Hyundai IONIQ 5 N debuts at Goodwood Festival of Speed

Hyundai IONIQ 5 N debuted at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in West Sussex, England. This is Hyundai N’s first EV and combines the standard model’s Electrified-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) with N’s motorsport-bred technologies and leverages N’s expertise from electrified ‘Rolling Labs’ to maximize the EV’s high-performance capabilities and ensure it meets N’s three performance pillars: ‘Corner Rascal,’ ‘Racetrack Capability’ and ‘Everyday Sportscar’.

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, 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. N Drift Optimizer helps to maintain the drift angle by balancing multiple vehicle controls responding to real-time inputs. 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.

Hyundai IONIQ 5 N benefits from several technical improvements. Its electric motors spin up to 21,000 RPM providing 478 kW / 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. 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 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 IONIQ 5 N’s resistance to performance degradation before and during intense track driving.

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.

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 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.

As an everyday sportscar, 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.

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.

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).

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.

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 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 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.

The highlight of N brand’s presence at Goodwood will be the exclusive ‘N Moment’ held during the iconic Goodwood hill climb. The N Moment will showcase N brand’s motorsport models and rolling labs, culminating in the presentation of the new IONIQ 5 N and the world debut of N brand’s ‘IONIQ 5 N Drift Spec’ show car. Furthermore, a 2023 specification i20 N WRC will participate in the Forest rally stage.