Hyundai's N Lineup Gains Electrifying Momentum with Ioniq 5 N
At a time when high-performance electric vehicles (EVs) are vying to outrun each other, the 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, the newest EV to join Hyundai's N brand, steps onto the stage. The world got its first glimpse of this new vehicle at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in West Sussex, England. As an electric powerhouse on wheels, the Ioniq 5 N is set to bring the thrill of driving on road and track to another level.
Beyond the Ordinary: Hyundai N's Electric Odyssey
The Ioniq 5 N is not merely an addition to Hyundai's lineup, but a clear signal of the automaker's strategic shift towards electrification. Drawing on the N brand's success in the World Rally Championship (WRC) since its comeback in 2014, the vehicle is poised to bring that winning DNA into the electric era, promising an electrifying driving experience for all motorsport enthusiasts.
Hyundai's CEO, Jaehoon Chang, presents the Ioniq 5 N as a 'gamechanger for electric high performance.' Considering Hyundai's intention to share the N brand's advanced technologies across its entire EV lineup, this might be more than a mere marketing claim.
The Intricacies of the Ioniq 5 N's Performance DNA
Central to the Ioniq 5 N's driving prowess are its Corner Rascal capabilities. These come from enhancements to the vehicle's body-in-white (BIW) structure, including 42 additional welding points, 2.1 meters of additional adhesives, reinforced motor and battery mounting, and enhanced front and rear subframes for increased lateral rigidity. The Ioniq 5 N also incorporates World Rally Championship-inspired integrated drive axles (IDA) that are designed to endure stronger electric motor torque.
The new EV employs advanced technology for improved steering response and feedback, making the driving experience more direct and instilling greater confidence in drivers. Meanwhile, the N Pedal, a software function designed to offer enhanced handling, provides the EV with a sharp corner entry.
A Race Machine Cloaked as an Everyday Sportscar
Equipped with N e-shift and N Active Sound +, the Ioniq 5 N promises not only the control and responsiveness of a race car but also the excitement of a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. N e-shift simulates an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), offering a more interactive driving experience. Simultaneously, N Active Sound + enhances the sensory experience for the driver by simulating the sound of an ICE vehicle.
The Ioniq 5 N’s N Race feature further optimizes its endurance on the track, giving drivers the option to prioritize ‘Endurance’ or ‘Sprint.’ While the former aims to maximize range on the racetrack by limiting the peak power, the latter provides shorter bursts of full energy, allowing drivers to manage their energy strategy more effectively.
Design Meets Performance
The Ioniq 5 N's exterior does more than just make a visual statement. The N model differentiates itself with its lower, wider and longer proportions. The N Mask graphic fascia with functional mesh, air curtain and air flaps for extra cooling, and a lip spoiler all work together to enhance the vehicle's aerodynamic performance and emphasize its performance intent. At the rear, the prominent, N-only wing-type spoiler and the orange-accented rear diffuser control airflow to support optimal aerodynamic performance.
A Sneak Peek Inside
The interior of the Ioniq 5 N is designed for track driving, featuring the N logo on the steering wheel, seats, door scuff panels and metal pedals. The driving modes can be customized and matched to each button on the newly designed N steering wheel, allowing drivers to fully embrace the fun of driving the Ioniq 5 N.
A Glimpse Into the Future or a Leap of Faith?
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N has indeed made a remarkable debut, unveiling an exciting list of upgrades that could potentially transform the electric driving experience. While its real-world performance remains to be explored, it is clear that Hyundai is aspiring to make significant strides in the high-performance electric vehicle segment. The market is saturated with competition, but could this be Hyundai's moment to shine? As we move forward, we eagerly await the unfolding of this promising chapter.
-Ed
2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
