On October 27, 2024, the first-ever "Hyundai N × Toyota GAZOO Racing Festival" was held at Yongin Circuit in Korea, marking the inaugural collaboration between the two automotive giants in the realm of global motorsports. This landmark event aims to promote the culture of racing and deliver an immersive high-performance experience to fans worldwide.
Appearing together for the first time, Hyundai Motor Company Chairman Euisun Chung and Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman Akio Toyoda shared the stage to express their mutual passion for motorsports. Akio Toyoda not only thrilled the crowd with a drifting demonstration in a GR Yaris WRC but also shared his insights on racing alongside Chung. "Hyundai Motor is committed to delivering exhilarating driving experiences through our N high-performance brand, and we look forward to collaborating with Toyota to foster the culture of racing for more people to enjoy," said Chung. Akio Toyoda, greeting the Korean fans with a warm "사랑해요!" ("I love you" in Korean), emphasized that the partnership stems from a shared enthusiasm for racing and that he cherishes this unique opportunity for collaboration.
The event drew a large crowd, with tickets selling out shortly after release, underscoring the broad appeal of racing culture. Hyundai showcased two innovative "rolling lab" concept cars: the RN24 and the N Vision 74. The RN24 boasts a powerful 641-horsepower dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, while the N Vision 74 features a retro-inspired hydrogen fuel cell design, reflecting Hyundai's commitment to blending high performance with eco-friendly technology. Toyota brought a lineup of high-performance vehicles, including the GR Corolla H2 Concept, GR Supra, GR 86, and the iconic AE86 H2 Concept, embodying a fusion of classic styling and modern innovation that captivated audiences.
Throughout the festival, fans enjoyed interactive experiences and displays that delivered an immersive celebration of motorsport culture. From thrilling track drives with the N and GR series to WRC ride-alongs and track racing sessions, attendees experienced the full excitement of speed and power. In the "Show & Shine" exhibition area, Hyundai and Toyota fans proudly displayed customized vehicles, celebrating the creativity and enthusiasm for car modification within both communities.
Earlier this year, Chung and Toyoda met to explore potential cooperation in response to the new competitive landscape of the global automotive market. Toyota aims to gain insights from Hyundai's successful electrification transition, while Hyundai seeks to learn from Toyota's expertise in hybrid technology. This racing event marks a milestone for Hyundai and Toyota, bringing the two companies closer and paving the way for potential technical collaborations in the future.
Hyundai and Toyota further announced that the ticket proceeds from the event would be donated to the Korea Automobile Racing Association (KARA) to support local motorsport and automotive culture in Korea. Reflecting Hyundai's longstanding commitment to advancing the motorsport culture in Korea, this festival not only celebrates their shared passion for high-performance driving but also underscores both companies' dedication to blending high-performance innovations with sustainable technology.
