Hyundai Ioniq 5 N runs on electrons but simulates an ICE car

Hyundai's first electric performance model, the 2024 Ioniq 5 N, debuted Wednesday at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. With up to 641 hp, the Ioniq 5 N is designed to perform not only in the straights, but also in the corners and on the track.

Based on the standard Ioniq 5 electric crossover, the Ioniq 5 N has more power, a bigger battery, stiffer body, bigger brakes, sportier suspension, and loads of performance-oriented technical features.

It has a dual-motor all-wheel drive system that combines a 166kw motor in the front and a 282kw motor in the rear, producing 600 hp and 546 lb-ft of torque in most cases. According to Hyundai, the car can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 162 mph using launch control (traction can be adjusted in three stages).

The motor is powered by an 84 kwh battery pack, larger than the standard Ioniq 5's 77.4 kwh long range battery. The battery has additional cooling capabilities, and Hyundai can also optimize the temperature for the available drive modes before driving. For example, in drag mode the battery is adjusted to 86-104 degrees Fahrenheit and 68-86 degrees in track mode. n Race mode has endurance and sprint settings to optimize battery output for long and short sessions.

Like the standard Ioniq 5, the N has an 800-volt electrical architecture that can accept charge rates of up to 350 kw and can charge from 10 to 80% in 18 minutes.

Although the Ioniq 5 N does not have a transmission, Hyundai makes it feel like it has an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic through the N e-Shift feature, which controls motor torque and simulates jolts between shifts.

It also has no cylinders, but can sound as if it has an internal combustion engine.

A system called N Active Sound+ uses eight interior speakers and two exterior speakers to play three different sound themes. The Ignition theme sounds like the rowdy 2.0-liter turbo four found in other Hyundai N cars and includes pops and bangs on overrun; Supersonic is one of two futuristic EV themes, inspired by twin-engine fighter planes; and N Active Sound+ is a soundscape that is based on the N car's "N" soundscape. The soundscape changes sounds depending on throttle opening.

Externally, the Ioniq 5 N is 0.8 inches lower and the fenders are 2.0 inches wider. It is also 3.2 inches longer thanks to a new front bumper and a rear diffuser joined to the rear wing. At the front, the car has an air curtain, three active air flaps, and a lip spoiler, as well as an additional cooling grille mesh. A luminous orange matte strip runs along the bumper and under the side skirts.

Handling improvements begin with a structure based on the brand's Electric-Global Modular Platform. Hyundai added 42 more welding points and 6.9 feet of additional joint material. The motor and battery mounting points, front and rear subframes have been strengthened, with larger adjustable dampers and stiffer knuckles. The steering column has also been strengthened, with quicker ratios for more immediate response, and it has a wider track than the other Ioniq 5s because of 21-inch wheels with wider 275/35 Pirelli P Zero tires.

Hyundai also uses an electric motor to improve handling. a cornering feature called the N-pedal applies negative torque through the powertrain, putting more weight on the front wheels. the N torque distribution system applies power delivery can be adjusted in 11 steps from front to rear, and an electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential optimizes rear power during corner exits. Hyundai also added the N-Drift Optimizer, which controls power delivery for brilliant drifting and even has a clutch-kick simulation feature.

Brakes are 15.7-inch front discs with four-piston calipers and 14. inch rear discs and single-piston calipers, but also due to the motor's brake regenerative capabilities. According to Hyundai, regenerative braking provides 80-90% of braking power on the street and 40-50% on the track, eliminating the need for carbon ceramic brakes. The company also claims that up to 44% of the powertrain's energy can be regenerated on the circuit, allowing the brakes and throttle to be used simultaneously.

Overall, the Ioniq 5 N weighs more than other 5s due to the added performance equipment, but Hyundai says it has done everything possible to limit the weight increase. However, the company has not disclosed the vehicle's weight.

Inside, the Ioniq 5 N features metal pedals, kneepads on the sides of the center console, a new N steering wheel with four mode buttons, and two-tone sport seats with reinforced bolsters. The leather-and-alcantara or cloth-and-leather seats sit 0.8 inches lower than the rest of the Ioniq 5. Also inside, there is a 12.3-inch digital meter cluster and a 12.3-inch center touchscreen, both of which provide specific N displays and wireless update capabilities.

Pricing and electric range will be announced closer to launch, which is expected later this year.