Not long ago, we brought you the first pictures of what we believe to be the sporty N version of the all-electric Hyundai Ioniq 5 driving. Today, we have shots of it on track.
The car doesn’t look too different from the standard Ioniq 5 at a glance, but closer inspection reveals that it has bigger wheels with lower-profile tires (all the better to grip with), a lowered ride height (the better to handle with), and just a hint of a fender flare (the better to impress with).
Test cars of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N were also seen wearing a set of stickier Pirelli P Zero tires. Although this example still looks relatively understated, Hyundai could still be keeping cards up its sleeve in terms of how it will make this N version look sportier.
Read Also: Hyundai N EV In The Works, Company Also Exploring Hydrogen Tech
This first generation of serious EVs with performance variants will be interesting design experiments since many of the modifications we associate with performance (big grilles, air inlets, and performance exhaust tips) stem from the internal combustion engine and its needs. Even wings and aero elements could be disfavored in EVs because of the drag they produce and their effect on range. How Hyundai‘s designers will indicate speed, then, will be interesting to see.
The actual production of speed, though, shouldn’t be an issue. The performance version of the Ioniq 5’s sister car, the Kia EV6 GT, is already offered with a twin motor set up that produces 577 hp (430 kW/585 PS) and 546 lb-ft (740 Nm) of torque, enough to get it from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.5 seconds.
Add some racing seats and some carbon-fiber trim around the cabin, and paint it blue and you’ve got yourself a sizzling hot crossover that looks like a hatch.
Expect the new model to be unveiled sometime in 2022.
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