Strap in, speedsters, because Hyundai N is ready to take the virtual racing world by storm! The high-performance division of Hyundai Motor Company has just announced an electrifying new partnership with KUNOS Simulazioni—the masterminds behind the popular racing game Assetto Corsa. And the product of this collaboration? The Hyundai N Virtual Cup (HNVC)—a global sim racing tournament that's revving up motorsport enthusiasts all over the world.

This high-octane announcement was made at the renowned ADAC SimRacing Expo in Dortmund, Germany, where both Hyundai N and KUNOS Simulazioni unveiled this unique fusion of real-life motorsports and virtual racing. The goal? To bring the Hyundai N experience to a whole new audience—one that loves speed and competition but prefers the thrill from the comfort of their own gaming rigs.

Bringing the Thrills of Hyundai N to eSports

"This partnership represents a significant step forward in bringing together Hyundai N brand fans and eSports enthusiasts,” said Joon Park, Vice President and Head of N Brand Management Group. “With the Hyundai N Virtual Cup, we aim to enhance the Hyundai N brand’s recognition and spotlight our high-performance models while providing our customers and fans with a unique opportunity to digitally experience our high-performance models through sim racing.”

That’s right, folks! You don’t need to own a real-life Hyundai to feel its horsepower—you just need a game console and a need for speed.

 Hyundai N brand fans and eSports enthusiasts 

The Ultimate Global Sim Racing Showdown

The Hyundai N Virtual Cup will have racers competing across four regions: Korea, USA, Europe, and China. Starting with pre-qualification rounds running from October 21 to November 11, 2024, the top 40 players from each region will progress to regional qualifications. After rounds of fierce competition, only 20 global racers will advance to the World Final, held offline in Korea on January 11, 2025.

And what’s the grand prize, you ask? A cool $20,000 for the ultimate racing champ, with a total prize pool of $100,000 up for grabs. Speed, skill, and precision will be the keys to crossing the virtual finish line first—and the competition will be fierce.

Sim Racing: Where Reality Meets Digital Excitement

The Hyundai N Virtual Cup isn’t just a race—it’s a showcase of Hyundai’s high-performance models that can roar to life both on the road and in the digital arena. From the all-electric IONIQ 5 N to the touring car titan Elantra N TCR, the tournament gives fans the chance to handle Hyundai’s finest vehicles in the virtual world.

And in an exciting preview of things to come, seven Hyundai models will be featured in the highly anticipated Assetto Corsa EVO game, scheduled for release in 2025. Racing enthusiasts will get an early taste of the action, fine-tuning their skills in cars that embody Hyundai’s push toward innovation in both electric vehicles (EVs) and high-performance internal combustion engines (ICEs).

A Legacy of Speed Meets the Future of eSports

Hyundai’s N division is no stranger to speed. The company has been on a winning streak, recently clinching its fourth consecutive victory in the TCR class at the Nürburgring 24H—one of the world’s toughest endurance races. Now, they’re translating this success into the digital space, merging the best of their high-performance engineering with the growing world of eSports.

For Houston’s motorsport and gaming enthusiasts, the Hyundai N Virtual Cup is a thrilling reminder that the future of competition isn’t just on the racetrack—it’s on the screen. As sim racing continues to grow in popularity, tournaments like these provide a unique way for brands to connect with new audiences while showcasing cutting-edge technology.

Get Ready to Race!

Whether you’re a Hyundai fan, a gamer, or someone who simply loves the adrenaline rush of competition, the Hyundai N Virtual Cup is an event to watch. Stay tuned as the races heat up, and get ready to witness the fastest virtual drivers from around the world as they compete for the ultimate glory—and a hefty prize purse.

Mark your calendars, Houston! The virtual checkered flag is about to drop. Game on!