Hyundai Motor Company's IONIQ 5 N, the N brand's first high-performance,all-electric model, made its world premiere recently at the Goodwood Festivalof Speed in England. The IONIQ 5 N represents N brand's electrification futureand a new way for high-performance enthusiasts to electrify their passion fordriving on road and track.
The new vehiclerepresents Hyundai's long-standing legacy of offering high-quality mobilityalongside driver-focused N models. N brand made a comeback to WRC in 2014 andits subsequent success with multiple world championships infused Hyundai with awinning DNA, reflected in the N high-performance models. This momentum carriesforward with electrification, as the award-winning E-GMP-based IONIQ 5 providesthe perfect foundation to create N's first high-performance EV.
IONIQ 5 N establishesHyundai N as the technology powerhouse within Hyundai Motor and spearheadsadvanced technologies to be shared with all Hyundai EVs with the strategic goalof increasing Hyundai's overall competitiveness. IONIQ 5 N represents the firststep to this strategic shift with additional electric N models to follow.
"Hyundai N spearheadsthe technological leadership of Hyundai Motor Company," said Jaehoon Chang,President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company. "N brand's winning combination oftechnological know-how and motorsport experience is pushing the limits ofvehicle performance, which has most recently resulted in IONIQ 5 N, agamechanger for electric high performance. Key developments around this vehiclewill further strengthen the competitiveness of all Hyundai models goingforward. This is why N brand exists."
IONIQ 5 N combines thestandard model's Electrified-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) with N'smotorsport-bred technologies and leverages N's expertise from electrified'Rolling Labs' (e.g., RM20e, RN22e and N Vision 74) to maximize the EV'shigh-performance capabilities and ensure it meets N's three performancepillars: 'Corner Rascal,' 'Racetrack Capability' and 'Everyday Sportscar'
"IONIQ 5 N, wasdeveloped to take driving fun to a new level by utilizing the latesttechnologies available. Starting with IONIQ 5 N, N brand aims to deliver N'ssignature fun driving experience regardless of petrol, electric or hydrogen,"said Till Wartenberg, Vice President and Head of N Brand and Motorsport atHyundai Motor Company. "To accomplish this, we've closely monitored the voicesof our N fans in order to fine-tune our first all-electric N with the goal ofelectrifying the driving passion of our most demanding N-thusiasts."
Dual-motor AWD with rally-inspired handling supports Corner Rascalcapabilities
IONIQ 5 N's CornerRascal capabilities begin with enhancements to the body-in-white (BIW)structure with 42 additional welding points and 2.1 meters of additionaladhesives. The motor and battery mounting are reinforced while front and rearsubframes are enhanced for lateral rigidity. World Rally Championship-inspiredintegrated drive axles (IDA) are applied both front and rear and reinforced toendure stronger electric motor torque while reducing unsprung mass togetherwith the 21-inch forged aluminum wheels.
To enhance steeringresponse and feedback, IONIQ 5 N's steering column has been strengthened forimproved rigidity. Additionally, the vehicle features a specially tuned NR-MDPS (Rack-Mounted Motor-Driven Power Steering) system with a higher steeringratio and enhanced torque feedback. These enhancements result in a more directand communicative steering experience that will instill greater confidence indrivers.
N Pedal was developedas a solution to address the inherent weight and size of EVs while aiming toachieve the responsive handling characteristics seen in Hyundai'schampionship-winning i20 N WRCs. This intelligent software function, found inIONIQ 5 N, is designed to provide instant turn-in behavior and enhancedthrottle sensitivity. Drawing on similar technology used in i-Pedal'sregenerative braking system, N Pedal prioritizes fast and exhilaratingcornering over energy efficiency. By utilizing decelerative force, anaggressive weight transfer is created, resulting in sharper corner entry.
N Drift Optimizer helpsto maintain the drift angle by balancing multiple vehicle controls respondingto real-time inputs. The integrated Torque Kick Drift function allows thedriver to simulate the clutch kick action of rear-wheel-driven ICE vehicles fordriving scenarios that require more immediate drift initiation. This is aresult of sophisticated electronic control technology.
N Torque Distributionprovides fully variable front and rear torque distribution that can be adjustedto 11 levels. The e-LSD (electronic limited slip differential) at the rear axleoptimizes cornering performance and control. Additional wheel sensors andbroader damping capacity with increased damper size widens the performancerange of the electronically controlled suspension.
