Imagine blending the roar of real racetracks with the thrill of virtual victories—Hyundai Motor is making that dream a reality for gamers worldwide! Get ready to dive into the exciting world where high-performance cars meet cutting-edge gaming, as Hyundai announces a game-changing addition to Gran Turismo 7. But here's where it gets controversial: Is this partnership blurring the lines between authentic motorsport and digital entertainment in ways that challenge traditional racing purists? Stick around to discover how this latest move is pushing boundaries and sparking debates among enthusiasts.
Hyundai Motor Unveils the ELANTRA N TCR in Gran Turismo 7, Broadening Its Footprint in e-Motorsport
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Hyundai Motor Unveils the ELANTRA N TCR in Gran Turismo 7, Broadening Its Footprint in e-Motorsport
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Hyundai Motor Unveils the ELANTRA N TCR in Gran Turismo 7, Broadening Its Footprint in e-Motorsport
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- Revealed at the Gran Turismo World Series 2025 World Final in Fukuoka, Japan
- Celebrating the 10th anniversary of Hyundai N's introduction alongside the N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo
- The ELANTRA N TCR will arrive in Gran Turismo 7's January 2026 update
Hyundai Motor Unveils the ELANTRA N TCR in Gran Turismo 7, Broadening Its Footprint in e-Motorsport
Hyundai Motor Unveils the ELANTRA N TCR in Gran Turismo 7, Broadening Its Footprint in e-Motorsport
In-game screenshot of the ELANTRA N TCR in Gran Turismo 7
In-game screenshot of the ELANTRA N TCR in Gran Turismo 7
FUKUOKA, JAPAN, December 22, 2025 – Hyundai Motor Company is thrilled to introduce the Hyundai ELANTRA N TCR¹) into the iconic racing simulation game, Gran Turismo 7. This exciting reveal took place at the Gran Turismo World Series 2025 World Final held at the Fukuoka International Congress Center, marking a special occasion that honors ten years of fruitful teamwork between Hyundai Motor and Polyphony Digital, the brilliant minds behind the Gran Turismo series.
The ELANTRA N TCR, renowned for its outstanding performance in touring car competitions, will join the game in the January 2026 update, listed as 'ELANTRA N TC'. This addition coincides perfectly with the 10th anniversary of the Hyundai N brand, which first dazzled the world at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show with the N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo—a concept car that showcased futuristic hydrogen-powered technology and set the stage for high-performance ambitions.
And this is the part most people miss: the deeper connection between virtual and real-world innovation. For beginners just getting into motorsport or gaming, think of it like this—the N brand isn't just about fast cars; it's about pushing the envelope of what's possible, blending engineering prowess with digital adventures. This collaboration allows fans to experience the adrenaline of racing through a screen, while Hyundai uses it to test and inspire real-life designs.
"We are delighted to introduce the ELANTRA N TCR in Gran Turismo 7 at the Gran Turismo World Series 2025 World Final," said Joon Park, Vice President of the N Brand Management Group at Hyundai Motor Company. "This achievement celebrates the 10th anniversary of Hyundai N and our ongoing partnership with Polyphony Digital, solidifying our dedication to delivering racing excitement to fans everywhere. We plan to deepen our ties with Gran Turismo by adding future high-performance vehicles and race machines that seamlessly connect the virtual realm with the physical world, fueling Hyundai N's unwavering passion for top-tier performance."
What’s Included in the January 2026 Update?
Leading the charge in the January 2026 update is the ELANTRA N TCR, widely regarded as one of the most triumphant touring cars ever made. For those new to racing terms, touring cars are modified production vehicles designed for circuit racing, emphasizing reliability and speed over a series of laps. This model has dominated the scene, securing five straight class victories at the legendary Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance race from 2021 to 2025—imagine battling through 24 grueling hours on one of the world's toughest tracks, with drivers swapping shifts and mechanics fine-tuning under pressure. It has also claimed three consecutive wins in the FIA TCR World Tour Drivers’ Championship from 2022 to 2024, highlighting its consistency and edge in global competitions.
The update doesn't stop there; it also brings a special Hyundai N-themed menu to GT Café (think of it as an in-game hangout spot for players to relax and customize), plus upgrades to the Hyundai Museum within Brand Central. Here, gamers can virtually explore the rich history and groundbreaking developments of Hyundai's performance line, making it an educational treat that bridges fun with real automotive knowledge.
