Hyundai’s N division is just a few years outdated, barely out of diapers in comparison with venerable, in-house efficiency sub-brands similar to Mercedes-Benz’s AMG or BMW’s M. However already in that point, it is outlined itself because the creator of some correctly rowdy, fulfilling machines.
Certainly, once you’re handed the keys to just a little Hyundai dipped in periwinkle blue and trimmed with a crimson orange, you are in for a great time.
However, traditionally, that is additionally meant having to cope with one thing that is extra punishing to drive every day than an on a regular basis Hyundai. For the most recent N, that is not the case. That is the 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, a hotted-up model of Hyundai’s visually sharp, functionally compelling EV with twice the ability and dozens of efficiency upgrades. Better of all, none of these upgrades have compromised this machine’s core attraction.
2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N: Massive upgrades, inside and outside
It begins with energy and Hyundai’s engineers created it with much more than a motor swap. The Ioniq 5 N provides 641 hp and 545 lb-ft of torque from two motors, one up entrance and one on the rear. That is twice the ability of the bottom Ioniq 5, a automobile that is already fast and enjoyable to drive.
We have seen loads of EVs providing large energy numbers and fast acceleration instances that they will solely obtain a couple of times earlier than needing just a little time to chill off. To make sure the Ioniq 5 N is not a one-lap-wonder, Hyundai engineered a brand new, greater battery pack (84 kwh versus the common automobile’s 77 kwh) and added additional cooling, too.
Hyundai N technical advisor Albert Biermann promised the adjustments are sufficient for the Ioniq 5 N to do two full laps of the Nurburgring at pace in Endurance mode earlier than needing to chop energy to handle thermal load. That is about 16 minutes and greater than 28 miles of arduous operating on one of many hardest tracks on the planet, that means your traditional 20-minute trackday session must be potential.
Larger energy means greater brakes, and the Ioniq 5 N has chunky, 4-piston monobloc calipers that clamp 15.7-inch rotors up entrance with single-piston items out again to pinch 14.2-inch calipers. However, extra considerably, the automobile can decelerate at as much as 0.6 g via regeneration alone, that means these brakes ought to survive some severe observe motion.
Extra grip can be required, so you will discover Pirelli P Zero 275/35R21 tires in any respect 4 corners. With extra grip comes extra chassis flex, so Hyundai engineers added structural reinforcement to the entrance and rear subframes, plus extra welding and adhesives all through. An electronically actuated limited-slip rear differential helps put the ability down successfully, and the 5 N has a brand new a suspension that sits 0.8 inch decrease and has greater, adaptive dampers at every nook, providing a wider vary of efficiency between consolation on one finish and sport on the opposite.
All that’s bundled in a physique that carries over all of the bizarre angularity of the bottom Ioniq 5, injected with a good bit of extra visible angst within the type of a giant entrance splitter, a rear wing and diffuser, plus aspect skirts so aggressively pronounced you are assured to bruise a shin at the very least as soon as when climbing into this factor. (I absolutely did.)
Hyundai did not give any figures to outline how these large wings and diffusers have boosted downforce charges at numerous speeds, maybe indicating that aesthetics are the precedence right here. Frankly, I can recognize that. The automobile carries an affordable 0.313 coefficient of drag, not far off from the 0.28 cd of a base Ioniq 5, that means that N hasn’t completely killed the automobile’s aerodynamic finesse.
Total it is a complete improve bundle, way more so than the ability infusion given to the Kia EV6 GT. However the upgrades do not cease there.
2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N: Onerous-coded efficiency
The most important upgrades to the Ioniq 5 N would possibly truly be discovered within the software program. Whereas the automobile provides the identical twin 12.3-inch show setup as the bottom Ioniq 5, with two panels joined on the hip forming each gauge cluster and touchscreen infotainment expertise (together with wi-fi Android Auto and Apple CarPlay), the Ioniq 5 N consists of many customized screens and choices. These not solely assist differentiate this automobile but in addition present countless alternatives for minutiae-loving house owners to go loopy customizing the efficiency of their machines.
Some of the enjoyable settings is a straightforward slider to set torque distribution. Would you like a front-drive machine for some bizarre cause? Simply drag that slider to the left. Are you craving a wild, RWD burnout? Drag that management within the different path and prepare to order your self a brand new set of Pirellis.
You may additionally discover choices for stuff similar to N Pedal, a track-focused, high-regen mode that ostensibly supplies a everlasting trail-braking impact, on prime of all the same old tweakable settings for issues similar to damper stiffness and throttle sharpness.
However essentially the most fascinating choices need to do with the Ioniq 5 N’s faux engine noises and its faux transmission. Sure, an 8-speed DCT lives within the Ioniq 5 N, or a digital one anyway, managed by the paddles on the again of the steering wheel. Allow this setting, and the automobile not solely pipes certainly one of three faux engine noises into the cabin but it surely optionally broadcasts them exterior the automobile, too.
