Since the Ioniq 5 was officially revealed in February, we have been patiently waiting for the performance version bearing the N badge that has been hinted at by Hyundai officials. The latest set of spy pictures suggest that Hyundai is already working on the fully electric hot hatch, expected to be revealed next year as a 2023 model.
The Ioniq 5 is one of the most important model launches for Hyundai as its first electric vehicle sitting on the dedicated E-GMP architecture. The pictured Ioniq 5 test car doesn’t feature any camouflage but there are enough differences to raise a few eyebrows.
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The prototype is wearing the stock model’s body, but the new set of wheels betray that this is a performance-focused variant. Behind the large-diameter rims, we can see the bigger brake discs, while the low-profile Pirelli P Zero tires are also wider than in the stock version.
The test car sits closer to the ground with wider front and rear tracks. It is also expected to have a stiffer suspension, something that was already noticeable to our spy photographers from the way it rode on the street. The production version will probably feature adaptive dampers, altering the ride/handling balance through different drive modes.
While we kind of love the “sleeper” look of this Ioniq 5, we are quite certain that the production Ioniq 5 N will wear a redesigned bodykit. This will likely include wider fenders, different bumpers, and possibly a larger rear spoiler, further distinguishing it from lesser variants together with the N badges.
In terms of power, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 could use the dual-motor electric powertrain already found on the Kia EV6 GT flagship. This offers a combined output of 577 hp (430 kW / 585 PS) and 546 lb-ft (740 Nm) of torque which sounds perfect for Hyundai’s N Performance. Power is sent to all four wheels with the help of an electronic limited-slip differential, allowing a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 3.5 seconds. In the Kia, top speed is limited to 260 km/h (162 mph), while the 77.4 kWh battery allows for a 252 miles (405 km) range.
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The Hyundai Ioniq N could offer similar performance although its specifications could be further improved by altering the software. In any case, the two sister models will most likely differ in terms of driving experience, with Albert Biermann’s team focusing even more on handling and driving dynamics.
Judging from the already favorable reviews of the Ioniq 5 and the success of the ICE-powered i30 N and i20 N, we suspect that Hyundai’s first fully-electric hot hatch will be a blast and we can’t wait to sit behind the wheel when it is unveiled sometime in 2022.
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