In an unprecedented collaboration, Hyundai & Toyota successfully hosted the first-ever ‘Hyundai N x TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival’ at Yongin Speedway in Korea. This sold-out event brought together Hyundai’s N and Toyota’s GAZOO Racing brands—both fierce competitors in the World Rally Championship (WRC)—in a thrilling showcase of high-performance production and racing vehicles. The festival emphasized their shared goal of fostering South Korea’s motorsport culture and engaging with fans.
Showcasing High-Performance Racing Excellence
The event provided an exclusive look at the high-performance cars from each brand, with Hyundai N featuring its i20 N Rally 1 Hybrid, i20 N Rally 2 competition cars, the IONIQ 5 N Drift Spec, and the high-performance lineup including the IONIQ 5 N and Elantra N. Hyundai’s show run drivers, including Thierry Neuville, current WRC leader, Dani Sordo, Andreas Mikkelsen, and Norbert Michelisz, thrilled audiences with dynamic show runs.
Toyota GAZOO Racing impressed fans with its lineup of the GR YARIS Rally 1 HYBRID, GR Yaris Rally 2, GR Supra, and GR86. Toyota’s drivers, including Takamoto Katsuta, Jari-Matti Latvala, and Norihiko Katsuta, brought expert rally driving to the track, demonstrating the power and precision of Toyota’s high-performance engineering.
Immersive Fan Experiences and On-Track Action
The festival featured various immersive programs allowing fans to experience the excitement firsthand:
• Track Day Event: 30 Hyundai N-model owners and 30 TOYOTA GR vehicle owners drove their high-performance cars on Yongin Speedway, experiencing the thrill of racing on a professional track.
• WRC Taxi Experience: Festivalgoers rode in WRC race cars, witnessing rally maneuvers up close.
• Gymkhana Competition: Professional drivers from Hyundai N and TOYOTA GAZOO Racing teamed up with fans to race in Hyundai’s Avante N and Toyota’s GR86, creating a competitive and interactive experience.
The event also included a Show & Shine corner, celebrating customized vehicles and tuning culture, and a Parade Lap featuring 66 Hyundai N and TOYOTA GAZOO Racing cars, led by Executive Chair Chung and Chairman Toyoda, creating a powerful display of automotive pride.
Booths Showcasing Next-Gen Vehicles and Innovative Concepts
The festival highlighted Hyundai and Toyota’s commitment to future innovation with dedicated brand booths:
• Hyundai N Booth: Showcased the RN24, a test vehicle representing Hyundai N’s vision of high performance, and the N Vision 74, a hydrogen fuel cell hybrid underscoring Hyundai’s dedication to hydrogen technology. Additionally, the IONIQ 5 N TA Spec, known for its Pikes Peak success, and the fan-favorite Elantra N were exhibited.
• Toyota Booth: Displayed the ORC ROOKIE GR Corolla H2 Concept, the AE86 H2 concept with a hydrogen internal combustion engine, and high-performance concepts like the GR Supra and GR86.
Fans also enjoyed the WRC Game Zone, simulating the driving experience of Hyundai N and Toyota GAZOO Racing vehicles, and observed the Racing Car Service Park, where competition cars were prepared in authentic WRC fashion.
Commitment to Motorsports Culture and Philanthropy
All ticket sale proceeds were donated to the Korea Automobile Racing Association (KARA) to further motorsport development in South Korea. The festival capped off Hyundai’s extensive efforts to develop motorsport culture in Korea through initiatives such as the Hyundai Click Speed Festival (2003-2010), Korea Speed Festival (2011-2018), and the Hyundai N Festival (2019-present).
Since launching Hyundai N in 2015, Hyundai has leveraged its WRC expertise to develop high-performance vehicles that enhance customer driving experiences. The brand continues to expand its high-performance technology into eco-friendly electric models like the IONIQ 5 N, combining driving enjoyment with the benefits of electrification.
Looking Ahead: FORUM8 Rally Japan
Both Hyundai World Rally Team and TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team are set to compete in the FORUM8 Rally Japan, the final round of the FIA World Rally Championship 2024 in Aichi and Gifu prefectures, Japan, from November 21 to 24. This anticipated event promises to showcase the pinnacle of high-performance rally competition as both teams vie for WRC supremacy.
This joint festival from Hyundai and Toyota represents a major milestone in the evolution of South Korea’s motorsport culture, offering fans an unforgettable experience and showcasing the innovative edge of both brands.
