This is a prime tip for getting the eye of Motor1 staffers. Drop a photograph of a teeny hatchback with large fender flares and a wing able to lifting a commuter jet. That is what Hyundai simply did, and now we’re having all types of loopy alternate-timeline WRC fantasies the place Hyundai battled Renault, Peugeot, and Audi in Group B.
It is known as the Insteroid, a reasonably unlucky (and uncomfortable) mixing of two phrases: Inster and Steroid. Sure, like an Inster EV on steroids.
That is strictly an idea automotive, one which’s solely being teased in the intervening time. A full reveal is coming in April, however proper now we are able to inform you it is primarily based on the Inster that Hyundai sells in markets exterior the US. In regular type, the Inster is an entry-level EV with boxy styling not not like the Venue. It is accessible with two electrical powertrains, a 95-horsepower base trim with a 186-mile vary or a 113-hp model using a bigger battery for 217 miles. Foot to the ground, it will attain 60 miles per hour in about 11 seconds.
Picture by: Hyundai
Picture by: Hyundai
Picture by: Hyundai
We suspect the Insteroid Idea will do higher. Regardless of the Group B ambiance, Hyundai says it is impressed by gaming and describes it as a “dream automotive” with video-game aesthetics and “real-world engineering.” There are 21-inch wheels below the large vented fenders, which mix into correctly vast facet sills for a widebody stance. The rear wing appears to be like like one thing we would see on a Pikes Peak racer, and a roof scoop aligns with the rally theme. We do not assume it is only a styling train, both. Peering intently by the facet glass, it positive appears to be like like there is a roll cage in there.
Given the online game connection, we would not be stunned to see some gaming choices on digital screens within the cockpit. Hyundai says the Insteroid Idea has all types of “enjoyable particulars” to go together with the unconventional styling. And to present it a manufacturing taste, the corporate’s Signature Pixel LED lights are current on the again.
All our questions shall be answered in only a few weeks. Hyundai is planning a reveal in early April, and we’ll be watching.
