Here’s a top tip for getting the attention of Motor1 staffers. Drop a photo of a teeny hatchback with massive fender flares and a wing capable of lifting a commuter jet. That’s what Hyundai just did, and now we’re having all kinds of crazy alternate-timeline WRC fantasies where Hyundai battled Renault, Peugeot, and Audi in Group B.
It’s called the Insteroid, a rather unfortunate (and uncomfortable) blending of two words: Inster and Steroid. Yes, like an Inster EV on steroids.
This is strictly a concept car, one that’s only being teased at the moment. A full reveal is coming in April, but right now we can tell you it’s based on the Inster that Hyundai sells in markets outside the US. In normal form, the Inster is an entry-level EV with boxy styling not unlike the Venue. It’s available with two electric powertrains, a 95-horsepower base trim with a 186-mile range or a 113-hp version utilizing a larger battery for 217 miles. Foot to the floor, it’ll reach 60 miles per hour in about 11 seconds.
Photo by: Hyundai
Photo by: Hyundai
Photo by: Hyundai
We suspect the Insteroid Concept will do better. Despite the Group B ambiance, Hyundai says it’s inspired by gaming and describes it as a “dream car” with video-game aesthetics and “real-world engineering.” There are 21-inch wheels under the big vented fenders, which blend into properly wide side sills for a widebody stance. The rear wing looks like something we’d see on a Pikes Peak racer, and a roof scoop aligns with the rally theme. We don’t think it’s just a styling exercise, either. Peering closely through the side glass, it sure looks like there’s a roll cage in there.
Given the video game connection, we wouldn’t be surprised to see some gaming options on digital screens in the cockpit. Hyundai says the Insteroid Concept has all kinds of “fun details” to go with the radical styling. And to give it a production flavor, the company’s Signature Pixel LED lights are present at the back.
All our questions will be answered in just a few weeks. Hyundai is planning a reveal in early April, and we’ll be watching.
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