Hyundai Motor Company has officially confirmed that the Hyundai Elantra N TCR will be added to the car roster of Gran Turismo 7 as part of the January 2026 update. The announcement was made during the Gran Turismo World Series 2025 World Final, held at the Fukuoka International Congress Center in Japan. This development marks a significant moment for both Hyundai and the Gran Turismo franchise, as it also commemorates ten years of collaboration between Hyundai Motor Company and Polyphony Digital, the studio behind the Gran Turismo series.
The inclusion of the Elantra N TCR strengthens Hyundai’s presence in the virtual motorsport world and highlights the growing link between real world racing success and digital racing platforms. For fans of touring car racing and simulation gaming, this update represents an opportunity to experience one of the most accomplished TCR race cars of recent years.
A Decade Long Partnership Between Hyundai and Gran Turismo
Hyundai’s relationship with Polyphony Digital began in 2015, when the futuristic N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo concept was unveiled. That project marked Hyundai’s first major step into the digital motorsport universe and showcased the brand’s performance ambitions to a global audience.
Over the past decade, this partnership has evolved steadily. Hyundai N models have become a familiar part of the Gran Turismo ecosystem, allowing players to explore the brand’s performance philosophy in a highly realistic virtual environment. The upcoming addition of the Elantra N TCR serves as a milestone that reflects the maturity and success of this collaboration.
Quick Summary Table
Category |
Details |
|---|---|
Car Model |
Hyundai Elantra N TCR |
In Game Name |
Elantra N TC |
Game Title |
Gran Turismo 7 |
Update Release |
January 2026 |
Announcement Event |
Gran Turismo World Series 2025 World Final |
Motorsport Highlights |
Five Nurburgring 24 Hours class wins |
Championships |
FIA TCR World Tour titles 2022 to 2024 |
Collaboration Milestone |
Ten years of Hyundai and Polyphony Digital |
Official Website |
Elantra N TCR Joins the Game as Elantra N TC
In Gran Turismo 7, the Hyundai Elantra N TCR will appear under the name Elantra N TC. The vehicle will be introduced with the January 2026 update and will feature in the official car list, making it available for competitive racing and time trials within the game.
This addition coincides with the tenth anniversary of the Hyundai N performance brand. The N sub brand first gained global recognition with the N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo concept, which debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2015. Since then, Hyundai N has expanded into a full performance lineup with strong roots in motorsport.
Motorsport Pedigree of the Elantra N TCR
The Elantra N TCR is not just a virtual showpiece. It is one of the most successful touring cars in modern motorsport. Built to FIA TCR regulations, the car has demonstrated exceptional performance and reliability across endurance and sprint racing formats.
One of its most notable achievements is its dominance at the Nurburgring 24 Hours endurance race. The Elantra N TCR has secured five consecutive class victories at this iconic event between 2021 and 2025. These wins highlight the car’s durability, balance, and competitive edge on one of the world’s most demanding circuits.
In addition to endurance success, the model has also excelled in global touring car championships. It achieved three consecutive FIA TCR World Tour Drivers Championship titles from 2022 to 2024. This consistent success has cemented the Elantra N TCR’s reputation as a benchmark in the TCR category.
Why the Elantra N TCR Matters in Gran Turismo 7
Gran Turismo is known for its emphasis on authenticity and real world motorsport connections. The inclusion of the Elantra N TCR aligns perfectly with this philosophy. Players will gain access to a touring car that reflects real racing performance, engineering precision, and competitive pedigree.
For sim racing enthusiasts, touring cars offer a unique driving experience. They emphasize close racing, precise handling, and strategic driving rather than sheer top speed. The Elantra N TCR is expected to deliver this experience faithfully in Gran Turismo 7, making it an appealing choice for competitive online races.
January 2026 Update Adds Hyundai N Themed Content
Beyond the addition of the Elantra N TCR, the January 2026 update will introduce several Hyundai N themed enhancements to Gran Turismo 7. One of the key highlights is a dedicated Hyundai N menu at the GT Cafe. This feature will allow players to explore the brand’s performance journey, design philosophy, and motorsport milestones.
The update will also expand the Hyundai Museum section within Brand Central. Players will be able to learn more about Hyundai’s innovation story, its motorsport programs, and the evolution of the N performance lineup. These additions deepen player engagement and provide context beyond the driving experience.
Hyundai N Brand and Its Digital Motorsport Strategy
Hyundai has increasingly embraced digital motorsport as a way to connect with younger audiences and performance enthusiasts worldwide. By integrating real race cars into simulation platforms, the brand bridges the gap between physical motorsport and virtual racing.
The presence of models such as the IONIQ 5 N and Elantra N in Gran Turismo 7 has already strengthened Hyundai’s digital footprint. The arrival of the Elantra N TCR takes this strategy further by introducing a purpose built race car that represents the pinnacle of Hyundai’s touring car efforts.
Gran Turismo World Series Announcement Significance
The decision to announce the Elantra N TCR during the Gran Turismo World Series 2025 World Final underscores the importance of this update. The event serves as a global stage for competitive Gran Turismo racing, attracting top players and fans from around the world.
By unveiling the car at this event, Hyundai and Polyphony Digital emphasized their shared commitment to motorsport authenticity and competitive gaming. The announcement also reinforced Gran Turismo’s role as a platform where real world motorsport achievements translate into digital experiences.
Blending Real World Racing with Virtual Experience
The addition of the Elantra N TCR highlights a broader trend in the automotive and gaming industries. Manufacturers increasingly view simulation racing as an extension of their motorsport programs. Virtual platforms allow brands to showcase engineering excellence and racing heritage to a global audience without geographic limitations.
For Hyundai, this approach supports its broader N brand strategy. It reinforces the message that Hyundai N stands for performance, durability, and racing DNA, whether on real circuits or virtual tracks.
What Players Can Expect from the Elantra N TCR
When the January 2026 update goes live, players can expect a touring car that delivers precise handling, balanced performance, and competitive racing dynamics. While exact in game specifications have not yet been detailed, the Elantra N TCR is likely to reflect its real world counterpart closely in terms of weight distribution, power delivery, and aerodynamics.
This authenticity will make the car suitable for both casual players and serious sim racers. Its inclusion also adds variety to the touring car category within Gran Turismo 7.
Strengthening Hyundai’s Global Motorsport Image
The Elantra N TCR’s arrival in Gran Turismo 7 further strengthens Hyundai’s global motorsport image. It showcases the brand’s success in touring car racing and reinforces its commitment to performance innovation.
As the partnership with Polyphony Digital enters its second decade, Hyundai continues to leverage digital platforms to tell its motorsport story. This strategy ensures that the brand remains relevant to a new generation of enthusiasts who engage with cars through both real and virtual experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When will the Hyundai Elantra N TCR be available in Gran Turismo 7
The Elantra N TCR will be added to Gran Turismo 7 with the January 2026 update.
2. Under what name will the car appear in the game
The car will be listed as Elantra N TC in the official car roster.
3. Why is the Elantra N TCR important in motorsport
It has achieved multiple endurance and touring car championships, including five Nurburgring 24 Hours class wins.
4. What else is included in the January 2026 update
The update will add a Hyundai N themed GT Cafe menu and expanded Hyundai Museum content.
5. How long have Hyundai and Polyphony Digital worked together
The partnership began in 2015 and completes ten years in 2025.
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