Hyundai’s 640-horsepower Ioniq 5 N debuts at Goodwood

Hyundai’s new high-performance Ioniq 5 N crossover debuted as we speak on the Goodwood Competition of Pace. This hotly anticipated fanatic machine turns the efficiency dial up on Hyundai’s all-electric hatchback in nearly each method, so there’s quite a bit to cowl. Let’s begin with the fundamentals.

The usual Ioniq 5 tops out at 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. That is greater than sufficient for a mainstream household crossover, so naturally Hyundai selected to take that already-respectable horsepower determine and double it. The N’s peak output is a rounding error north of 640 hp and 567 lb-ft, albeit with a catch. These peak numbers require using the Ioniq 5 N’s “N Grin Enhance” increase function, which is an evolution of the same providing on its gas-powered N fashions. With out this 10-second increase, you get “simply” 600 horsepower and 545 lb-ft of torque. How pedestrian. Hyundai says it is nonetheless good for a 0-100 km/h time of three.5 seconds with out the increase — or 3.4 with it. 

These numbers place it above its shut sibling, the 576-horsepower Kia EV6 GT, throughout the broader E-GMP ecosystem. Just like the EV6, the Ioniq 5 is greater than only a bigger, 84-kWh battery and stronger electrical motors. Hyundai says the Ioniq 5 N is each decrease and wider than the usual AWD Ioniq 5 and comes with bigger (21-inch) wheels in addition, enhancing grip and providing an imposing, hot-hatch-like stance. Hyundai mentioned the lowered top mixed with a redesigned adaptive suspension lowered the N’s heart of gravity too. 

Huge batteries imply a hefty curb weight. The N’s prodigious output will camouflage that beneath acceleration, however to rein all of it again in, Hyundai geared up the Ioniq 5 N with beefier brakes (15.75-inch rotors in entrance; 14.2 out again) and Pirelli P-Zero efficiency tires in 275/35R21. Hyundai says the Ioniq 5’s regenerative braking system (the strongest obtainable, with 0.6G of max deceleration, Hyundai says) helps handle warmth and obviates the necessity for a carbon ceramic improve. Vary figures should not but obtainable.   

A lot of what Hyundai did to the Ioniq 5 N’s exterior was purely within the title of operate. The broader entrance (25 mm) and rear (55 mm) bumpers assist comprise the broader observe that comes with these beefier wheels and tires. A set of lively air flaps helps enhance brake cooling, and the pronounced rear wing and diffuser assist easy air as it’s shed from the rear of the automobile. Inside, the upgrades are extra beauty than purposeful. The entrance buckets might be had in both fabric and leather-based or fake suede (“Eco Alcantara”) and leather-based. Regardless of being an EV, the Ioniq 5 N embraces bodily controls, incorporating two “N” mode quick-select buttons together with a normal drive mode choice toggle and the N Grin Enhance (“NGB”) button.

Beneath the floor, Hyundai did fairly a little bit of fiddling to enhance the Ioniq 5 N’s efficiency and really feel within the palms of an formidable fanatic. The “N Pedal” brake system was additionally programmed to assist support with weight switch, particularly to sharpen up nook entry and the all-wheel drive system incorporates what Hyundai calls “N Torque Distribution” to ensure energy goes the place it must and an digital limited-slip differential helps divvy that as much as the rear wheels as wanted. Hyundai beefed up the Ioniq 5’s steering column and changed the field itself with a performance-oriented unit, which ought to enhance steering response and suggestions. 

Talking of suggestions, Hyundai’s attempting one thing a bit bizarre with the Ioniq 5 N. Its new “e-shift” programming permits the automobile to behave as whether it is geared up with a standard multi-speed transmission. Hyundai programmed it to behave equally to its dual-clutch items, providing eight “gears” and intentionally interrupting torque supply with every “shift” to completely replicate the expertise and faucets into the regenerative braking system to copy engine braking. 

That is paired to a brand new system that Hyundai calls “N Lively Sound,” and you’ve got in all probability already guessed what it does. Along with providing an ICE-based soundtrack to accompany your usually silent electrical motoring, there are two “futuristic” engine sound modes designed to lean into the N’s electrical character. The “Supersonic” sound mode was impressed by fighter jets, Hyundai says. 

Hyundai’s info dump lacked two key particulars: complete vary and pricing. We anticipate to be taught each within the coming months; keep tuned. 

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