mounted motor and rear-wheel-drive layout are also firsts for the Alzenau, Germany based team.
With batteries fitted in the floor of the design, and double-wishbone rear suspension, the chassis is radically different from any previous Hyundai Motorsport project.