Improved PE system,enhanced battery cooling and N Brake Regen bolster Racetrack Capability
This powerful EVbenefits from several technical improvements. Its electric motors spin up to 21,000RPM providing 478 kW / 650 PS with N Grin Boost engaged. This is a result ofthe two-stage inverter with increased energy efficiency for stronger poweroutput from the new 84 kWh battery.
Several exclusivefeatures aid track performance. N Grin Boost maximizes acceleration by a powerincrement of 10 seconds and N Launch Control provides three different tractionlevels for the fastest possible start, allowing drivers to launch their vehiclelike a professional race car. Track SOC (state-of-charge) automaticallycalculates battery consumption per lap.
IONIQ 5 N sets a new benchmark for thermal management in severeracetrack conditions. Compared to its competitors, IONIQ 5 N boasts a higherresistance to heat induced power degradation - loss of maximum powerdue to overheating.
The enhanced batterythermal management system, with increased cooling area, better motor oil coolerand battery chiller. The independent radiators for the battery and motormaximize IONIQ 5 N's resistance to performance degradation before and duringintense track driving.
Before driving, the driver can utilize N Battery Pre-conditioning tooptimize the battery cells to the most power-efficient temperature by choosingbetween 'Drag' mode for a short burst of full power or 'Track' mode thatoptimizes 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 appliesa motorsport-derived approach to maximizing resources for the fastest possibletimes. While this type of setting change would normally require a team ofmechanics and equipment, IONIQ 5 N offers it at the convenience of a few buttonpresses.
With N Race, driversare given the strategic choice to prioritize 'Endurance' or 'Sprint."Endurance' maximizes range on the racetrack. This is achieved by limiting thepeak power, which results in a slower build-up of temperature. Comparatively,'Sprint' prioritizes power and provides shorter bursts of full energy. Thiswill help drivers accurately manage their energy strategy and create an idealperformance window to achieve their driving performance targets.
IONIQ 5 N boasts N-tuned brakes, which represent Hyundai's most powerfulbraking system. It features 400-mm diameter front discs with four-pistonmonobloc calipers and 360-mm rear discs. These brakes are constructed with newlightweight materials and optimized airflow for improved cooling efficiency. Inaddition, the regenerative (regen) braking system typically used for enhancedefficiency has been reinterpreted in IONIQ 5 N to enhance braking performance.It serves as the primary source of brake force, while the mechanical brakessupplement additional braking force when required, ensuring enhanced enduranceon the track.
To address the harshbraking demands of the Nürburgring Nordschleife, Hyundai N engineersdesigned N Brake Regen, an N-specific region braking system developedspecifically for IONIQ 5 N. It offers up to a maximum of 0.6 G decelerativeforce - an industry leading figure - through N Brake Regen alone and remainsengaged under ABS activation with a maximum of 0.2 G. The risk of brake fadedue to the EV's relative heaviness is minimized by maximizing regen brakingpower, which results in lower brake force applied to the mechanical brakes.
The seamless blendingbetween the N Brake Regen and hydraulic brakes creates a smooth transition thatis imperceptible to the driver. Moreover, left foot braking allows the brakeand accelerator pedal to work at the same time when driving on the track.
State-of-the-art technology delivers shift feeling and emotional fun inan Everyday Sportscar
As an everyday sportscar, IONIQ 5 N delivers an engaging shift feelingand emotional driving through the integrated N e-shift and N Active Sound +. Ne-shift provides a sense of control over power delivery and shift feeling whileN Active Sound + works collectively to deliver not only a futuristic EV soundbut also ICE-like engine and exhaust sounds that provide a more engagingexperience behind the wheel. Together, they enhance the fun and joy of drivingby simulating the jolt feel and sound of an ICE vehicle.
Many performanceenthusiasts have been outspoken about the lack of driver feedback behind thewheel of many EVs. That's why Hyundai N engineers developed the N e-shift and NActive Sound + functions to deliver greater driver feedback and therefore moreprecise driver control of IONIQ 5 N's dynamic driving. The unique emphasis onprecise power control differentiates N's approach to EV sound from pastapplications.
