Hyundai builds one-off Palisade XRT Pro as IMSA race team support rig

Hyundai has built a one-off custom Palisade XRT Pro to serve as the official paddock support vehicle for its IMSA racing team running the Elantra N TCR. The modified SUV features custom N graphics, off-road hardware, and storage for spare tires, tools and fluids. The vehicle is not for sale.

Full text

A custom Palisade support rig assists Hyundai’s IMSA racing team.

The modified SUV sports custom N graphics and off-road bits.

It holds spare tires, tools, and fluids to support the Elantra N TCR.

Wagons and commercial vans once filled the paddock, but SUVs have taken over as the support and safety vehicles of choice in modern racing. Hyundai went a different way. Rather than reach for something wearing a performance badge, the company drafted the off-road-minded Palisade XRT Pro as the official paddock partner for the Elantra N TCR.

var adpushup = window.adpushup = window.adpushup || {que:[]};

adpushup.que.push(function() {

if (adpushup.config.platform !== "DESKTOP"){

adpushup.triggerAd("0f7e3106-c4d6-4db4-8135-c508879a76f8");

} else {

adpushup.triggerAd("82503191-e1d1-435a-874f-9c78a2a54a2f");

}

});

The build exists to move gear, spare tires, and tools around the paddock during a race weekend, and nothing else. An XRT trim seems like an odd fit for a racing program until you learn the rugged SUV was developed with input from Hyundai’s N division. Having said that, the latest generation of the Palisade is heavier and slower compared to its predecessor .

More: Hyundai’s Popular Palisade Gets A Blacked Out Range-Topper

The one-off build wears a stealthy dark grey finish, broken up by signature N Performance red-orange racing stripes and light blue checkered flag graphics. Sponsor decals sit on the front doors and rear quarter panels, with N Track Support Vehicle lettering along the profile.

var adpushup = window.adpushup = window.adpushup || {que:[]};

adpushup.que.push(function() {

if (adpushup.config.platform === "DESKTOP"){

adpushup.triggerAd("ea4d4b5a-f8e5-4d5d-9d9a-53a3b956b6cd");

} else{

adpushup.triggerAd("44c0a4dc-e25b-4ba5-ac64-2c510461b92a");

}

});

Beyond the XRT Pro bodykit and its recovery points, there’s a Thule roof rack, an auxiliary LED bar, and rock sliders. Those last two will get about as much use on a paved circuit as the chunky BF Goodrich T/A rubber wrapped around the black five-spoke alloys.

More: Hyundai’s EVs Already Fake Engine Sounds, And Now They Might Vibrate Too

At the rear, Hyundai added a hitch-mounted carrier holding a set of wheels, so the crew can change tires anywhere on the property. Another wheel on sticky Michelin Pilot Sport rubber rides in the cargo area, joined by a WeatherTech mat, professional-grade Motul racing fluids, high-strength recovery straps, a heavy-duty storage case, and a custom Bell helmet belonging to IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge veteran Mark Wilkins.

The N Track Support Vehicle exists to back the factory-supported Bryan Herta Autosport team through the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge, which means no dealership lots and no spot in the accessories catalog. A shame, since it would suit anyone hauling gear for the roadgoing Hyundai Elantra N TCR .

Hyundai

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Hyundai Motor America (@hyundaiusa)

var adpushup = window.adpushup = window.adpushup || {que:[]};

adpushup.que.push(function() {

if (adpushup.config.platform !== "DESKTOP"){

adpushup.triggerAd("bb7964e9-07de-4b06-a83e-ead35079d53c");

} else {

adpushup.triggerAd("9b1169d9-7a89-4971-a77f-1397f7588751");

}

});