High-performance Kia EV6 GT sister model flexes its all-wheel drive electric muscles at the Nurburgring
The 2023 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N is ready for its global reveal at next month’s Goodwood Festival of Speed and, to celebrate, its creators have dropped a new teaser video showcasing some of its key racetrack features and capabilities.
Hyundai executives have long said the IONIQ 5 N will be distinguished from its Kia EV6 GT sibling by its racetrack capability and a more focused persona, and that’s exactly what we see in this video shot at the Nürburgring during the first of two 10,000km durability tests in May.
Pummelling around the infamous German road course, we can hear the IONIQ 5 N’s N Active Sound+ and N e-Shift systems working in tandem to deliver an internal combustion-like soundtrack and – hopefully – driving experience.
The active sound system comprises eight internal and two external speakers so both the vehicle occupants and surrounding traffic can hear the first electric N-car’s three (selectable and customisable) distinct sound themes: Ignition, Evolution and Supersonic.
Ignition – the one you can hear in the video – is designed to mimic the sound of Hyundai’s internal combustion racers, while Evolution (previewed in the previous teaser) is described as the “N signature electronic sound” inspired by the N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo Concept and RN22e.
Supersonic, meantime, supposedly simulates the sound a jet fighter to match the performance on hand.
Exact power and performance figures won’t be published until the IONIQ 5 N breaks cover officially on July 13, but we do know it will hit 100km/h in less than four seconds and be good for a top speed of about 260km/h, as per the EV6 GT.
A core pillar of the N Performance brand is ‘racetrack capability’ and that’s why the high-performance crossover has been fitted with enlarged intakes, an enhanced motor oil-cooler, uprated battery chiller, N Battery Preconditioning and N Race systems.
“The battery preconditioning function is split into two modes: Drag mode and Track mode to accompany different performance driving scenarios,” engineers said in a statement.
“In Drag mode, the optimum temperature is set for immediate use of maximum power, while in Track mode, the lowest possible battery temperature is optimised for increased number of laps.”
The N Race function will give drivers direct control over the IONIQ 5 N’s energy usage, with ‘Sprint’ being the default and all about maximum attack, while ‘Endurance’ maximises track range by range limiting sudden power spikes.
Beefy 400mm brake discs will be fitted as standard to help haul the flying electric SUV back up again, but the hydraulic system will supposedly play second fiddle to the regenerative system that’s said to be capable of offering up to 0.6g in decelerative forces.
“For IONIQ 5 N, Hyundai Motor has fused its Electrified-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) with N’s motorsport-bred technologies and expertise to maximise the EV’s high performance capabilities and ensure it meets N’s three pillars of N performance: Corner Rascal, Racetrack Capability and Everyday Sportscar,” N executives said in a statement.
The IONIQ 5 N will be joined at Goodwood by the Hyundai N Vision 74 and the rest of the current N portfolio, all of which will take to the famous hill climb course.
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Keyword: 2023 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N is almost ready