Since its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July, Hyundai Motor Company’s IONIQ 5 N has been challenging preconceptions about the capabilities of electric vehicles (EVs).
“This is my first time driving an EV that can drift,” says Keiichi ‘DK’ Tsuchiya, the world-renowned Japanese professional racecar driver and ‘Drift King,’ in a video produced by Hyundai N brand. “It is so much fun. The most surprising was the agility. I thought ‘Oh, they’re making playful cars.’ This has changed my impression about Hyundai Motor.”
Hyundai N | IONIQ 5 N Keiichi Tsuchiya Driving Impression at WTAC
Early test drivers have praised IONIQ 5 N for its seamless blend of daily driving practicality and exciting racetrack capabilities, highlighting its many unique, motorsport-derived features for bringing combustion engine sounds and driver engagement to the EV driving experience.
This week, more international media will get their chance to experience the car at its birthplace, the Korea International Circuit in Young-am.
There’s no doubt that IONIQ 5 N represents a remarkable milestone in the realm of high-performance EVs. Hyundai N brand’s first high-performance EV harnesses Hyundai Motor Group’s Electrified-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) with N’s motorsport-honed technologies refined through extensive development in electrified ‘Rolling Lab’ projects.
The all-new model exemplifies the essence of N performance through three key pillars: Corner Rascal, Racetrack Capability and Everyday Sportscar, ushering in a new era of driver-centric, fun-to-drive EVs that harness cutting-edge technologies and elevate track capabilities.
The N Pedal software enhances turn-in behavior and throttle sensitivity, prioritizing responsive handling while mimicking characteristics similar to that of an internal combustion engine (ICE). The N Drift Optimizer maintains drift angles through real-time control, while the Torque Kick Drift function simulates a clutch kick action for immediate drift initiation. The N Torque Distribution system offers fully variable front and rear torque distribution, adjustable via an 11-stage menu, optimizing cornering performance. The electronic limited-slip differential (e-LSD) at the rear axle enhances cornering performance, agility and control.
IONIQ 5 N boasts 21-inch forged aluminum wheels, reducing unsprung mass and improving overall performance. Finally, with additional wheel sensors and larger, upgraded and specifically tuned suspension dampers, the electronically controlled suspension widens the car’s performance range, ensuring a comfortable yet dynamic ride.
Hyundai IONIQ 5 N | Global media test drives Korea | Highlights
Racetrack Capability enabled by improved PE, enhanced battery cooling and N Brake Regen
IONIQ 5 N stands out as a high-performance electric vehicle (EV) with Racetrack Capability due to a range of impressive technical enhancements. These features are designed to provide drivers with the ultimate racing experience.
The heart of IONIQ 5 N lies in its high-powered electric motors, which can rev up to an impressive 21,000 RPM. These motors deliver a formidable 478 kW / 650 PS of power. What makes this performance even more thrilling is the N Grin Boost feature, which provides an incremental power boost for 10 seconds, enhancing acceleration and excitement.
When it comes to quick and powerful starts, IONIQ 5 N features N Launch Control with three distinct traction levels. This system ensures that the vehicle accelerates rapidly, providing the driver with the ideal start every time.
To further enhance racetrack performance, IONIQ 5 N introduces Track SOC (state-of-charge), a system that automatically calculates battery consumption per lap. This is a valuable tool for drivers who need to monitor and manage their vehicle’s performance throughout their time on track.
To maintain peak power efficiency, IONIQ 5 N features advanced battery thermal management. This system is designed to resist power degradation caused by excessive heat and includes an expanded cooling area, an improved motor oil cooler and a battery chiller. The addition of independent cooling radiators for the battery and motor ensures that the vehicle resists performance degradation even under demanding track conditions.
For drivers who want to fine-tune their vehicle’s energy usage, IONIQ 5 N offers the N Race feature. With a few button presses, drivers can choose between ‘Sprint’ mode, which prioritizes full power delivery, or ‘Endurance’ mode, which extends the range on track by limiting peak power. This level of control allows for precise energy management and ideal performance.
Braking performance is crucial on the racetrack and IONIQ 5 N delivers with its N-tuned Brakes. The vehicle includes 400mm front discs with four-piston monobloc calipers and 360mm rear discs. These components incorporate lightweight materials and optimized airflow for improved cooling efficiency.
Notably, the regenerative braking system, typically utilized for efficiency, has been reimagined to enhance braking performance. Regen braking serves as the primary source of brake force and the mechanical brakes supplement this as needed, ensuring endurance on the track. IONIQ 5 N’s N Brake Regen offers exceptional deceleration force of up to 0.6 G, setting an industry-leading standard for braking performance.
