Hyundai’s new high-performance Ioniq 5 N crossover debuted at present on the Goodwood Competition of Pace. This hotly anticipated fanatic machine turns the efficiency dial up on Hyundai’s all-electric hatchback in nearly each method, so there’s rather a lot to cowl. Let’s begin with the fundamentals.
The usual Ioniq 5 tops out at 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. That is greater than sufficient for a mainstream household crossover, so naturally Hyundai selected to take that already-respectable horsepower determine and double it. The N’s peak output is a rounding error north of 640 hp and 567 lb-ft, albeit with a catch. These peak numbers require using the Ioniq 5 N’s “N Grin Enhance” enhance characteristic, which is an evolution of an analogous providing on its gas-powered N fashions. With out this 10-second enhance, you get “simply” 600 horsepower and 545 lb-ft of torque. How pedestrian. Hyundai says it is nonetheless good for a 0-100 km/h time of three.5 seconds with out the enhance — or 3.4 with it.
These numbers place it above its shut sibling, the 576-horsepower Kia EV6 GT, throughout the broader E-GMP ecosystem. Just like the EV6, the Ioniq 5 is greater than only a bigger, 84-kWh battery and stronger electrical motors. Hyundai says the Ioniq 5 N is each decrease and wider than the usual AWD Ioniq 5 and comes with bigger (21-inch) wheels as well, enhancing grip and providing an imposing, hot-hatch-like stance. Hyundai mentioned the diminished peak mixed with a redesigned adaptive suspension lowered the N’s middle of gravity too.
Large batteries imply a hefty curb weight. The N’s prodigious output will camouflage that beneath acceleration, however to rein all of it again in, Hyundai outfitted the Ioniq 5 N with beefier brakes (15.75-inch rotors in entrance; 14.2 out again) and Pirelli P-Zero efficiency tires in 275/35R21. Hyundai says the Ioniq 5’s regenerative braking system (the strongest accessible, with 0.6G of max deceleration, Hyundai says) helps handle warmth and obviates the necessity for a carbon ceramic improve. Vary figures aren’t but accessible.
A lot of what Hyundai did to the Ioniq 5 N’s exterior was purely within the identify of operate. The broader entrance (25 mm) and rear (55 mm) bumpers assist include the broader observe that comes with these beefier wheels and tires. A set of lively air flaps helps enhance brake cooling, and the pronounced rear wing and diffuser assist clean air as it’s shed from the rear of the automobile. Inside, the upgrades are extra beauty than practical. The entrance buckets will be had in both material and leather-based or fake suede (“Eco Alcantara”) and leather-based. Regardless of being an EV, the Ioniq 5 N embraces bodily controls, incorporating two “N” mode quick-select buttons together with a regular drive mode choice toggle and the N Grin Enhance (“NGB”) button.
Beneath the floor, Hyundai did fairly a little bit of fiddling to enhance the Ioniq 5 N’s efficiency and really feel within the arms of an bold fanatic. The “N Pedal” brake system was additionally programmed to assist support with weight switch, particularly to sharpen up nook entry and the all-wheel drive system incorporates what Hyundai calls “N Torque Distribution” to ensure energy goes the place it must and an digital limited-slip differential helps divvy that as much as the rear wheels as wanted. Hyundai beefed up the Ioniq 5’s steering column and changed the field itself with a performance-oriented unit, which ought to enhance steering response and suggestions.
Talking of suggestions, Hyundai’s making an attempt one thing just a little bizarre with the Ioniq 5 N. Its new “e-shift” programming permits the automobile to behave as whether it is outfitted with a standard multi-speed transmission. Hyundai programmed it to behave equally to its dual-clutch models, providing eight “gears” and intentionally interrupting torque supply with every “shift” to completely replicate the expertise and faucets into the regenerative braking system to copy engine braking.
That is paired to a brand new system that Hyundai calls “N Lively Sound,” and you’ve got in all probability already guessed what it does. Along with providing an ICE-based soundtrack to accompany your usually silent electrical motoring, there are two “futuristic” engine sound modes designed to lean into the N’s electrical character. The “Supersonic” sound mode was impressed by fighter jets, Hyundai says.
Hyundai’s data dump lacked two key particulars: complete vary and pricing. We anticipate to be taught each within the coming months; keep tuned.
Associated video