In an unprecedented collaboration, Hyundai Motor Company and Toyota Motor Corporation joined forces to host the inaugural “Hyundai N x TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival” at Yongin Speedway in Korea. The event, a milestone for both brands, aimed to highlight Hyundai N and Toyota GAZOO Racing’s high-performance vehicles, and we can share with you this amazing photo gallery courtesy of our friends at WRD.
High-Profile Executive Participation
Hyundai Motor Group’s Executive Chair, Euisun Chung, and Toyota Motor Corporation’s Chairman, Akio Toyoda, were at the event, symbolizing a rare show of unity between two competitive automotive giants. In a standout moment, Toyoda, piloting a Yaris WRC, thrilled spectators with an intense performance drive, complete with donuts on the track, and joined Chung to greet fans and share their thoughts on the collaboration.
Chung shared his excitement, emphasizing Hyundai N’s commitment to performance and motorsport: “With our high-performance N brand, we’re committed to delivering excitement and satisfying all car enthusiasts.” Toyoda echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the joy of collaborating on such an innovative event.
Showcasing High-Performance Lineups
The event treated fans to dynamic show runs featuring Hyundai’s i20 N Rally 1 Hybrid and other high-performance models, including the IONIQ 5 N Drift Spec and the Elantra N. Hyundai’s drivers included Thierry Neuville, the current WRC drivers’ champion, and other motorsport stars like Dani Sordo, Andreas Mikkelsen, and Mikel Azcona.
Toyota’s high-performance lineup was also on display, including the GR YARIS Rally 1 HYBRID, GR Supra, and GR86. Toyota’s driver roster featured WRC driver Takamoto Katsuta, team principal Jari-Matti Latvala, and Norihiko Katsuta, a renowned Japanese Rally champion.
Engaging Motorsports Experiences for Fans
Hyundai and Toyota created numerous opportunities for fans to engage in motorsport experiences. A highlight was the track day event, where 30 Hyundai N owners and 30 Toyota GR owners took their cars onto the professional-level circuit for a firsthand performance experience. Additionally, fans had the chance to ride in WRC cars, witness rally-style maneuvers, and enjoy high-speed tours led by top drivers, including ‘Morizo’ himself.
The festival’s “Gymkhana Competition” paired Hyundai N and Toyota GAZOO Racing professional drivers with customers, racing in Hyundai’s Avante N and Toyota’s GR86. The “Show & Shine” segment showcased customized cars, celebrating the tuning culture of both brands. Attendees also enjoyed a WRC Game Zone for virtual racing experiences and a Racing Car Service Park to see competition cars prepared for events.
Supporting South Korea’s Motorsport Culture
All ticket proceeds from the event were donated to the Korea Automobile Racing Association (KARA), reinforcing Hyundai and Toyota’s commitment to bolstering South Korea’s motorsport culture. This festival builds upon Hyundai’s two-decade commitment to South Korean motorsport, which includes previous events such as the Hyundai Click Speed Festival, Korea Speed Festival, and the ongoing Hyundai N Festival.
Hyundai’s dedication to developing high-performance, eco-friendly vehicles also shines through in models like the IONIQ 5 N, which delivers exhilarating driving experiences in an electric package. This commitment positions Hyundai as a leader in high-performance technology as the industry moves toward electrification.
A Look Ahead: Hyundai N and Toyota GAZOO Racing at the WRC
As the Hyundai N x TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival concluded, fans looked forward to the upcoming FORUM8 Rally Japan, the final round of the FIA World Rally Championship 2024. Hyundai World Rally Team and TOYOTA GAZOO Racing will compete from November 21-24, 2024, in Aichi and Gifu prefectures, Japan, bringing their high-performance vehicles to the global stage once more.
Final Thoughts: A New Era in Automotive Collaboration
The Hyundai N x TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival reflects an unprecedented partnership between Hyundai and Toyota, providing a glimpse into a future where automotive giants can collaborate to drive innovation and enhance motorsport culture. This landmark event left an indelible mark on fans and set a new standard for high-performance vehicle showcases.
