Hyundai’s N division is only some years previous, barely out of diapers in comparison with venerable, in-house efficiency sub-brands akin 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, gratifying machines. 

Certainly, once you’re handed the keys to a little bit Hyundai dipped in periwinkle blue and trimmed with a crimson orange, you are in for time.

However, traditionally, that is additionally meant having to take care of one thing that is extra punishing to drive every day than an on a regular basis Hyundai. For the newest 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 facility and dozens of efficiency upgrades. Better of all, none of these upgrades have compromised this machine’s core enchantment.

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 affords 641 hp and 545 lb-ft of torque from two motors, one up entrance and one on the rear. That is twice the facility of the bottom Ioniq 5, a automotive that is already fast and enjoyable to drive.

We have seen loads of EVs providing large energy numbers and fast acceleration occasions that they’ll solely obtain a couple of times earlier than needing a little bit 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 automotive’s 77 kwh) and added further 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 laborious working on one of many hardest tracks on the earth, which means your standard 20-minute trackday session needs to 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 automotive can decelerate at as much as 0.6 g by way of regeneration alone, which means these brakes ought to survive some severe observe motion.

Extra grip can also be required, so you may 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 further welding and adhesives all through. An electronically actuated limited-slip rear differential helps put the facility 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 further visible angst within the type of an enormous 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 certainly 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 respect that. The automotive carries an affordable 0.313 coefficient of drag, not far off from the 0.28 cd of a base Ioniq 5, which means that N hasn’t completely killed the automotive’s aerodynamic finesse.

General it is a complete improve bundle, far more so than the facility infusion given to the Kia EV6 GT. However the upgrades do not cease there.

2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N: Exhausting-coded efficiency

The largest upgrades to the Ioniq 5 N may truly be discovered within the software program. Whereas the automotive affords 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 contains many customized screens and choices. These not solely assist differentiate this automotive but additionally present countless alternatives for minutiae-loving homeowners to go loopy customizing the efficiency of their machines.

Probably the most enjoyable settings is an easy slider to set torque distribution. Would you like a front-drive machine for some bizarre motive? Simply drag that slider to the left. Are you craving a wild, RWD burnout? Drag that management within the different course and prepare to order your self a brand new set of Pirellis. 

You will additionally discover choices for stuff akin to N Pedal, a track-focused, high-regen mode that ostensibly gives a everlasting trail-braking impact, on prime of all the standard tweakable settings for issues akin to damper stiffness and throttle sharpness.

However essentially the most attention-grabbing 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 automotive not solely pipes considered one of three faux engine noises into the cabin nevertheless it optionally broadcasts them outdoors the automotive, too. 

This is not only a trick for rowdy automobiles and occasional exhibitions. The intent right here is to provide drivers on the observe extra reference factors than you’d get in an in any other case silent EV. It’s additionally meant to supply the extra little bit of endorphin rush obtained when working a high-strung motor by way of its rev vary. Weirdly, it sort of works.

2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

Hyundai Ioniq 5: Experience, dealing with, and dynamics

South Korea is among the many worst locations on the planet to drive a performance-oriented automotive 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 in all places, it is not a spot for driving with wild abandon. 

Nonetheless, these congested streets and highways have been a terrific 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 a daily Ioniq. The trip high quality is essentially a bit compromised because of these large, low-profile tires, nevertheless it’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 a common Ioniq 5, toggling braking regen from low to excessive. In its highest setting, the Ioniq 5 N’s regen will promptly deliver the automotive proper right down to a cease. There is not any lack of performance on the freeway, both, because the Ioniq 5 N affords the newest taste of Freeway Drive Help with lively 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 shocking deal with, regardless of its mass. One factor Hyundai did not do was lighten the 5 N. In truth, it weighs greater than a daily 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 undoubtedly really feel its heft, particularly within the tighter bends.

As I first acquired on top of things, the Ioniq 5 N simply stored pushing its nostril by way of the bends. However, as an alternative of going into terminal understeer, turning the wheel a little bit extra and giving extra throttle pulled the nostril proper round. Enabling N Pedal mode for further regen modified that character considerably, making the Ioniq 5 N really feel surprisingly free on the rear finish. The additional weight placed on the nostril by way of corners made a world of distinction.

2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

In that mode, I acquired properly and actually sideways popping out of one of many corners, requiring an enormous 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 a little bit simpler to parse and supplied reference factors for what gear could possibly 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 would be nice to spend extra time sampling the torque distribution and in addition feeling with extra element how the N Pedal mode impacts the automotive’s steadiness. 

I will additionally want extra time to verify whether or not this automotive 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 automotive 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 might like extra proof.

2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N: Wild efficiency at an undisclosed worth

The Ioniq 5 N is exceptional as a result of it affords 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 a common 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 a terrific and fascinating bundle, nevertheless it 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’s going to are available in considerably increased than that automotive’s roughly $63,000 beginning worth. Simply how a lot increased stays to be seen.

—by Tim Stevens

Hyundai paid for journey and lodging for Motor Authority to deliver you this firsthand report.