HYUNDAI

Ioniq 5 N: The electric car that makes noise...and seems to have gears

The compact car is ultra-sporty...because under the accelerator pedal there is no less than 650 horsepower of electric power.

As you can easily deduce from this power, performance is guaranteed. The Ioniq 5 N reaches a top speed of 260 km/h (an unusual value for an electric car), but perhaps the most impressive – even in motion – is the acceleration time of just 3.4 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h.

Design that combines retro with technology...Hyundai's electric supercar has design as one of its strong points, as it combines retro and modern elements, creating a unique and distinctive identity. The car is inspired by the 45 EV concept, launched in 2019, which in turn paid homage to the first Hyundai, the Pony from the 70s. The result is a look reminiscent of an 80s hatchback, but with futuristic and sporty details.

In terms of appearance, it retains the main characteristics of the electric SUV, such as the high waistline and the square profile of the headlights and LED lights. However, it gains typical sports car items, such as new air intakes and front diffuser, a large rear air diffuser and side skirts. In addition, it has other more aesthetic details, such as the triangular brake light and the rear window wiper, which do not appear in the standard version. The wheels are 21-inch forged aluminum.

Because the Ioniq 5 N is a true sports car. Aesthetically, it is more aggressive than the basic model, and the vehicle's dynamics have also been specifically tuned to handle the power of its two electric motors.

Electric...but with the sound of a sports car...But the Ioniq 5 N also has some features that make it special. Despite being electric, inside it sounds...like a sports car with a combustion engine...

Powertrain changes for the IONIQ 5 N...The model is an enhanced sports version of the IONIQ 5, equipped with significant improvements in several aspects, including engine, battery, suspension, brakes, bodywork, and software.

The power of the front motor has been increased to 225 hp, while that of the rear motor now reaches 383 hp. Together, these motors deliver an impressive combined power of 609 hp and 75.4 kgfm of torque.

To support this high-power system, the battery capacity has been increased to 84 kWh and can be recharged to 80% in just 18 minutes, thanks to the 800-volt fast charging system.

However, the vehicle's maximum power doesn't stop there: when activating Boost mode, designed for quick starts, the motors release additional power for a few seconds, reaching a peak of 650 hp and 78.5 kgfm. Thanks to these improvements, the model now achieves an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 260 km/h.

The new steering wheel of the Hyundai super sports version draws attention for the number of buttons, pedals, and metal paddles. They serve to adjust the levels of regenerative braking, one of the model's technological innovations. Inside, the design is enhanced with sports seats and a center console that offers leg support.

To optimize performance on the track, Hyundai has implemented software advancements in the car. One of the highlights is the N Pedal, an evolution of the i-Pedal regenerative braking system from previous models, such as the IONIQ 5. This system uses similar technology to increase regenerative braking, improve cornering ability, and intensify the sensitivity of the accelerator pedal. Thus, the driver has the feeling of driving a traditional sports car.

The model also features two new exclusive systems. The N Torque Distribution system manages torque distribution between the axles, offering up to 11 different levels of adjustment. The N Drift Optimizer maintains a drift angle in corners and, if necessary, can simulate the clutch pedal action of rear-wheel-drive cars through Torque Kick Drift.

Hyundai has installed an artificial sound system in the Ioniq 5 N (with three variants to choose from for the driver) that mimics the sound of sports cars with combustion engines, almost like in a video game. The system synchronizes with the accelerator and, in fact, even when activating the N e-Shift gear lever on the steering wheel, you can hear the gear changes up and down... which in reality do not exist, because the Ioniq 5 N only has one transmission ratio.

Another innovation is the N e-shift system, which simulates the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission used in the N line's combustion engine cars. It controls the engine's torque output and even simulates the transmission's jerks when shifting gears.

Autonews