Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 N - N brand’s first high-performance, all-electric model - made its world premiere at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in West Sussex, England. The Ioniq 5 N represents N brand’s electrification future and a new way for high-performance enthusiasts to electrify their passion for driving on road and track.
The Ioniq 5 N’s Corner Rascal
capabilities begin with enhancements to the body-in-white (BIW)
structure with 42 additional welding points and 2.1 meters of additional
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 both
front and rear and reinforced to endure stronger electric motor torque
while reducing unsprung mass together with the 21-inch forged aluminum
wheels.
To enhance steering response and feedback, the Ioniq 5
N’s steering column has been strengthened for improved rigidity.
Additionally, the vehicle features a specially tuned N R-MDPS
(Rack-Mounted Motor-Driven Power Steering) system with a higher steering
ratio and enhanced torque feedback. These enhancements result in a more
direct and communicative steering experience that will instill greater
confidence in drivers.
N Pedal was developed as a solution to
address the inherent weight and size of EVs while aiming to achieve the
responsive handling characteristics seen in Hyundai’s
championship-winning i20 N WRCs. This intelligent software function,
found in the 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 energy efficiency. By utilizing decelerative
force, an aggressive weight transfer is created, resulting in sharper
corner entry.
N Drift Optimizer helps to maintain the 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 ICE vehicles for driving
scenarios that require more immediate drift initiation. This is a result
of sophisticated electronic control technology.
N Torque
Distribution provides fully variable front and rear torque distribution
that can be adjusted to 11 levels. The e-LSD (electronic limited slip
differential) at the rear axle optimizes cornering performance and
control. Additional wheel sensors and broader damping capacity with
increased damper size widens the performance range of the electronically
controlled suspension.
This
powerful EV benefits from several technical improvements. Its electric
motors spin up to 21,000 rpm providing 650 PS with N Grin Boost engaged.
This is a result of the two-stage inverter with increased energy
efficiency for stronger power output from the new 84 kWh battery.
Several
exclusive features aid track performance. N Grin Boost maximizes
acceleration by a power increment of 10 seconds and N Launch Control
provides three different traction levels for the fastest possible start,
allowing drivers to launch their vehicle like a professional race car.
Track SOC (state-of-charge) automatically calculates battery consumption
per lap.
The Ioniq 5 N sets a new benchmark for thermal
management in severe racetrack conditions. Compared to its competitors,
the Ioniq 5 N boasts a higher resistance to heat induced power
degradation - loss of maximum power due to overheating.
The
enhanced battery thermal management system, with increased cooling area,
better motor oil cooler and battery chiller. The independent radiators
for the battery and motor maximize the Ioniq 5 N’s resistance to
performance degradation before and during intense track driving.
Before
driving, the driver can utilize N Battery Pre-conditioning to optimize
the battery cells to the most power-efficient temperature by choosing
between ‘Drag’ mode for a short burst of full power or ‘Track’ mode that
optimizes the lowest possible battery temperature for more laps.
N
Race feature further optimizes the EV’s endurance on the circuit,
giving drivers more direct control over the car’s energy usage. N Race
applies a motorsport-derived approach to maximizing resources for the
fastest possible times. While this type of setting change would normally
require a team of mechanics and equipment, the Ioniq 5 N offers it at
the convenience of a few button presses.
With N Race, drivers are
given the strategic choice to prioritize ‘Endurance’ or ‘Sprint.’
‘Endurance’ maximizes range on the racetrack. This is achieved by
limiting the peak power, which results in a slower build-up of
temperature. Comparatively, ‘Sprint’ prioritizes power and provides
shorter bursts of full energy. This will help drivers accurately manage
their energy strategy and create an ideal performance window to achieve
their driving performance targets.
The Ioniq 5 N boasts N-tuned
brakes, which represent Hyundai’s most powerful braking system. It
features 400-mm diameter front discs with four-piston monobloc calipers
and 360-mm rear discs. These brakes are constructed with new lightweight
materials and optimized airflow for improved cooling efficiency. In
addition, the regenerative (regen) braking system typically used for
enhanced efficiency has been reinterpreted in the Ioniq 5 N to enhance
braking performance. It serves as the primary source of brake force,
while the mechanical brakes supplement additional braking force when
required, ensuring enhanced endurance on the track.
To address
the harsh braking demands of the Nürburgring Nordschleife, Hyundai N
engineers designed N Brake Regen, an N-specific region braking system
developed specifically for the Ioniq 5 N. It offers up to a maximum of
0.6 G decelerative force - an industry leading figure - through N Brake
Regen alone and remains engaged under ABS activation with a maximum of
0.2 G. The risk of brake fade due to the EV’s relative heaviness is
minimized by maximizing regen braking power, which results in lower
brake force applied to the mechanical brakes.
The seamless
blending between the N Brake Regen and hydraulic brakes creates a smooth
transition that is imperceptible to the driver. Moreover, left foot
braking allows the brake and accelerator pedal to work at the same time
when driving on the track.
As
an everyday sportscar, the Ioniq 5 N delivers an engaging shift feeling
and emotional driving through the integrated N e-shift and N Active
Sound +. N e-shift provides a sense of control over power delivery and
shift feeling while N Active Sound + works collectively to deliver not
only a futuristic EV sound but also ICE-like engine and exhaust sounds
that provide a more engaging experience behind the wheel. Together, they
enhance the fun and joy of driving by simulating the jolt feel and
sound of an ICE vehicle.
