When we first heard there was a collaboration between Toyota GR and Hyundai N, we had visions of another engine-transplant from another brand into a Toyota chassis, or vice versa, but we were pleasantly surprised to learn that this collaboration took place at the racetrack, and came in the form of an event designed to inject some fun into the South Korean automotive scene and the surrounding car culture.
In a first-of-its-kind event, the motorsport scene in South Korea got a serious adrenaline boost with the inaugural Hyundai N x TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival. Hosted at Yongin Speedway, this sold-out festival brought together two of the most competitive names in motorsport, Hyundai Motor and Toyota Motor Corporation, for a day packed with high-octane action.
From rally-bred performance cars to cutting-edge electric vehicles, both brands showcased their most exciting rides. Hyundai鈥檚 IONIQ 5 N Drift Spec and Toyota鈥檚 GR YARIS Rally 1 HYBRID were just a few highlights on display, underscoring the brands' commitment to performance innovation. Fans got up close with the future of high-performance cars, as the companies introduced their latest concepts, such as Hyundai鈥檚 hydrogen-powered N Vision 74 and Toyota's hydrogen-fueled AE86 H2 concept.
The stars of the show weren鈥檛 just the cars. Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung and Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda took the wheel themselves, treating fans to a thrilling show run in WRC-spec vehicles. Their hands-on participation and camaraderie underscored the friendly rivalry between the two automotive giants, as both shared their passion for driving and motorsport culture.
One of the event鈥檚 standouts was the track day program, where 60 owners of Hyundai N and Toyota GR models put their own high-performance vehicles to the test on a pro-level circuit. There were also plenty of immersive experiences, like the WRC Taxi ride-alongs and the Gymkhana Competition, where fans teamed up with pro drivers to navigate tight courses in custom Hyundai and Toyota vehicles.
Beyond the asphalt, the festival aimed to inspire future motorsport enthusiasts. All ticket proceeds were donated to the Korea Automobile Racing Association (KARA), reinforcing Hyundai and Toyota鈥檚 shared commitment to growing motorsport culture in South Korea.
As Hyundai and Toyota continue to develop next-gen performance vehicles and push the boundaries of what's possible in motorsport, this festival marks just the beginning of an exciting new chapter for fans in Korea. With both brands set to clash again at the upcoming Rally Japan, the stage is set for even more thrilling competition.
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