Hyundai Insteroid revealed with drift mode and gamified styling

Jet Sanchez
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Gaming meets EV performance in Hyundai’s Insteroid.

Hyundai has officially taken the wraps off the Insteroid, a heavily modified concept based on its Inster EV, designed to blur the lines between automotive design and gaming culture.

The reveal took place at a private event in South Korea ahead of its public showing at the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show.

Digital-era dream car?

Hyundai Insteroid New Zealand

While the Inster has already found moderate success as a practical, compact EV, the Insteroid throws convention out the window. 

Developed by Hyundai’s European design studio, the concept is a visual and sensory explosion - widened, lowered and kitted out with motorsport-grade features like a roll cage, bucket seats, aero wheels and a prominent rear wing. 

Hyundai Insteroid New Zealand

The lightweight design incorporates structural lattice elements and 3D-knit recycled fabrics, combining sustainability with performance-inspired cues.

According to Hyundai, Insteroid is “a celebration of pure fun,” with the goal of evoking strong emotional responses through design, sound and interaction. “It’s not just about how it looks, but also how it makes you feel,” said Simon Loasby, Head of Hyundai Design Center.

Built to play

Hyundai Insteroid New Zealand

The car’s immersive cockpit includes a gamified interface and features like a custom sound signature, a Beat House sound system and a Message Grid. Its Drift Mode highlights the concept’s performance aspirations, though no specific powertrain details have been confirmed.

Insteroid extends Hyundai’s push into gaming culture, debuting alongside a new time-attack mobile game and an Insteroid kart launching in Kartrider Rush+ for Android and iOS.

The concept will serve as a halo for the Inster brand, which continues to expand into global markets. Hyundai's Insteroid runs from April 3 to 13, 2025 at the Seoul Mobility Show.

Hyundai Insteroid New Zealand

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