Many performance enthusiasts have been
outspoken about the lack of driver feedback behind the wheel of many
EVs. That’s why Hyundai N engineers developed the N e-shift and N Active
Sound + functions to deliver greater driver feedback and therefore more
precise driver control of the Ioniq 5 N’s dynamic driving. The unique
emphasis on precise power control differentiates N’s approach to EV
sound from past applications.
N e-shift simulates the eight-speed
dual-clutch transmission (DCT) of internal combustion engine (ICE) N
cars. It simulates a gearshift by controlling motor torque output and
simulates the jolt feeling between shifts. As a result, it provides a
more precise, interactive driving experience that feels closer to ICEs
than previous EVs.
N Active Sound+ is paired with N e-shift to
enhance the driving experience of EVs by creating a more engaging and
exciting sensory experience for the driver. It incorporates a 10-speaker
system (eight internal, two external) that offers three distinct sound
themes. The ‘Ignition’ theme simulates the sound of N’s 2.0T engines and
‘Evolution’ provides a signature high-performance sound inspired by the
RN22e. The ‘Supersonic’ theme is a unique concept inspired by
twin-engine fighter jets, featuring variable volume during cornering.
The objective of N Active Sound+ is to provide drivers with an acoustic
reference to gauge the power being utilized.
The Ioniq 5 N also
is equipped with N Road Sense, which automatically recommends the
activation of N Mode when double-curved road signs are detected,
enabling drivers to enjoy every second of their drive to the fullest (EU
only).
Like the standard Ioniq 5, its N variant is equipped
with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L), which allows the driver to use the stored
energy from the EV’s high-voltage battery to recharge devices, such as
an e-bike, electrical camping equipment or domestic appliances - even
when the vehicle is turned off.
The
Ioniq 5 N’s exterior adds many performance-enhancing design elements,
such as contrasting black trim parts and a wing-type rear spoiler, which
emphasize the sporty aspects of the standard model and maximize its
circuit driving potential.
The N model further distinguishes
itself from the standard Ioniq 5 with a change of proportions. It is 20
mm lower overall, 50 mm wider at the bottom to accommodate wider tires
and 80 mm longer due to the more prominent diffuser.
At the
front, there is a N Mask graphic fascia with functional mesh along with
air curtain and air flaps for extra cooling. A lip spoiler runs across
the lower part of the bumper to emphasize the car’s slow-slung stance
and convey its performance intent. The EV N-exclusive ‘Luminous Orange’
at the bottom of the black front bumper cover continues along the side
skirts, giving the Ioniq 5 N a racetrack-ready look.
This
impression is further reinforced by the forged 21-inch aluminum wheels
that are wrapped in high-grip 275/35R21 Pirelli P-Zero tires for
improved ride and handling and better grip in track performance.
At
the rear, the prominent, N-only wing-type spoiler, along with
orange-accented rear diffuser and air outlet, help control airflow to
support optimal aerodynamic performance, further highlighting the Ioniq 5
N’s high-performance capability and adding to its aggressive styling.
Integrated in the spoiler is a triangular N-only HMSL brake light. Below
the rear hatch is an N-exclusive black bumper cover with checker flag
reflector graphics. There is also a rear window wiper.
The Ioniq 5
N’s interior neatly conveys the N family look with the application of
N-branded elements, including the steering wheel, seats, door scuff
panels and metal pedals, etc., and is optimized for track driving.
The
newly designed N steering wheel prominently features the N logo for the
first time, flanked by N buttons that set the desired drive mode,
arranged to suit the driver’s preference. Driving modes can be
customized and matched to each button in various combinations to
maximize the Ioniq 5 N’s fun driving spirit. N Grin Boost button
positioned at 3 o’clock allows instant and intuitive access to maximize
acceleration and driving fun. Paddles are optimally positioned at
driver’s fingertips to engage N e-shift and N Pedal features.
The
Ioniq 5 N’s center console is optimized for track driving with knee
pads and shin support as well as a sliding armrest. An extension to the
lower part of the console enhances rigidity to further support sport
driving. For everyday use, it also offers a C-type USB, wireless charger
and cupholders.
The N seats have reinforced bolsters, so that
even if strong lateral acceleration occurs during sharp cornering, it
firmly supports the upper and lower body to maintain a stable driving
posture at all times. The N bucket seats are positioned about 20 mm
lower compared to the basic specification, designed for customers who
pursue high-performance drivability. N emblems are arranged front and
rear of the seat with welcome lighting at front. The two-toned design
theme of the bucket seats carries over to the rear.
Due to the
nature of N driving, the Ioniq 5 N’s pedals are optimized for foot
contact in track driving scenarios that involve oversteer, drifting and
power slides, reducing the risk of foot slippage in two-foot driving.
The footrest is optimized to maintain a stable driving posture at all
times, including strong deceleration moments.
The new checker
flag theme - a track-inspired riff on the Ioniq 5’s iconic parametric
pixels - can be found on the door scuff panels metal pedals and
footrest, representing N Brand’s motorsport spirit.
Much like the
standard Ioniq 5, sustainable materials are applied throughout the
Ioniq 5 N, including recyclable paperette door decorative garnish, BIO
PET yarn from sugarcane, recycled PET yarn from recycled PET bottles,
BIO TPO from sugarcane and eco processed leather. The Ioniq 5 N also
adds recycled tire pigment paint and recycled poly Alcantara seat cover
cloth.
