Car enthusiasts have been waiting for it and finally, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N has been unveiled ahead of its public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. It promises to be more driver-focused than any of its EV rivals and aims to be just as fun to drive as the brand’s hugely desirable combustion-powered N models.
Like the regular Ioniq 5, the new Ioniq 5 N is based on the brand’s Electric-Global Module Platform and leverages the expertise Hyundai has gained through the RM20e, RN22e, and N Vision 74 rolling lab creations. It features an enlarged 84 kWh battery pack and features revised electric motors both front and rear. The motor up front delivers 166 kW (222 hp), the motor at the rear has 282 kW (378 hp), and the two combine to produce 448 kW (601 hp), although this jumps to as much as 478 kW (641 hp) in Boost mode, giving the car even more power than the Kia EV6 GT.
These sky-high power figures allow the Ioniq 5 N to hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.4 seconds while continuing through to a 162 mph (260 km/h) top speed. However, like other N products, the promised appeal of the Ioniq 5 N is not in the numbers. Instead, it is in the way in which it engages the driver and this is where the real magic happens.
For starters, the body-in-white structure features 42 additional welding points and 2.1 meters of additional adhesives to improve rigidity. Hyundai has also strengthened the steering column and developed a system known as N Pedal. This software function uses similar technology to the i-Pedal regenerative braking system and improves turn-in and boosts throttle sensitivity. An N Torque Distribution system also appears to be transformative, providing fully variable front and rear torque distribution that can be adjusted to 11 levels. There is also an N Drift Optimizer with an integrated Torque Kick Drift function that allows the driver to simulate the clutch kick action of a rear-wheel drive ICE car.
Driven: The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Is Better Than The Tesla Model 3
The upgrades don’t stop there. Hyundai has equipped the Ioniq 5 N with its most powerful brakes, consisting of 400 mm (15.7-inch) front discs with four-piston calipers and 360 mm (14.1-inch) rear discs. The power of the regenerative braking system has also been enhanced and alone can provide 0.6 G of decelerative force. There is also said to be an imperceptible transition between the regenerative brakes and the hydraulic brakes. An N Race mode allows drivers to choose between ‘Endurance’ and ‘Sprint’ settings. The first reduces peak power for longer track sessions while the second prioritizes peak power.
Then we get to the really fun stuff; N e-shift and N Active Sound+. The first of these systems simulate the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission of Hyundai’s ICE N cars by controlling motor torque output and simulating the jolt you get when shifting gears. The N Active Sound+ function uses eight internal and two external speakers with an ‘Ignition’ sound profile to mimic Hyundai N’s 2.0-liter turbo-four, an ‘Evolution’ option with a sound similar to the RN22e, and a ‘Supersonic’ theme inspired by twin-engine fighter jets.
A host of visual changes have also been made to the car. For example, it is 20 mm (0.78 inches) lower, 50 mm (1.9 inches) wider, and 80 mm (3.1 inches) longer. The front immediately stands out with a new splitter, air flaps, and air curtains while at the rear there is a unique spoiler, a pronounced diffuser, a triangular brake light, and unlike the standard Ioniq 5, a rear window wiper. A set of 21-inch forged aluminum wheels come standard and are wrapped in 275/35 Pirelli P Zero tires.
The interior is also quite a bit different. A completely new steering wheel immediately catches the eye and includes various N buttons, including the N Grin Boost button. The car also features new metal paddle shifters for the regenerative braking system while the center console now has knee pads and shin supports for track driving. N bucket seats also come standard and optimized pedals have been installed.
Read: Hyundai Ioniq 5 Disney100 Platinum Concept Has Mickey Mouse Wheels And Pixie Dust Lighting Display
“Hyundai N spearheads the technological leadership of Hyundai Motor Company,” Hyundai Motor Company president and chief executive Jaehoon Chang said at the car’s launch. “N brand’s winning combination of technological know-how and motorsport experience is pushing the limits of vehicle performance, which has most recently resulted in IONIQ 5 N, a gamechanger for electric high performance. Key developments around this vehicle will further strengthen the competitiveness of all Hyundai models going forward. This is why N brand exists.”
