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Hyundai IONIQ 5 N: Race-inspired 641-hp EV made for fun driving

Want to see how fun and thrilling an electric vehicle (EV) can really be? Forget those other cars you've heard about. Take a ride in the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, the all-new, special high-performance five-door crossover in the IONIQ line. The dual-motor 5 N sports a boost function that propels it from 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 sec, is filled with special corning and racing design and tuning, and boasts a top speed of 162 mph. Is it a race car or an everyday super hatchback? Owners will get to decide every time they get behind the wheel.

The all-wheel-drive IONIQ 5 N is the first electrified iteration for the Hyundai N brand, with future electrified N models to follow. It is built on the Hyundai Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the same as the Genesis GV60; Kia EV6, EV5, and EV9; and the Hyundai IONIQ 5. But this car is not just a more powerful IONIQ 5; its N motorsport technologies maximize its performance capabilities and ensure it meets the three N performance pillars: "Corner Rascal, Racetrack Capability, and Everyday Sportscar."

IONIQ 5 N Corner Rascal capabilities begin with enhancements to the body-in-white (BIW) structure with 42 additional welding points and 6.9 ft of additional structural adhesives. The motor and battery mounting are reinforced, while front and rear subframes are enhanced for lateral rigidity. World Rally Championship-inspired integrated drive axles (IDA) are applied front and rear and reinforced to endure stronger electric motor torque while reducing unsprung mass with 21-in. forged aluminum wheels.

To enhance steering response and feedback, the IONIQ 5 N steering system was strengthened for improved rigidity. The vehicle features a specially tuned N R-MDPS (Rack-Mounted Motor-Driven Power Steering) system with a quicker steering ratio and enhanced torque feedback logic. These enhancements result in a more direct and communicative steering experience for greater driving confidence and feel.

N Pedal was developed to help address the inherent weight and size of an electric powertrain while achieving the responsive handling characteristics seen in Hyundai's championship-winning i20 N WRC cars. This intelligent software function, applied to IONIQ 5 N, is designed to provide instant turn-in behavior and enhanced throttle sensitivity. Drawing on similar technology used in i-Pedal's regenerative braking system, N Pedal prioritizes fast and exhilarating cornering over absolute energy efficiency. By utilizing decelerating force, aggressive weight transfer is positioned on the front axle, resulting in sharper, more confident corner turn-in.

N Drift Optimizer helps to maintain a desired drift angle by balancing multiple vehicle controls responding to real-time inputs. The integrated Torque Kick Drift function allows the driver to simulate the clutch-kick action of rear-wheel-driven internal combustion vehicles for scenarios where the driver desires more immediate drift initiation. This is a result of sophisticated, high-speed electronic control technology with reactions in milliseconds.

N Torque Distribution provides fully variable front and rear torque distribution that can be adjusted to 11 levels by the driver. The e-LSD (electronic limited-slip differential) at the rear axle optimizes cornering performance and control. Additional wheel sensors and broader damping ranges with increased damper size broadens the overall tuning envelope of the electronically controlled suspension, ranging from Everyday Sportscar through full Racetrack Capability, two pillars of N performance.

The IONIQ 5 N's two electric motors spin up to 21,000 RPM, providing an estimated 641 hp (478 kW) with N Grin Boost engaged (without boost they provide 601 hp). This is a result of the two-stage inverter with increased energy efficiency for stronger power output from a new 84-kWh battery. N Grin Boost maximizes acceleration with extra power for a 10-sec interval. N Launch Control automatically activates N Grin Boost during launch and provides three different traction levels for the fastest possible launch.

The N Race feature further optimizes endurance on the circuit, giving drivers more direct control over energy consumption. N Race applies a motorsport-derived approach to maximizing available resources for the fastest possible laps overall.

IONIQ 5 N also boasts N-tuned brakes, which represent Hyundai's most powerful braking system to date. It features 15.75-in. diameter front rotors with four-piston monobloc calipers and 14.2-in. rear rotors. These brakes are constructed with new lightweight materials and dedicated airflow ducting for improved cooling efficiency. In addition, the regenerative braking system typically used for enhanced efficiency has been recalibrated with IONIQ 5 N to enhance braking performance.

IONIQ 5 N additionally delivers an engaging shift feeling through the integrated N e-shift and N Active Sound+. N e-shift provides a sense of control over power delivery and shift feeling. N Active Sound + works collectively to deliver a futuristic electrified sound with internal combustion engine -like engine and exhaust sounds.

N e-shift simulates the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) of internal combustion engine N cars. It simulates a gearshift by controlling motor torque output and also simulates the power-shift feeling between shifts, including synchronized audible cues. As a result, it provides a more precise, interactive driving experience that feels closer to an ICE experience than other EVs.

IONIQ 5 N's exterior adds many performance-enhancing design elements, such as contrasting black trim and a wing-type rear spoiler, which both emphasize the sporty aspects of the standard model and maximize its circuit driving potential via aerodynamic tuning. The N model further distinguishes itself from the standard IONIQ 5 with a change of proportions. It is 0.79 in. lower overall, 2.0 in. wider at the bottom to accommodate wider wheels and tires, and 3.2 in. longer due to a more prominent diffuser at the rear.

At the front, there is an N Mask graphic fascia with functional mesh along with an air curtain and active air flaps for extra cooling. At the rear, the prominent, N-exclusive wing-type spoiler, along with orange-accented rear diffuser and air outlet, helps control airflow for optimal aerodynamic performance.

Inside, the IONIQ 5 N interior neatly conveys the N family look with the application of N-branded elements, including steering wheel, seats, door scuff panels, and metal pedals, all optimized for track driving.

Driving modes can be customized and matched to each button in various combinations to maximize the IONIQ 5 N driving spirit. The N Grin Boost button positioned at the three o'clock position allows instant and intuitive access to maximum acceleration and driving engagement in 10-second bursts. Paddles are optimally positioned at the driver's fingertips to engage N e-shift and N Pedal features.

The IONIQ 5 N center console is optimized for track driving with knee pads and shin support during cornering as well as a sliding armrest. An extension to the lower part of the console enhances rigidity to further support sporty driving. For everyday use, it also offers USB-C connectivity, a wireless charger, and cupholders. Due to the nature of N driving, IONIQ 5 N's pedals have been redesigned for foot contact in track driving scenarios that involve oversteer, drifting, and power slides.

Much like the standard IONIQ 5, sustainable materials are applied throughout IONIQ 5 N, including recyclable door decorative garnish, BIO PET yarn from sugarcane, recycled PET yarn from recycled PET bottles, BIO TPO from sugarcane, and eco-processed leather. IONIQ 5 N also adds recycled tire pigment paint and recycled poly Alcantara seat cover cloth.

Pricing has not been released. Car and Driver estimates the IONIQ 5 N cost around $63,000. IONIQ 5 N will be available at Hyundai dealers in March 2024.

Learn more at https://hyundai-n.com/en/models/n/ioniq-5-n.do.

Sources: Hyundai, Car and Driver (price estimate only)

Published December 2023

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