Hyundai’s first electrical sizzling hatch, the Ioniq 5 N, will get the chance to show its mettle on the observe later in 2024. The corporate unveiled a race-ready mannequin referred to as Ioniq 5 N eN1 Cup that can compete in a brand new class named eN1 that was created unique for electrical autos.
At its core, the eN1 Cup is a typical Ioniq 5 N. It is constructed on Hyundai’s Electrical World Modular Platform (E-GMP) and it is powered by a pair of electrical motors (one per axle) that draw electrical energy from an 84-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack to zap the 4 wheels with as much as 641 horsepower. Observe that this determine is simply achieved when a short lived overboost operate kicks in; the system makes 601 horses with out it.
The similarities largely finish there. Developed for skilled drivers, the eN1 Cup wears a muscular-looking physique package that features a larger entrance bumper with an enormous splitter, wheel arch flares that cowl a wider observe, polycarbonate home windows, particular aspect skirts, and an enormous rear wing for added downforce. The rear bumper will get a large diffuser, and the eN1 rides on five-spoke cast wheels wrapped by slick tires.
Hyundai launched a single image of the inside, which reveals an oblong steering wheel. The driving force sits on a racing seat and faces a digital instrument cluster, and it seems to be like a lot of the inside trim (together with the headliner) has been eliminated to save lots of weight. The top result’s a race automobile that weighs round 4,350 kilos, which is round 500 kilos lower than the regular-production mannequin. Crucially, the eN1 is supplied with an on-board fireplace suppression system that is particular to EVs, which are inclined to burn for longer than gasoline-powered automobiles.
The eN1 can cost at as much as 350 kilowatts thanks partially to an 800-volt electrical system. There isn’t any phrase on what impact the modifications and the load financial savings have on driving vary — we’re curious to learn the way lengthy a full cost lasts in powerful, flat-out racing circumstances.
Extra particulars in regards to the Ioniq 5 N eN1 Cup’s racing program will emerge within the coming months.