SEOUL, October 8, 2024 – In a significant development for motorsport enthusiasts in South Korea, Hyundai Motor Company and Toyota Motor Corporation have announced their collaborative venture, the ‘Hyundai N x TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival’. Set to take place on October 27, 2024, at the Everland Speedway in Yong-in, this festival promises to be a groundbreaking celebration of automotive excellence, showcasing high-performance models and rally cars from both esteemed manufacturers.
A Celebration of High-Performance Vehicles
This inaugural collaboration between Hyundai N and TOYOTA GAZOO Racing marks a pivotal moment in Korean motorsport. The event aims to provide fans with an immersive experience that highlights the adrenaline and thrill inherent in racing culture. Attendees will have the opportunity to witness the latest innovations and competition vehicles in action, further solidifying the ongoing commitment of both brands to foster and elevate motorsport culture in South Korea.
A Day Filled with Excitement
Among the highlights of the festival will be a Track Day, allowing customers to experience high-performance vehicles firsthand. Hyundai N will feature rally cars from its successful World Rally Championship (WRC) program, including the i20 N Rally 1 Hybrid and i20 N Rally 2. Acclaimed drivers such as Thierry Neuville, Dani Sordo, and Andreas Mikkelsen will be behind the wheels, showcasing their driving prowess.
Toyota will also shine brightly at the festival, presenting its GR YARIS Rally 1 Hybrid, GR Yaris Rally 2, GR Supra, and GR86, among other impressive models. Notable drivers including Takamoto Katsuta and Jari-Matti Latvala, the principal of the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team, will participate, demonstrating the formidable legacy of Toyota in motorsport.
Prototypes for the Future
In a nod to the future of automotive technology, the festival will unveil innovative prototypes. Hyundai will showcase the IONIQ 5 N Drift Spec and the hydrogen-powered N Vision 74, while the record-holding IONIQ 5 N TA Spec will also be on display. Toyota’s contributions include the AE86 H2 Concept, a hydrogen combustion engine inspired by the iconic Sprinter Trueno from the Japanese animation Initial D, and the groundbreaking GR Corolla, powered by liquid hydrogen.
A Shared Passion for Motorsport
Both Euisun Chung, Executive Chair of Hyundai Motor Group, and Akio Toyoda, Chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation, will grace the occasion. Their presence underscores the mutual respect and competitive spirit that define the relationship between the two automotive giants. “This event will emphasize the fierce competition and friendship that coexist in motorsport,” remarked Yeong Ho Lee, Executive Vice President of Hyundai. He further noted that this collaboration represents an opportunity to share their passion for cars and enhance motorsport culture in Korea.
Manabu Konyama, CEO and President of Toyota Motor Korea, echoed these sentiments, expressing excitement about the partnership: “We’re glad that Hyundai N and TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, which are competitors in world motorsport, are working together to create an opportunity to enjoy car culture beyond motorsport.”
Commitment to Motorsport Development
Hyundai has a long-standing commitment to developing motorsport culture in Korea, having sponsored numerous competitions over the past two decades, including the Hyundai Click Speed Festival and the Korea Speed Festival. The Hyundai N Festival, which has been celebrated since 2019, further illustrates Hyundai’s dedication to nurturing local motorsport talent and enthusiasm.
As the automotive world continues to evolve, the ‘Hyundai N x TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival’ stands as a testament to the power of collaboration in driving forward motorsport culture. For fans eager to witness this unique event, additional information can be found on the official festival website here and through Hyundai N and TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s social media channels.
With the ‘Hyundai N x TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival’, South Korean motorsport fans are set for an unparalleled experience that marries tradition with innovation. This festival not only highlights the fierce competition between Hyundai and Toyota but also celebrates their shared commitment to the future of motorsport. As both companies continue to push the boundaries of performance and technology, the festival promises to be a landmark event in the growing motorsport culture of South Korea.
