The company isn't keen on hiding features and horsepower behind paywalls, though.
Hyundai Australia's product and future business chief, Andrew Tuitahi, has said the automaker is considering a drift mode subscription package for future Hyundai vehicles.
Tuitahi told CarSales, “When we look at the performance, I think there are some legitimate performance things you could offer in the [Bluelink] app as an update feature. Something like drift mode… makes sense as something you could unlock for a specific purpose that doesn't mean you are just unlocking a bit of hardware you have already paid for.”
The upcoming Ioniq 5 N, which is scheduled to be revealed at the Goodwood Festival of Speed later this month, will arrive with a unique drift mode system to allow owners to pull off smoky and exciting tailslides.
Hyundai
The feature won't be made available to regular combustion-engined vehicles such as the Accent or Elantra, for example, and will be exclusive to EVs. But before you rush out to your local Hyundai dealer to enquire about this, the feature is still two years away. “We've got a lot more research to do,” said Tuitahi.
“We conducted a first phase, and I think what became really clear is that customers don't have a full understanding of what features on demand could mean,” he added.
Several automakers have come under fire in recent months for offering controversial subscription packages. Mercedes-Benz chargers EQ customers $100 a month to unlock a few extra horses, which is shocking considering what these vehicles cost. Why are people being forced to pay more money to unleash the full potential of their $60,000+ EVs?
Hyundai
Hyundai Australia and Tuitahi seem to agree: “Locally, our concern is having a piece of hardware in the car that is disabled by software and requires somebody to pay for it even though they have already paid for the hardware.” Referring to the potential performance update, Tuitahi said, “If you are talking about just unlocking an additional 50 kilowatts, I am not sure.”
These new updates are only possible because of Hyundai's new Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC). This will roll out to more Hyundai Motor Company vehicles as they arrive, including the all-new Kia EV9 electric SUV.
“It's a new infotainment architecture that facilitates the ability to do OTA,” added Tuitahi. These software updates will make the owner's lives a lot easier, updating the car and fixing faults that would previously require a visit to the service department.
Hyundai
Getting back to the Ioniq 5 N, this hardcore EV performance car will truly be unlike anything else. This isn't just a regular Ioniq 5 with some extra power. No, Hyundai has gone the extra mile and developed a unique system to prep the battery for high-speed driving. Aside from that, customers can look forward to the unique N e-Shift, which simulates an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Hyundai wanted to create the sensation of driving an ICE-powered car, so as to not shun traditional performance car drivers. Together with the synthetic exhaust note, this is one EV that will surely appeal to all kinds of drivers.
As for power, Hyundai hasn't shared any specific outputs, but we can expect the Ioniq 5 N to produce between 580 and 620 horsepower. We can't wait to see it arrive later this month and expect it to usher in a new era of exciting electric vehicles.
Hyundai
Keyword: Hyundai Considering Drift Mode Subscription For Future Performance Cars