AutoGuide.com

It may not be available in the U.S., but the Hyundai i30 N is competing in the 2018 Pirelli World Challenge TCR Class.

The Korean automaker has partnered with Bryan Herta Autosport to create a factory-sponsored race team, which will field a pair of Hyundai i30 N TCR race cars in the 2018 Pirelli World Challenge TCR Class. The Hyundai i30 N race car is currently available to customers in Europe, and Bryan Herta Autosport will develop all aspects of the race team, from vehicles and technicians to drivers, coaching, and team management.

The 2018 Pirelli World Challenge TCR Class will compete at six events this season, starting on March 23-25 in Austin, Texas at the Circuit of the Americas. It then heads to Virginia International Raceway on April 27-29, before going to Lime Rock Park on May 25-28. The second half of the season starts at Portland International Raceway on July 13-15, and then a month later it’s off to the Utah Motorsports Campus on August 10-12. The final event of the season is at Watkins Glen International Raceway on August 31 to September 2.

SEE ALSO: 2018 Chicago Auto Show Coverage

Powering the Hyundai i30 N race car is a tranverse-mounted, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 350 horsepower. The powerplant is mated to a six-speed sequential gearbox. Braking performance comes from Brembo six-piston calipers and 15-inch brake discs up front, along with two-piston calipers and 10.9-inch discs in the rear. Including the driver, the race car tips the scale at 2,827 pounds, complying with TCR regulations.

Drivers announced for the program include Michael Lewis and Mark Wilkins.

“Hyundai is thrilled about the prospects for our new N branded racing team competing in the Touring Car Racing class of Pirelli World Challenge,” said Dean Evans, chief marketing officer, Hyundai Motor America. “Our new partnership with world-renowned Bryan Herta Autosport and their phenomenal drivers coupled with the proven capabilities of our Hyundai i30 N racers puts us in a great position for success in the 2018 TCR season.”

Discuss this story on our Hyundai Forum