As Hyundai’s N Efficiency Arm is getting nearer to releasing its first-ever track-ready electrical automobile. We had the chance to go to the world well-known Laguna Seca race observe in California to check the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N. Make sure you take a look at the total video evaluate under.
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N is lastly right here
It has been nearly two years since we first realized of an N-branded model of the comparatively new Hyundai IONIIQ 5 EV introduced in a teaser video shared by the Korean automaker through the world premiere of the IONIQ 6.
As the primary all-electric Hyundai mannequin to adorn the ‘N’ efficiency badge, there was loads happening within the lead-up to our newest check drive, however the particulars Hyundai has shared alongside the way in which have been very encouraging.
First we noticed footage of 1 The camouflaged Hyundai IONIQ 5 runs on the Nürburgringadopted by it official public debut in July 2023 through the Goodwood Competition of Velocity. In November, the efficiency EV mannequin made its official debut in North America, adopted by joint awards final March earlier than deliveries started.
As the primary prospects look ahead to their very own track-ready IONIQ 5 N, Hyundai invited some media to Monterey, California to expertise the distinctive electrical automobile and its numerous powertrains someplace apart from Laguna Seca.
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N opens the door to EV motorsport
As you may see in my first drive check video under, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N is extra than simply an electrical automobile that may nook and simulate gear adjustments. Its bolstered construction, low profile and improved specs in comparison with the usual crossover make the N mannequin the primary true all-electric race automobile, able to prompt 0-60 mph pace.
The Hyundai N group was adept at utilizing primarily the identical footprint as the unique IONIQ 5, however optimizing it for tight maneuvers and aerodynamics. For instance, the N mannequin is barely longer, wider and decrease than the unique 5, with bigger wheels and wider tires (customized). Pirelli P ZEROs).
The 5 N options an built-in drive axle, identical to the Elantra N, which was additionally out there to be used on a Laguna Seca autocross observe. Hyundai N additionally carried out a rack-type motor-driven energy steering system, which is stiffer. Lastly, the chassis format is precisely the identical because the IONIQ 5, however each element within the new EV variant is totally distinctive to the N variant.
Unique N-Model elements adorn the electrical automobile’s exterior, from a brand new bespoke entrance bumper and grille with lively air shutters to wheel arches and a rear spoiler that enables for simpler air circulation. In true Hyundai model, the (quick) satan is within the small particulars. The IONIQ 5 N contains a distinctive black aluminum badge, vibrant orange racing stripe and “N” logos all through.
I appreciated the refined nod to the racetrack by way of the implementation of checkered flags in inconspicuous locations such because the reflectors, door panels and base frames. When you drove the unique IONIQ 5, you will not discover a lot inside bulging within the N model. Nonetheless, these few adjustments are fairly an enchancment, particularly by way of racing consolation.
The seats are sportier, Alcantara-designed shells which are extra race car-like whereas nonetheless providing air-con for these whose backs are inclined to sweat when making an attempt the corkscrew at Laguna Seca for the primary time. The middle console has additionally been fully redesigned with a view to performance and larger consolation. By that we imply it has extra cushioning and padding with fewer transferring elements, so it will not hassle you in case your leg continually bumps into it throughout scorching laps.
The steering wheel is the center of the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N inside. It gives a snug grip and quick access to driving modes and different automobile capabilities resembling regenerative braking and N e-Shift.
Navigating Laguna Seca within the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N
Earlier than heading to the well-known race observe in California, I had the chance to check out the 5N on the native roads and get a really feel for it – at regular speeds. First impressions have been that it was positively an IONIQ – clean right-hand drive, the recognizable EV hum and glorious i-Pedal regenerative braking.
As I tackled some winding roads, I switched between the 5N’s driving modes utilizing the brand new steering buttons. That is once I skilled the EV’s N Lively Sound+ for the primary time. I like to recommend watching my first response within the video under. This characteristic is wild and by no means one thing I assumed I would love, however I actually did.
I accomplished three runs in Laguna Seca within the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, in every of which I accomplished a lead lap behind an expert driver (each will probably be). Race on Pikes Pike for Hyundai this summer time), adopted by three scorching rounds.
On every run, we explored a unique driving model that the IONIQ 5 N needed to supply, together with N-Race mode, which permits using N Grin Enhance for 10 seconds of most energy, and N e-Shift, which permits the motive force You may “shift” manually from the steering wheel – each accompanied by Lively Sound+.
I am admittedly not a very skilled observe driver, so the looming considered racing round Laguna Seca in another person’s shiny automobile anxious me a little bit, however as a passenger electrical automobile that may primarily double as a observe automobile, that is the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N was the proper ship for me to check the well-known route and I used to be instantly hooked.
I actually felt the rear digital limited-slip differential (e-LSD) and the electronically managed N suspension elements (ECS) within the 5N’s chassis, which helped hold the BEV tremendous sticky in corners whereas giving me the liberty to try this Tail to whip round once I wished to…or a number of instances once I did not attempt (bought a little bit too scorching in flip six on the primary few runs!)
Though I used to be a fan of the simulated engine sounds, I did not like N e-Shift and turned it off midway by way of the primary lap. I might see how a extra conventional racing fanatic may need extra enjoyable with this. Nonetheless, as a youthful one that has by no means pushed a guide transmission (unrelated to me), I see no motive to fake to vary gears, particularly because the automobile simply hums however would not have a guide clutch or something . It additionally slows down the EV worth considerably on this mode, for me that is not an issue.
On my third run the tires have been squealing and I used to be ready to make use of the N Grin Enhance a number of instances on the straight to actually really feel the total 641hp of the 5N. I felt like I used to be in a single Quick and Livid Working or one thing, I am hitting my “NOS” button to interrupt somebody’s coronary heart and take their pink panties. I positively would have stored somebody’s Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, that is for certain.
Technical knowledge, costs and our video evaluate
General, I feel the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N is a extremely glorious automobile. Will or not it’s there for everybody? Completely not. Most shoppers will probably be more than pleased with a SEL or Restricted model of the usual IONIQ 5 and avoid wasting cash.
Nonetheless, in case you come from the world of racing and revel in cornering and observe days, this might be the proper automobile for you. You get the identical design options because the award-winning IONIQ 5 (albeit with a considerably decrease vary as a result of its efficiency – 221 miles), but in addition numerous N-specific add-ons at each a efficiency and aesthetic stage.
Take into account that that is nonetheless an 800V platform and could be charged to 10-80% in simply 18 minutes. Personally, I like that Hyundai sells the IONIQ 5 N as an all-in-one package deal mannequin the place every part is included. It prices $66,100 earlier than taxes and costs and contains every part talked about above after which some.
At this worth, it is Hyundai’s costliest model of the IONIQ 5 (about $8,500 greater than the Restricted AWD trim), however that is nonetheless a fairly cheap worth if you evaluate it to different crossovers available on the market – considered one of which might’t really take one to a observe and do extra than simply drag racing and possibly some autocross.
I’ve by no means actually had any curiosity in visiting racetracks, not to mention driving on them, however now that there is a viable BEV choice that not solely seems rattling cool but in addition performs, I am excited. I lastly perceive what all these combustion followers are so enthusiastic about. In my view, the IONIQ 5 N is a superb bridge between each teams of lovers, providing a automobile that may delight each conventional racing followers and clear power BEV lovers collectively.
This automobile will certainly have lots of people round it on race days, and I feel that is a terrific concept for the way forward for electrical motorsports. As promised, right here is my video evaluate, together with some loud photographs of the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N at Laguna Seca.
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