Hyundai is emerging as a strong competitor to Toyota, but this doesn't imply a hostile rivalry between the two automakers. In fact, they are collaborating on a joint car event scheduled for later this month in South Korea. The "Hyundai N x Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival" will showcase both road-going sports cars and motorsport-spec vehicles from both companies. Attendees will also get a glimpse of several intriguing prototypes and concept cars.
The event, set to occur on October 27 at the Everland Speedway in Yong-in, will feature Toyota's GR Supra and GR86 models alongside Hyundai's Elantra N (known as Avante N in Korea) and the fully electric Ioniq 5 N. Additionally, visitors will see the AE86 H2 concept and an experimental GR Corolla, both equipped with combustion engines running on liquid hydrogen. Hyundai will also present its hydrogen-fueled N Vision 74, which is expected to enter production, barring recent reports suggesting otherwise. Furthermore, the Ioniq 5 N TA Spec, the record holder at Pikes Peak in the modified electric SUV/Crossover category, will be on display. On the motorsport front, the i20 N Rally 1 Hybrid and i20 N Rally 2 have also been confirmed for the event.
It's uncertain whether this marks the start of a more significant partnership. Interestingly, Toyota and Hyundai have described the festival as an "inaugural collaboration" in Korea. It's wise not to speculate too much at this stage, especially given Toyota's long-standing collaboration with Subaru on the GR86/BRZ since 2008. However, reports suggest that Toyota and Hyundai's chairmen, Akio Toyoda and Euisun Chung, will meet a few days before the festival. The Korea Economic Daily indicates they are likely to discuss hydrogen, as both companies remain dedicated to Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs). Toyota has recently strengthened its ties with BMW, while Hyundai is finalizing a new Nexo set to launch in 2025.
Only time will reveal whether the two companies will collaborate on hydrogen or other exciting ventures. The automotive market could certainly benefit from more affordable sports cars, and Toyota and Hyundai possess the capability to deliver high-performance vehicles that don't break the bank.