Everyday Sportscar delivers a dynamic and emotionally engaging driving experience
IONIQ 5 N is a fun-to-drive EV that’s also engineered to be an Everyday Sportscar. This is achieved through a range of technological innovations designed to enhance the driver’s experience.
A key feature is N e-shift, which provides precise control over power delivery and simulates gearshifts. This feature creates a more interactive experience, closely replicating the feeling of an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission found in ICE N cars.
To further enhance the driving experience, IONIQ 5 N incorporates N Active Sound +, which complements N e-shift by delivering futuristic EV sounds, along with ICE-like engine and exhaust sounds. This combination of auditory elements adds a new layer to the overall driving experience.
What sets IONIQ 5 N apart is its ability to offer three distinct sound themes through N Active Sound +. The ‘Ignition’ theme simulates the sound of N’s 2.0T engines, ‘Evolution’ provides a high-performance sound and ‘Supersonic’ offers variable volume during cornering, inspired by the sounds of fighter jets. These sound themes not only make the driving experience more engaging but also allow drivers to personalize their auditory experience.
For drivers in Europe, IONIQ 5 N offers a feature called N Road Sense. This innovative system automatically recommends activating N Mode when it detects double-curved road signs. This enhances the driving experience by optimizing the vehicle’s settings to match the road conditions, providing a more dynamic and engaging experience from behind the wheel.
Additionally, IONIQ 5 N retains the V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) feature, which allows drivers to use the stored energy from the EV’s high-voltage battery to recharge or power various devices, even when the vehicle is turned off. This practical feature ensures that the vehicle serves as a power source, adding to its versatility beyond just driving.
With these technological innovations, IONIQ 5 N is not just an EV; it’s a vehicle that’s designed to provide an exceptional and interactive driving experience for its users.
Performance-enhancing design that accentuates sportiness and track-driving potential
IONIQ 5 N’s exterior showcases an array of design elements and proportional changes that underscore its commitment to performance and circuit-driving potential. These adjustments set it apart from the standard IONIQ 5 and emphasize its sportiness.
The N Grin Boost button provides instant access to maximize acceleration and driving fun. Conveniently placed paddles engage the N e-shift and N Pedal features.
The center console is tailored for track driving and features knee pads and shin support. Everyday amenities include a USB C port, wireless charging and cupholders. N seats with reinforced bolsters provide stability during cornering and high lateral acceleration.
The lowered seats are ideal for customers seeking high-performance drivability and N emblems adorn both the front and rear seats, with welcome lighting in the front. A two-toned design theme extends to the rear seats, ensuring a cohesive interior aesthetic. The interior maintains a track-inspired design with a checker flag theme on the door sill plates, metal pedals and footrest.
Sustainable materials are incorporated throughout the interior, including recyclable paperette door decorative garnish, BIO PET yarn from sugarcane, recycled PET yarn from PET bottles, BIO TPO from sugarcane, eco-processed leather, recycled tire pigment paint and recycled poly Alcantara seat cover cloth. These materials not only enhance the sustainability of the interior but also add to the overall track-inspired design and functionality of the cabin.
Specifications
Motor output
- Front: 166 kW / 226 PS
- Rear: 282 kW / 383 PS
- Total output: 448 kW / 609 PS
- Boost output: 478 kW / 650 PS
(Front: 175 kW, 238 PS / Rear: 303 kW, 412 PS)
Battery
Capacity: 84 kWh
Charging
- Charge time: With a 350 kW, 10% to 80% in about 18 minutes (under optimal conditions)
Dimension
- Length: 4,715 mm
- Width: 1,940 mm
- Height: 1,585 mm
- Wheelbase: 3,000 mm
Tires
Pirelli P-Zero 275/35R21
Braking system
- Front: 4 piston 400 mm
- Rear: 1 piston 360 mm
Regenerative braking
Deceleration: 0.6 G (0.2 G during ABS activation)
0 – 100 km/h
3.4 sec. (Boost*)
Top speed
260 Km/h
Range
WLTP-estimated around 450km (Final confirmation is pending homologation)
Exterior colors
Performance Blue Matte, Performance Blue, Abyss Black Pearl, Cyber Gray Metallic, Ecotronic Gray Matte, Ecotronic Gray, Atlas White Matte, Atlas White, Gravity Gold Matte and Soultronic Orange Pearl
Interior color
Black with Performance Blue accents
* Boost mode is available for up to 10 seconds.
Disclaimer: CO2 and emissions data
- The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N is not currently available for sale. Electricity consumption and CO2 values for this model have not yet been determined.
Source: Hyundai Newsroom, Link
Comments