Hyundai’s N division has created its first EV with its souped-up version of the Ioniq 5. As you might have guessed, it's called the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, it’s aiming to please enthusiasts of traditional ICE performance cars – and the very first chance to see it was at the 2023 Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard earlier today.
Video: Hyundai Ioniq 5 N debuts at the 2023 Festival of Speed
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The Korean firm has quickly established a reputation for building impressive hot hatches with the i20N and 130N, and it’s hoping to continue that run with its first performance EV. Nods to its petrol-powered forebears will include punctuations in the torque delivery to mimmick gearchanges and piped-in sound via a ten-speaker system (eight inside the car, two outside). Drivers will be able to choose between three sounstracks, that of a four-cylinder turbocharged engine from the i30N, the sound of an EV, or a simulated rendition of a fighter jet. Hmm. Bringing things back down to earth, the N’s widened wheelarches and red accents are redolent of hot hatches of the 1980s and ’90s, arguably the golden era for the genre.
It’s packed with technology that could barely have been dreamed about back then. For one thing, the car will suggest engaging N mode when it sees a double-curve road sign. The throttle pedal takes lessons learned from the regular Ioniq 5 and retunes them for response rather than efficiency. When backing off the throttle, aggressive weight transfer is instigated to sharpen corner entry. There’s also a drift optimiser mode that holds the car at a consistent angle, and a Torque Kick Drift function that simulates a clutch kick in a petrol-powered car.
The dual motor set-up delivers 650PS (478kW) to all four wheels, a boost in power compared to the Kia EV6 GT that shares the same platform. That’s enough for a 0-62mph time of 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 161mph.
The Ioniq 5 N has been co-developed between the R&D centres in Namyang, South Korea, and Rüsselshein, Germany. Hyundai’s European development centre has been operating since 2003 and its proximity to the Nürburgring means that the circuit has been fundamental in the development of this new performance EV.
Thermal management was a key consideration during development to combat heat-induced power degradation under track driving conditions. There are independent radiators for the batteries and motors, and before driving the driver can pre-condition the battery cells to suit intended use – either a short burst of power or a greater number of laps.
Another track consideration is resisting brake fade. The car uses regen to reduce its dependence on mechanical braking to reduce the effects of the car’s weight. It blends between re-gen and hydraulic braking, and allows for the brakes and throttle to be used simultaneously for left-foot braking. It’s all part of Hyundai’s aim for ICE drivers to switch into the Ioniq 5 N and bring their driving techniques with them.
We’ve just witnessed the new N go up the hill at the Festival of Speed, and there will be more chances to see it throughout the weekend.
The 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed is underway! You can watch every moment of the action by watching our livestream.
Photography by Jordan Butters.
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