The Hyundai N series (Image courtesy of Hyundai Motor Co.)
SEOUL, Oct. 21 (Korea Bizwire) – Hyundai Motor Company’s high-performance division, Hyundai N, is making a bold move into the world of e-sports with the announcement of its global virtual racing competition, the Hyundai N Virtual Cup.
The announcement came on October 20 at the ADAC Sim Racing Expo in Dortmund, Germany, marking a significant step in the automaker’s efforts to engage with digital motorsports enthusiasts.
The competition will utilize sim racing technology, which employs 3D scanning to recreate real-world circuits in virtual environments with remarkable accuracy. This technology allows players to experience driving dynamics that closely mimic real-world conditions, bridging the gap between virtual and physical racing.
The tournament structure reflects Hyundai’s global ambitions, with online qualifiers set to begin on October 21 across four regions: Korea, the United States, China, and Europe. Following regional finals and semi-finals, the championship will culminate in an offline final event in Korea on January 11, 2025.
In a strategic move to boost the competition’s credibility and appeal, Hyundai N has partnered with Kunos Simulazioni, the developer of the popular racing simulation game Assetto Corsa. This partnership establishes Assetto Corsa as the official platform for the Hyundai N Virtual Cup.
The initiative represents Hyundai N’s effort to translate its real-world motorsports success into the virtual realm. The brand has clinched four victories in World Touring Car races, and this virtual competition seeks to build on that legacy in the digital space.
“Through our collaboration with the global game company Kunos and the Hyundai N Virtual Cup, we hope to bring the Hyundai N brand closer to e-sports fans worldwide,” said Park Jun-woo, executive vice president of Hyundai’s N Brand Management Division.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