N e-shift simulates theeight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) of internal combustion engine (ICE)N cars. It simulates a gearshift by controlling motor torque output and simulatesthe 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 drivingexperience of EVs by creating a more engaging and exciting sensory experiencefor the driver. It incorporates a 10-speaker system (eight internal, twoexternal) that offers three distinct sound themes. The 'Ignition' themesimulates the sound of N's 2.0T engines and 'Evolution' provides a signaturehigh-performance sound inspired by the RN22e. The 'Supersonic' theme is aunique concept inspired by twin-engine fighter jets, featuring variable volumeduring cornering. The objective of N Active Sound+ is to provide drivers withan acoustic reference to gauge the power being utilized.
IONIQ 5 N also isequipped with N Road Sense, which automatically recommends the activation of NMode when double-curved road signs are detected, enabling drivers to enjoyevery second of their drive to the fullest (EU only).
Like the standard IONIQ5, its N variant is equipped with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L), which allows thedriver to use the stored energy from the EV's high-voltage battery to rechargedevices, such as an e-bike, electrical camping equipment or domestic appliances- even when the vehicle is turned off.
Performance-enhancingdesign elements to inspire passionate driving
IONIQ 5 N's exterior adds many performance-enhancing design elements,such as contrasting black trim parts and a wing-type rear spoiler, whichemphasize the sporty aspects of the standard model and maximize its circuitdriving potential.
The N model further distinguishes itself from the standard IONIQ 5 witha change of proportions. It is 20 mm lower overall, 50 mm wider at the bottomto accommodate wider tires and 80 mm longer due to the more prominent diffuser.
At the front, there isa N Mask graphic fascia with functional mesh along with air curtain and airflaps for extra cooling. A lip spoiler runs across the lower part of the bumperto emphasize the car's slow-slung stance and convey its performance intent. TheEV N-exclusive 'Luminous Orange' at the bottom of the black front bumper covercontinues along the side skirts, giving the IONIQ 5 N a racetrack-readylook.
This impression is further reinforced by the forged 21-inch aluminumwheels that are wrapped in high-grip 275/35R21 Pirelli P-Zero tires forimproved ride and handling and better grip in track performance.
At the rear, theprominent, N-only wing-type spoiler, along with orange-accented rear diffuserand air outlet, help control airflow to support optimal aerodynamicperformance, further highlighting IONIQ 5 N's high-performance capability andadding to its aggressive styling. Integrated in the spoiler is a triangularN-only HMSL brake light. Below the rear hatch is an N-exclusive black bumpercover with checker flag reflector graphics. There is also a rear window wiper.
IONIQ 5 N's interiorneatly 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 Nsteering wheel prominently features the N logo for the first time, flanked by Nbuttons that set the desired drive mode, arranged to suit the driver'spreference. Driving modes can be customized and matched to each button invarious combinations to maximize IONIQ 5 N's fun driving spirit. N Grin Boostbutton positioned at 3 o'clock allows instant and intuitive access to maximizeacceleration and driving fun. Paddles are optimally positioned at driver'sfingertips to engage N e-shift and N Pedal features.
IONIQ 5 N's centerconsole is optimized for track driving with knee pads and shin support as wellas a sliding armrest. An extension to the lower part of the console enhancesrigidity to further support sport driving. For everyday use, it also offers aC-type USB, wireless charger and cupholders.
The N seats have reinforced bolsters, so that even if strong lateralacceleration occurs during sharp cornering, it firmly supports the upper andlower body to maintain a stable driving posture at all times. The N bucketseats are positioned about 20 mm lower compared to the basic specification,designed for customers who pursue high-performance drivability. N emblems arearranged front and rear of the seat with welcome lighting at front. Thetwo-toned design theme of the bucket seats carries over to the rear.
Due to the nature of Ndriving, IONIQ 5 N's pedals are optimized for foot contact in track drivingscenarios that involve oversteer, drifting and power slides, reducing the riskof foot slippage in two-foot driving. The footrest is optimized to maintain astable driving posture at all times, including strong deceleration moments.
The new checker flagtheme - a track-inspired riff on IONIQ 5's iconic parametric pixels - can befound on the door scuff panels metal pedals and footrest,representing N Brand's motorsport spirit.
Much like the standardIONIQ 5, sustainable materials are applied throughout IONIQ 5 N, includingrecyclable paperette door decorative garnish, BIO PET yarn from sugarcane,recycled PET yarn from recycled PET bottles, BIO TPO from sugarcane and ecoprocessed leather. IONIQ 5 N also adds recycled tire pigment paint and recycledpoly Alcantara seat cover cloth.
