Unveiled in 2017 as the company's first road-going model built by the recently established N brand, the Hyundai i30 N isn't available in the U.S. However, the performance hatchback just made its North American debut at the 2018 Chicago Auto Show. Don't get overly excited though, as only a race-spec version of the hatchback will flex its muscle on U.S. soil. Specifically, Hyundai will race the i30 N in the Touring Car Racing (TCR) class of the 2018 Pirelli World Challenge season.

Hyundai won't run the car by itself though. The Korean manufacturer entered a partnership with Bryan Herta Autosport, which will result in a factory-sponsored race team. Bryan Herta Autosport will use two i30 N TCR vehicles currently available to customers in Europe and handle all aspects of the race team, including technicians, drivers, coaching, team management.

The TCR-spec i30 N is a significant evolution of the road car, featuring a revised aerodynamic package that includes a massive wing around back. The interior was heavily revised to adopt a pair of Sabelt race seats with six-point Hans harnesses, a Sabelt steering wheel, and a fire extinguishing system.

Some drivetrain components are still based on the road car, but the 2.0-liter turbo-four engine now cranks out 350 horsepower and uses a race-spec ECU system and a BMC air induction kit. A pneumatic paddle shift operated, six-speed sequential gearbox with external preload adjustment routes the power to the wheels. The upgrade also includes a multi-disc motorsport clutch, motorsport-spec drive shafts, and Brembo brakes.

The i30 N will go against a variety of production-based cars, including the Audi RS3 LMS, Mazda MX-5, Honda Fit, BMW M235iR, and Honda Civic Si. This year's TCR schedule includes six events. The season will commence on March 23-25 at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, with the last leg to take place between August 31 and September 2 at the Watkins Glen Raceway in New York.

References

Hyundai i30

Read our full review on the 2018 Hyundai i30 N.

Read more Chicago Auto Show news.

Read more Hyundai news.