2026 Hyundai Elantra N TCR: True to the Actual Race Car

Toronto, ON – It's not uncommon for a car manufacturer to celebrate its success in motorsports with special editions of its road cars. The bond between track cars and street cars is closer than most people think. At least, that's what Canadian race car driver Mark Wilkins thinks. As the driver of a Hyundai Elantra N TCR (for Touring Car Racing) in the IMSA North American Championship, Wilkins sees many parallels between the race car and the new, spicier version of the Elantra N.

Hyundai Canada invited a few journalists to CTMP (Canadian Tire Motorsport Park) just outside Toronto, to showcase the enhanced capabilities of this motorsport-inspired variant. Credit must be given to Hyundai Canada for the ingenuity it showed by assembling the exclusive components of this TCR edition directly in its Canadian workshops—months ahead of the official U.S. market launch slated for next spring.

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Here’s our full report.

Race-inspired

The N version of the Elantra sedan has been on our roads since the 2022 model year, and it has left a mark in its segment. Hyundai’s troublemaker has its sights set on some heavyweight rivals—the Honda Civic Type R and Volkswagen Golf R come to mind right away, and the Subaru WRX can also be added to the shortlist.

Beyond its polarizing design, the Elantra N has won over many enthusiasts thanks to its performance on both roads and closed circuits. However, the most demanding among them often seek ways to stand out through aesthetic or mechanical upgrades. The goal? To get as close as possible to the race car version. That’s the mindset that gave birth to the 2026 Elantra N TCR. And all signs point to Hyundai hitting the bullseye: this very limited edition has already exceeded Canadian management’s expectations. The initial plan was to sell around 50 units nationwide—but interest has since doubled.

An Elantra N+

There were several directions Hyundai could have taken to transform this already impressive sedan on paper into a more track-focused machine. A power increase under the hood could have been one approach, but the TCR keeps the 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine untouched.

The engine already delivers plenty of power—276 hp (or 286 hp for 20 seconds when using the N Grin Shift function) and 289 ft-lb of torque—so more output wasn’t necessary.

The Elantra N TCR truly stands out is in the details. The most striking change is undoubtedly the massive carbon fibre rear wing, which is adjustable. While this aerodynamic element may not please everyone, it does provide meaningful downforce at high speeds on straight portions of the track. The 19-inch wheels feature a unique design, and they’re wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires for increased grip. But the real treat lies behind those wheels.

Indeed, the front braking system has been redesigned with two-piece rotors and monoblock four-piston calipers, all bearing the N Performance badge. The brake pads are specifically engineered for intense track use. Unfortunately, we didn’t get a chance to drive the car on public roads with cool brakes—this kind of aggressive pad tends to squeal in city driving.

Interior enhancements

Inside, Elantra N fans will feel right at home, although the Alcantara suede accents add a motorsport vibe to the cabin. The steering wheel, centre armrest, parking brake lever, and gearshift base (in the manual version) are all wrapped in this soft material. Notable additions include Performance Blue seat belts up front, as well as other N Performance-themed components like floor mats and door sills. The “TCR” logo is found on the trunk lid and even projected onto the ground at night via the puddle lights under the front doors.

On track

For the occasion, Hyundai Canada brought along three examples of the Elantra N TCR, along with four standard N models for comparison. It didn’t take long to make a first impression: the track was hot, and the tires were sticky. The Elantra N TCR grips the pavement fiercely, despite its front-wheel-drive configuration. The limited-slip front differential plays a key role here—though it’s also part of the regular N’s toolkit.

The braking system stole the show during the track’s two high-speed sections. With tremendous bite and precision, it may be the single most impactful upgrade to the car. Sadly, the dual-clutch version of the TCR was reserved for other members of the media, but no matter—I tackled the CTMP short track with the manual gearbox.

Verdict

TCR or not, the Elantra N is already a formidable sport sedan with a punchy engine, an easy-to-control gearbox, and quick, precise steering. The electronically controlled suspension is firm but not punishing. And then there’s the snappy, crackling exhaust, delivering delightful pops and crackles with every gear change. To truly enjoy this mechanical symphony, you’ll want to put the car in “N” driving mode via the blue button on the steering wheel.

As the day wound down, I happened to get back on track just in time for some rain - Mother Nature clearly wanted us to explore another side of this Korean sports sedan. Traction was no longer the same, of course, but with the sharp advice of my instructor riding shotgun and a few corrective steering inputs after minor slides, we made it safely back to the pits.

With an MSRP of $47,599 CAD for the manual version or $49,199 CAD for the dual clutch, the 2026 Elantra N TCR won’t be a common sight on the roads. But for those lucky enough to snag one of these “race cars for the street,” it’s a small price to pay for a large, long-lasting grin.