Hyundai’s new concept: A race car straight out of a video game

Hyundai Reveals Insteroid Concept Car in Seoul: Hyundai introduced the Insteroid, a unique race car concept based on its Inster EV, in Seoul, Korea, on Tuesday. The car has rally-style bodywork and a simplified interior, drawing ideas from video games. It will be displayed at the Seoul Mobility Show from April 3 to April 13, to see how the public responds.

Design and Features: The Insteroid’s body is wider and longer than the standard Inster EV. Its front wheels have aero covers with three round holes, while the rear wheels are shaped like turbines to help with aerodynamics. A pixel pattern decorates the roof, under the doors, and the rear wing, matching Hyundai’s current design style. It also has a large rear wing, a diffuser, air vents on the wheel arches, and a bigger front air dam for better airflow. The car is painted white with an orange stripe and keeps the round LED headlights and pixel tail lights from the Inster.

Inside, it features a roll cage, bucket seats, and a handbrake styled like those in rally cars. The dashboard skips a touchscreen but includes a driver’s display with a few buttons below it. The steering wheel has Boost, Track, and Mode buttons, plus four LED dots spelling ‘H’ in Morse code. Space Invader-style alien graphics are scattered around the cabin. A Beat House sound system with a tube amplifier provides audio and gives the car a distinct sound.

Performance Information: Hyundai has not shared specific performance details for the Insteroid. It is expected to have more power than the regular Inster EV, which comes with a 42kWh battery and 97hp motor or a 49kWh battery and 115hp motor, offering up to 370km of range. For reference, Hyundai’s RN24 concept uses a 650hp all-wheel-drive system from the Ioniq 5 N, with an 84kWh battery providing 447km of range.

Sustainability and Purpose: The Insteroid’s interior uses 3D knit fabric made from recycled yarns, showing Hyundai’s focus on eco-friendly materials. The company says, “INSTEROID embodies Hyundai Motor’s bold approach, merging gaming influences with extensive customization to captivate a new generation of drivers.” It includes a Drift Mode to enhance the driving experience.

Event and Future Plans: Hyundai launched the Insteroid at an event for media and content creators at the Peaches D8NE space in Seoul’s Seongsu area, ending with a private ‘Night Garage Party’ on 1 April. It is unclear if the Insteroid will become a production car. Hyundai’s product planning boss, Paolo Gnerro, told Autocar UK that new Inster variants could be considered “in the life cycle” of the model if customers want them. A tougher Inster Cross model is planned for international markets by 2026.