Hyundai Motor Unveils the ELANTRA N TCR in Gran Turismo 7, Broadening Its Footprint in e-Motorsport
Hyundai Motor Unveils the ELANTRA N TCR in Gran Turismo 7, Broadening Its Footprint in e-Motorsport
On December 21, at the Gran Turismo World Series Final, Kazunori Yamauchi (President of Polyphony Digital and Gran Turismo Series Producer, right) and Joon Park (Vice President of N Brand Management Group at Hyundai Motor Company, left) unveiled the upcoming January update for Gran Turismo, featuring the new ELANTRA N TCR.
On December 21, at the Gran Turismo World Series Final, Kazunori Yamauchi (President of Polyphony Digital and Gran Turismo Series Producer, right) and Joon Park (Vice President of N Brand Management Group at Hyundai Motor Company, left) unveiled the upcoming January update for Gran Turismo, featuring the new ELANTRA N TCR.
Highlights from the Gran Turismo World Series 2025 World Final
- Event Name: Gran Turismo World Series World Final Fukuoka
- Location: Fukuoka International Congress Center, Japan
- Dates: December 20–21, 2025
- Presentation Time: December 21, 2025, from 14:00–15:00 (just before the Nations Cup)
- Speakers: Joon Park, Vice President and Head of the N Brand Management Group, alongside Kazunori Yamauchi, President of Polyphony Digital and Gran Turismo Series Producer
During the event, Hyundai Motor and Polyphony Digital together showcased the ELANTRA N TCR, accompanied by stunning visuals that chronicled their decade-long journey. The presentation delved into the evolution of the Hyundai N brand, from its conceptual beginnings to its reign in motorsport and now its vibrant role in interactive gaming worlds.
A Decade of Hyundai N's Journey in Gran Turismo
Hyundai Motor's alliance with Polyphony Digital kicked off in 2015 with the debut of the N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo—a visionary hydrogen-powered hypercar that epitomized the brand's forward-thinking spirit. Over time, Hyundai N has evolved into an exhilarating element of Gran Turismo, giving players the chance to pilot vehicles like the IONIQ 5 N and ELANTRA N in simulated races. This isn't just about fun; it's a clever way to democratize high-performance driving, letting anyone with a console experience what pros feel on the track.
With the ELANTRA N TCR now entering Gran Turismo 7, Hyundai Motor is poised to amplify its influence in e-Motorsport, harmoniously merging state-of-the-art automotive tech with interactive entertainment. This partnership demonstrates the company's resolve to erase boundaries between tangible racing achievements and digital escapades, inspiring both car lovers and gamers across the globe.
But here's where it gets controversial: Does integrating virtual cars like this undermine the purity of real motorsport? Some argue that e-sports are just as demanding as physical racing, requiring skill, strategy, and split-second decisions, while others contend they lack the danger and authenticity of track battles. What do you think—should virtual victories count as much as podium finishes in the flesh?
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Daehyun Shin
daehyun.shin@hyundai.com
Global PR Strategy & Planning · Hyundai Motor Company
Disclaimer: Hyundai Motor Company believes the details provided here are accurate as of the release date. However, the company reserves the right to add or revise information as needed and is not responsible for how readers interpret or apply this data.
About Hyundai Motor Company
Founded in 1967, Hyundai Motor Company operates in more than 200 countries, with over 120,000 employees committed to solving global mobility challenges. Guided by the brand vision ‘Progress for Humanity,’ Hyundai Motor is transforming into a Smart Mobility Solution Provider, investing in technologies like robotics and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) to revolutionize transportation. Through open innovation, the company is pioneering future services while prioritizing sustainability with cutting-edge hydrogen fuel cell and electric vehicle solutions.
For more details on Hyundai Motor and its offerings, visit:
https://www.hyundai.com/worldwide/en/ or the Newsroom: Media Hub by Hyundai at https://www.hyundai.com/worldwide/en/company/newsroom.release.all.latest
Follow our Hyundai Global Newsroom on Instagram at @hyundai_mediahub.
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What are your thoughts on this crossover between real and virtual racing? Do you see e-Motorsport as a valid extension of traditional sports, or is it just a gimmick? Share your opinions in the comments below—we'd love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have a fresh take on how this shapes the future of motorsport!