This is not only a trick for rowdy vehicles and low exhibitions. The intent right here is to present drivers on the observe extra reference factors than you’d get in an in any other case silent EV. It’s additionally meant to offer the extra little bit of endorphin rush acquired when operating a high-strung motor via its rev vary. Weirdly, it sort of works.
2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Hyundai Ioniq 5: Trip, dealing with, and dynamics
South Korea is among the many worst locations on the planet to drive a performance-oriented automobile just like the Ioniq 5 N. Sure, it is the birthplace of this machine, however with the frustratingly low pace limits, extremely dense site visitors, and automatic pace cameras all over the place, it isn’t a spot for driving with wild abandon.
Nonetheless, these congested streets and highways have been an excellent place to confirm that Hyundai did not break the stellar Ioniq 5 when affixing that N to the again. Pushed in Eco or Regular modes, the 5 N is almost as candy as an everyday Ioniq. The journey high quality is essentially a bit compromised due to these large, low-profile tires, but it surely’s not too harsh and, in any other case, you’d hardly know the distinction.
In these modes, the paddles act as they do on an everyday Ioniq 5, toggling braking regen from low to excessive. In its highest setting, the Ioniq 5 N’s regen will promptly convey the automobile proper all the way down to a cease. There is not any lack of performance on the freeway, both, because the Ioniq 5 N provides the most recent taste of Freeway Drive Help with energetic lane management, adaptive cruise management, and even assisted lane adjustments.
However, to get a really feel for the efficiency of the Ioniq 5 N, I wanted a closed course. Fortunately, we had one on the Korea Worldwide Circuit. Right here, the Ioniq 5 N was a stunning deal with, regardless of its mass. One factor Hyundai did not do was lighten the 5 N. Actually, it weighs greater than an everyday Ioniq 5, which is available in simply shy of 4,000 kilos in AWD trim. Hyundai did not say simply how heavy the N is, however on the observe, you may positively really feel its heft, particularly within the tighter bends.
As I first obtained in control, the Ioniq 5 N simply saved pushing its nostril via the bends. However, as a substitute of going into terminal understeer, turning the wheel just a little extra and giving extra throttle pulled the nostril proper round. Enabling N Pedal mode for additional regen modified that character considerably, making the Ioniq 5 N really feel surprisingly unfastened on the rear finish. The additional weight placed on the nostril via corners made a world of distinction.
2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
In that mode, I obtained nicely and actually sideways popping out of one of many corners, requiring a giant correction that firmly imprinted an even bigger grin on my face.
As for the faux dual-clutch transmission and engine noises, I confess I did not like all of the three artificial notes, however the presence of that sound did assist me higher gauge my pace going into corners. Likewise, utilizing simulated gears made the brand new observe just a little simpler to parse and supplied reference factors for what gear may very well be achieved within the numerous observe sectors.
I will want much more time to go judgment on any of that since there are such a lot of choices to toggle and sliders to fiddle with. It might be nice to spend extra time sampling the torque distribution and likewise feeling with extra element how the N Pedal mode impacts the automobile’s stability.
I will additionally want extra time to verify whether or not this automobile has the stamina for correct trackday antics. My time within the Ioniq 5 N was restricted to seven, lower than full-throttle laps of a bisected Korea Worldwide Circuit, a couple of mile and half per lap. On the finish of that session, I did not discover any efficiency derating by the automobile to handle temps, however then it wasn’t what I might name most assault.
Hyundai’s Biermannsaid a purpose was so that you can do 20 minutes on the observe, adopted by 20 minutes at a trackside quick charger, adopted by one other 20-minute session with none derating of energy or efficiency. That is a tall order for any EV, and an extended observe day is required to see the way it handles a lot punishment. For now, it feels succesful, however I would like extra proof.
2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N: Wild efficiency at an undisclosed value
The Ioniq 5 N is outstanding as a result of it provides the sort of engagement and enjoyable deserving of its periwinkle hue, but it hasn’t given up a lot of the consolation and practicality of an everyday Ioniq 5. Due to its excessive ranges of configurability, you may quiet it proper down, soften the suspension, and mood the throttle response to create the sleek, calm driving expertise you need in an EV.
It is an excellent and fascinating bundle, but it surely could be a spendy one. Hyundai hasn’t supplied pricing but. Given the Ioniq 5 N carries a lot extra specialised gear than its hot-rod sister, the Kia EV6 GT, I’ve to think about it will are available considerably larger than that automobile’s roughly $63,000 beginning value. Simply how a lot larger stays to be seen.
—by Tim Stevens
Hyundai paid for journey and lodging for Motor Authority to convey you this firsthand report.
