Hyundai doesn’t want to commit to staying at the World Rally Championship in 2027 unless regulations change to incorporate more sophisticated powertrain technology.
The current RALLY1 car was replaced by a “WRC27” machine in just under two years, marking a major shift in the FIA certified series.
Although the exact regulations have not yet been finalized, the WRC has already made clear that the car will be built on the space frame chassis and will follow a cost cap of 345,000 euros.
This series wants to provide flexibility in choosing power units as hybrid systems and electric motors are allowed under the rules.
However, as things stand, manufacturers will need to operate internal combustion engines running on sustainable fuel in 2027. Hybrid and fully electric technologies are only permitted from the later stages, depending on future developments.
WRC has already removed the SPEC hybrid system from its ruleset in 2025 and ’26.
According to technical director Francois-Xavier Demaison, the lack of choice regarding the power unit forces Hyundai to rethink their future at WRC.
“We want to build a car for the future,” DeMyson told Daif. “But we are not completely satisfied with the 2027 rules.
“With current (suggested 2027) rules, it’s difficult to make decisions. Full Ice Cars are not prepared by manufacturers like Hyundai to promote their rally.
“(Drivetrain) is the main issue. The rest is pretty ok. I think we all have to agree that it’s flexibility with the chassis and there’s no need to start with the shell of the body of the road car.
“I think we need to try and avoid getting the same car for performance. So yes, when you enter the WRC, you see a little different type of car and yeah, you can see some kind of performance to ensure that everyone can fight for the victory.”
Hyundai’s future in WRC has been questionable for some time.
The Korean manufacturer has promised to be involved until the end of the current season. This means that you are not guaranteed to participate in the final year of the current rules cycle.
Speculation about a potential Hyundai exit from WRC has also intensified since luxury ARM Genesis announced plans to enter the 2026 World Endurance Championship (and the 2027 IMSA Sports Car Championship) with LMDH prototypes.
We were asked if Hyundai would remain in the WRC in 2027 if an internal combustion engine is the only option for power. Demazon said:
“This car is a cost cap controlled vehicle, which means validation. The design process for this type of car is much longer. You design the car for full performance, but you need to integrate the costs. Usually you do some loops of design to get the cost.
“Let’s say you have to define a component budget and find a solution. This will take time. So you don’t have enough time to design and build this car and start a five-year homologue period.
“It’s weird to start a long cycle of homologues without proper testing and validation.”
Hyundai emphasized that it wants more powertrain options in 2027. Because running a car with a naturally aspirated or turbocharged engine is less attractive to the board.
“We want more technology on the powertrain, and more technology on the rest of the car, but it has to be more than just a basic ice car,” Demazon said.
“It’s difficult to ask a Korean boss to invest a lot of money in a championship that can’t promote anything. Advertising road cars and technology is extremely important to Hyundai.
“We don’t make a decision before we know where the WRC is heading. So if the FIA believes it’s important to have Hyundai on the boat (they need to change something).”