Special off-road vehicle for racing support
In the world of motorsport, pit lanes and paddock zones are usually filled with station wagons or commercial vans. However, recently their place is increasingly taken by SUVs, which become support and safety vehicles. Hyundai decided to go its own way. Instead of choosing a model with a powerful sporty image, the Korean manufacturer brought in the off-road-oriented Palisade XRT Pro as an official partner of the Elantra N TCR team.
Purpose and design features
This vehicle is built exclusively for transporting equipment, spare wheels, and tools during a race weekend. The choice of the XRT version may seem unusual for a racing program, but it is worth noting that this rugged SUV was developed with the involvement of the N division. At the same time, the new generation Palisade has become heavier and slower than its predecessor.
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Design and exterior equipment
The unique vehicle has a restrained dark gray color scheme, offset by signature red-orange racing stripes of N Performance and light blue checkered flag-style graphic elements. Sponsor stickers are placed on the front doors and rear fenders, and the N Track Support Vehicle inscription is applied along the body profile.
In addition to the XRT Pro body kit and tow hooks, the vehicle received a roof rack from Thule, an additional LED panel, and rock sliders. The latter two elements are likely unnecessary on an asphalt track, as are the massive BF Goodrich T/A tires mounted on black five-spoke wheels.
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Functionality and racing equipment
At the rear, Hyundai added a hitch-mounted carrier holding a set of wheels. This allows the team to change tires anywhere on the circuit grounds. Another wheel with sticky Michelin Pilot Sport tires is located in the cargo area. Also placed there are a WeatherTech mat, professional Motul racing fluids, heavy-duty tow straps, a heavy storage box, and a special Bell helmet belonging to IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge veteran Mark Wilkins.
Purpose for motorsport
This N Track Support Vehicle is designed to assist the factory team Bryan Herta Autosport in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge championship. This means it will not appear on dealer lots or in the accessory catalog. It’s a shame, because it could be useful to anyone transporting equipment for the road-going version of the Hyundai Elantra N TCR.
See this Instagram post by Hyundai Motor America (@hyundaiusa)
This project demonstrates how automakers can creatively approach building service vehicles for motorsport, combining off-road ruggedness with racing aesthetics. Although the Palisade XRT Pro is not fast or light, its main value lies in practicality and its ability to serve as a mobile workshop. This approach highlights the versatility of modern SUVs, which can be not only family cars but also reliable helpers on race tracks, even if their off-road capabilities remain unused.