Hyundai and Toyota Drive Passion for Motorsport in Korea, Showcasing Innovation and High-Performance Engineerin
Hyundai Motor Company and Toyota Motor Corporation recently launched the first-ever Hyundai N x TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival at Yongin Speedway in Korea. This collaboration between Hyundai N and TOYOTA GAZOO Racing two top competitors in the World Rally Championship (WRC) delivered an electrifying experience for motorsport fans in South Korea, showcasing high-performance production and racing vehicles. The event was a resounding success, drawing a sold-out crowd that celebrated South Korea’s dynamic motorsport culture and strengthened connections with automotive enthusiasts.
Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung and Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman Akio Toyoda headlined the event, participating directly in activities that highlighted the two brands’ shared passion for racing. Hyundai’s Chung took the wheel of a Toyota Yaris WRC and thrilled spectators with high-speed manoeuvres, while Toyota’s Toyoda demonstrated his own performance driving, a trademark of his “Morizo” moniker. Following the performance, the two leaders greeted fans, shaking hands and sharing their enthusiasm for the event.
“With our high-performance N brand, we’re dedicated to bringing excitement and passion to car enthusiasts,” said Chung. “Working alongside Toyota, we’re aiming to inspire more people to experience the thrill of driving and the culture of motorsport.” Chairman Toyoda echoed the sentiment: “When I met with Executive Chair Chung earlier this year, we discovered a shared passion for racing, and I am thrilled that our vision is now a reality. Today marks an incredible step toward creating a better society and shaping the future of mobility.”
Highlighting High-Performance Vehicles and Show Runs
Hyundai N captivated fans with exhilarating show runs, showcasing its latest high-performance models, including the i20 N Rally 1 Hybrid and two i20 N Rally 2 cars designed for customer motorsport and several production models such as the IONIQ 5 N and Elantra N. The lineup of drivers included notable figures like Thierry Neuville, the current leader of the 2024 WRC drivers’ championship, Dani Sordo, Andreas Mikkelsen, and Mikel Azcona, the 2022 World Touring Car Cup champion.
Toyota, meanwhile, showcased its high-performance lineup, delivering action-packed show runs with vehicles like the GR YARIS Rally 1 HYBRID, GR Yaris Rally 2, GR Supra, and GR86. Notable drivers included current Toyota WRC driver Takamoto Katsuta and team principal Jari-Matti Latvala, alongside Norihiko Katsuta, a nine-time Japanese Rally champion and father of Takamoto Katsuta. Each performance demonstrated the power and precision of the brands’ rally vehicles, underscoring their expertise in high-performance engineering.
Engaging Fans Through Experiential Programs
The festival provided numerous opportunities for fans to immerse themselves in the world of motorsport. In the “Track Day” segment, 30 Hyundai N and 30 Toyota GR owners had the chance to drive their own high-performance vehicles on the Yongin Speedway, experiencing firsthand the cars’ power on a professional-grade circuit. For attendees seeking an even closer connection to the action, the “WRC Taxi” allowed customers to ride in a WRC race car, witnessing exhilarating rally-style manoeuvres and sharp turns performed by professional drivers.
Another exciting segment, the “Gymkhana Competition,” invited festival-goers to team up with Hyundai and Toyota drivers to participate in competitive races using Hyundai’s Avante N and Toyota’s GR86. Meanwhile, the “Show & Shine” area celebrated car culture with a showcase of customized vehicles, allowing participants to proudly display their personal automotive styles and enhancements.
Hyundai and Toyota Showcase Their High-Performance Innovations
At brand-specific booths, Hyundai and Toyota both displayed innovations in high-performance and eco-friendly vehicle technology. The Hyundai N booth featured two “Rolling Labs”: the RN24, a test vehicle that embodies Hyundai N’s new vision of high performance, and the N Vision 74, a hydrogen fuel cell hybrid vehicle showcasing Hyundai’s commitment to hydrogen-powered technology. The IONIQ 5 N TA Spec, a model that recently conquered the iconic Pikes Peak race, was also displayed, along with fan favourite, the Elantra N.
Toyota’s booth, meanwhile, offered glimpses into the brand’s innovative GR lineup, featuring the ORC ROOKIE GR Corolla H2 Concept and the AE86 H2, a hydrogen-powered model based on the classic Toyota Sprinter Trueno. Also on display were advanced models from Toyota’s GR lineup, including the GR Supra and the GR86, underlining Toyota’s continued dedication to high-performance vehicle development and environmental sustainability.
Interactive and Immersive Motorsport Attractions
Alongside on-track activities, the festival featured attractions designed to provide fans with immersive experiences. The “WRC Game Zone” allowed attendees to test their racing skills with simulators that replicated Hyundai and Toyota WRC vehicles. Additionally, the “Racing Car Service Park” gave festival-goers an insider’s look at how WRC vehicles are prepped and maintained, mimicking real WRC procedures to provide a unique behind-the-scenes perspective.
In line with their shared dedication to promoting motorsport culture, Hyundai Motor and Toyota announced that all ticket sale proceeds would be donated to the Korea Automobile Racing Association (KARA), supporting the growth of motorsport and car culture within South Korea.
Hyundai’s Longstanding Commitment to Motorsport Development
The Hyundai N x TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival represents Hyundai’s latest contribution to motorsport culture in South Korea. Over the past two decades, Hyundai has introduced a series of popular events aimed at cultivating a strong motorsport foundation, including the “Hyundai Click Speed Festival” (2003-2010), “Korea Speed Festival” (2011-2018), and the ongoing “Hyundai N Festival” (2019-present). Since Hyundai’s return to the WRC in 2012, it has participated in numerous motorsport events, using each opportunity to develop and refine advanced vehicle technologies, including high-performance suspension and braking systems.
In 2015, Hyundai launched its high-performance N brand, marking a milestone in the company’s journey. These models incorporate advanced motorsport technologies, providing customers with thrilling driving experiences and furthering Hyundai’s reputation in high-performance innovation. Hyundai is now pioneering a new era of high-performance, eco-friendly vehicles, applying its expertise in motorsport technology to the development of vehicles like the IONIQ 5 N, offering both excitement and sustainability in the age of electrification.
Future Prospects in Motorsport Collaboration
As a testament to their ongoing partnership, Hyundai World Rally Team and TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team will compete in the upcoming FIA World Rally Championship’s FORUM8 Rally Japan. Scheduled for November 21-24 in Aichi and Gifu prefectures, Japan, the event will highlight the brands’ shared dedication to performance and innovation as they race in the WRC’s final round for 2024.
