Hyundai Motor Company’s high-performance division, Hyundai N, has partnered with KUNOS Simulazioni, creators of the popular game Assetto Corsa, to expand its high-performance driving experience into the virtual world.
Announced at the ADAC SimRacing Expo in Dortmund, Germany, this collaboration introduces the Hyundai N Virtual Cup (HNVC), allowing motorsports fans to experience Hyundai N’s high-performance vehicles through eSports sim racing. The initiative builds on Hyundai’s recent successes in motorsport, including its record fourth consecutive TCR class victory at the Nürburgring 24H and the global recognition of the IONIQ 5 N, Hyundai N’s first high-performance electric vehicle (EV).
The HNVC combines Hyundai N’s commitment to high-performance driving with the immersive world of sim racing. Hosted on the Assetto Corsa platform, known for its realism, the tournament will feature Hyundai models like the IONIQ 5 N, i20 N, i30 N, ELANTRA N TCR, and more. The ELANTRA N TCR, a top touring car with 10 titles in 2023, will be featured in the upcoming Assetto Corsa EVO game, set for release in 2025.
The tournament will feature online regional qualifiers and semi-finals across four regions: Korea, the USA, Europe, and China. Pre-qualification rounds run from October 21 to November 11, with the top 40 players from each region advancing to regional qualifiers from November 20 to December 1. Regional semi-finals will follow from December 7 to 15, narrowing the field to 20 players for the World Final, set to be held offline on January 11, 2025. The tournament offers a total prize pool of $100,000, with the champion taking home $20,000.
The HNVC offers Hyundai N fans and eSports enthusiasts a unique opportunity to engage with the brand, promoting Hyundai N’s high-performance vehicles and innovative experiences on a global stage.