Hyundai has officially revealed that its highly anticipated IONIQ 5 N electric vehicle (EV) is set to hit the market in March 2024 through authorized dealers.
The announcement coincides with the car's official unveiling at AutoMobility LA, providing eager US-based consumers with a tangible release date, though pricing details are yet to be disclosed.
Hyundai's First Entry to the N-Branded EV Category
The IONIQ 5 N marks Hyundai's inaugural entry into the N-branded EV category, an exclusive sub-brand dedicated to high-performance vehicles.
Positioned as an upgraded version of the standard IONIQ 5 EV, the IONIQ 5 N boasts impressive acceleration, achieving a zero to 60 MPH speed in just over three seconds and a top speed of 161 MPH.
Compared to the older IONIQ 5, which peaks at 185 km/h, the Ioniq 5 N's dual motors deliver a top speed of 260 km/h when engaging the proprietary N Grin Boost, with a robust 641 horsepower (478 kW).
This high-performance vehicle seamlessly integrates the standard model's Electrified-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) with N's motorsport-derived technologies.
Leveraging expertise gained from N's electrified "Rolling Labs," such as RM20e, RN22e, and N Vision 74, the Ioniq 5 N prioritizes high-performance capabilities, adhering to N's three core performance pillars: "corner rascal," "racetrack capability," and "everyday sportscar."
"Hyundai N spearheads the technological leadership of Hyundai Motor Company. 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," Jaehoon Chang, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, said in a press statement.
"Key developments around this vehicle will further strengthen the competitiveness of all Hyundai models going forward. This is why N brand exists," he added.
Key Features of Hyundai IONIQ 5 N EV
The IONIQ 5 N's "corner rascal" capabilities are underscored by body-in-white (BIW) structural enhancements, incorporating 42 additional welding points and 2.1 meters more adhesives. Reinforcements extend to the motor and battery mounting alongside upgraded front and rear subframes for enhanced lateral rigidity.
Inspired by World Rally Championship designs, integrated drive axles (IDA) at the front and rear are fortified to withstand increased electric motor torque while reducing unsprung mass, complemented by 21-inch forged aluminum wheels.
Hyundai noted that steering response and feedback are enhanced through a strengthened steering column and a specially tuned N R-MDPS (Rack-Mounted Motor-Driven Power Steering) system featuring a higher steering ratio and improved torque feedback.
These refinements contribute to a more direct and communicative steering experience, ensuring greater confidence in drivers. On the other hand, its unique feature, the N Pedal, addresses EVs' inherent weight and size while aiming to replicate the responsive handling characteristics of Hyundai's championship-winning i20 N WRCs.
The intelligent software emphasizes immediate turn-in response and improved throttle sensitivity, highlighting thrilling cornering performance over energy conservation. Through the utilization of decelerative force, the N Pedal induces dynamic weight transfer, leading to more precise corner entry.
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