Hyundai has officially unveiled the Insteroid, a concept car that seems to have leaped straight out of a futuristic video game. Based on the Hyundai Inster, a compact electric SUV sold in Europe and Asia, the Insteroid takes styling to an extreme level, making it look more at home on a virtual racetrack than public roads.
The automaker showcased the radical concept at the Seoul Mobility Show 2025, captivating car enthusiasts with its motorsport-inspired design. While Hyundai has not revealed details about the powertrain, the Insteroid is primarily a design study, blending digital aesthetics with real-world engineering.
Hyundai Insteroid Concept Design
The Insteroid’s exterior design is nothing short of extreme. Its aggressive aesthetics draw inspiration from 1980s World Rally Championship (WRC) cars and modern Formula 1 machines. The concept features:
-
Boxy wheel arches, reminiscent of the iconic Audi Quattro
-
A massive rear wing, similar to those found on F1 race cars
-
A roof scoop, adding to its aerodynamics
-
Pixelated LED rear rain lights, giving it a futuristic touch
The name "Insteroid" itself is a fusion of "Inster" and "steroid," a nod to the concept’s bold and muscular appearance. Unlike the practical, city-friendly Inster EV, the Insteroid is all about performance-inspired design, making it a dream car for gaming and motorsport fans alike.
A Minimalist Racing-Inspired Interior
Step inside, and the Insteroid maintains its high-performance theme. The bare-bones cockpit is designed for racing, featuring:
-
A reinforced roll cage for structural rigidity
-
Minimalistic controls inspired by racing simulators
-
A driver-focused instrument panel, aligning with its gaming roots
Hyundai has not confirmed whether the Insteroid retains the Inster’s 103-hp electric motor, or if it is just a design showcase without a powertrain. Either way, the vehicle is unlikely to hit production but could find a home in racing video games like Gran Turismo.
Public Debut at the Seoul Mobility Show 2025
Hyundai officially revealed the Insteroid at the Seoul Mobility Show, giving visitors an up-close look at this outlandish concept. While it won’t be hitting public roads anytime soon, the Insteroid exemplifies Hyundai’s willingness to push boundaries and experiment with bold designs.
With gaming-inspired aesthetics, a motorsport-driven exterior, and a no-nonsense interior, the Insteroid is a true fusion of digital fantasy and real-world engineering. While it may never reach production, it certainly fuels imagination and brings excitement to concept car design.
Hyundai Insteroid Concept Specifications
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Conclusion
Hyundai's Insteroid concept is a bold step in merging the worlds of gaming and automotive design. Though it's unlikely to make it to production, its futuristic aesthetics and motorsport inspiration showcase Hyundai’s innovative vision. Whether as a showpiece or a future addition to racing video games, the Insteroid proves that car design can be as thrilling as a high-speed race.