Hyundai’s N performance division has revealed its first-ever electric vehicle at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is a hotter, track-ready version of the South Korean carmaker’s electric crossover that was initially revealed back in 2021.
A Hyundai Australia spokesperson has confirmed the Ioniq 5 N is set to arrive locally in the first half of 2024.
The Ioniq 5 N was previewed last year with the RN22e rolling lab concept that was disguised as a racing version of the Ioniq 6 fastback.
Powertrain
You’ve waited long enough. One of the major highlights of the Ioniq 5 N is its dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain that produces total system outputs of 448kW of power and 740Nm of torque.
There’s also an ‘N Grin Boost’ (NGB) function that ups the outputs to 478kW and 770Nm for 10 seconds.
This is 48kW and 30Nm more than the related Kia EV6 GT, and 239kW and 165Nm more than the dual-motor version of the regular Ioniq 5.
Hyundai claims the Ioniq 5 N can do the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.4 seconds when using the NGB function, and flat out you’ll be doing 260km/h.
Battery
These two electric motors are fed by an 84kWh battery pack, which is the highest capacity battery Hyundai has ever offered in an electric vehicle (EV).
Hyundai hasn’t confirmed an official range figure for the Ioniq 5 N yet, though it will be announced at “regional market launch”. Energy consumption figures haven’t been confirmed either.
The Ioniq 5 N has an 800V electrical architecture and a maximum DC charging rate of 350kW. Hyundai claims when plugged into a 350kW DC fast-charger the Ioniq 5 N can charge from 10 to 80 per cent in 18 minutes.
Performance features and modes
In addition to the dual-electric motor powertrain, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N has a number of different modes and functions that allows it to live up to Hyundai N’s three pillars – that it be a ‘corner rascal’, have racetrack capability, and yet also be an ‘everyday supercar’.
There’s an electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential, specially tuned power steering, enhanced battery thermal management system, battery chiller, launch control, and a drift mode.
The Ioniq 5 N also has a battery preconditioning function that optimises the battery cells for ‘Drag’ or ‘Track’ driving, as well as an N Race mode that allows owners to choose between ‘Endurance’ or ‘Sprint’ modes.
Hyundai N has given the Ioniq 5 N a so-called N Active Sound that’s designed to provide a “futuristic EV sound but also ICE-like engine and exhaust sounds”. There are different themes, with sound coming from a 10-speaker sound system – eight of these are internal, with the other two external.
This active sound function is paired with an N e-shift function that simulates an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with artificial jolts between gears.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N comes with the “most powerful” braking system the company has ever offered on a vehicle. There are four-piston brake calipers on the front and single-piston caliper brake calipers on the rear.
Hyundai also has a specially designed N Brake Regen function that offers up to 0.6G of decelerative force through regenerative braking alone. Even under ABS activation the regenerative braking can still provide a maximum of 0.2G decelerative force.
The company claims there is a “smooth transition” between N Brake Regen and hydraulic brakes “that is imperceptible to the driver”.
Exterior design
On the outside the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is 80mm longer, 50mm wider, and 20mm lower than the regular Ioniq 5.
At the front there are active air flaps, a front splitter, and lashing of Hyundai N’s new highlight colour Luminous Orange.
The Ioniq 5 N rides on massive 21-inch forged aluminium wheels wrapped in 275/35 R21 Pirelli P-Zero tyres.
Down back, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N has a prominent rear wing with an integrated triangular third brake light. There’s also an orange-accented rear diffuser and an air outlet.
Another exterior feature the Ioniq 5 N receives is a rear window wiper, something the regular Ioniq 5 lacks.
The Ioniq 5 N is available in a total of 10 exterior paint colours. They include:
- Performance Blue Matte
- Performance Blue
- Abyss Black Pearl
- Cyber Gray Metallic
- Ecotronic Gray Matte
- Ecotronic Gray
- Atlas White Matte
- Atlas White
- Gravity Gold Matte
- Soultronic Orange Pearl
Interior design
Inside the Ioniq 5 N receives a redesigned steering wheel that’s flanked by N buttons, which can be configured to activate specific drive modes. The N Grin Boost button is on the steering wheel too.
Another highlight of the Ioniq 5 N’s interior is the fixed centre console, featuring knee pads and shin supports, which has been optimised for track driving.
There’s also a sliding armrest, cupholders, USB-C ports and a wireless charger on the centre console.
The Ioniq 5 N has front bucket seats that are 20mm lower than the regular model’s seats and have reinforced bolsters. They are finished in a black and Performance Blue two-tone design.
Local details
As noted above, a Hyundai Australia spokesperson has confirmed the Ioniq 5 N is due to launch locally in the first half of 2024.
At this stage it’s unclear what the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N will be priced from. The current top-spec Ioniq 5 Epiq starts from $84,981 before on-road costs. The related Kia EV6 GT starts from $99,950 before on-road costs.
Once the Ioniq 5 N goes on sale locally it will likely be the most expensive model Hyundai has ever offered locally.
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