The Los Angeles Auto Show (AutoMobility LA) will open its doors to the public this year from November 17 to 26, 2023: on this occasion, Hyundai will present to the American public Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, its new 100% electric sport utility vehicle. With 650 horsepower, it’s easy the most powerful model never produced by a Korean manufacturer!

“Hyundai N is a key engine for the expansion of advanced technologies at Hyundai”Jose Muñoz, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor North America, said on the occasion: “The N brand’s technology and motorsport success prove Hyundai’s ability to push the boundaries of automotive performance, and the Ioniq 5 N is a bold step forward in electrified performance. We are confident that existing Hyundai customers and new buyers will be impressed by the exceptional performance and technology of our new Ioniq 5 N.”

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N: the first electric model in the N line

Hyundai has been developing its division for several years “NO” (By Nurburgring), dedicated to sports cars, competitive or serial. There is a range of supercharged models such as the i20 N, i30 N, Kona N, Veloster N and Elantra N, and the brand competes in motor racing, including the WRC, TCR or the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. For the first time, a 100% electric model joins the N: the line Hyundai Ioniq 5 Nbased on the E-GMP platform, and the Korean firm is already announcing other electric models under the N brand.

Technically, at the front we find a 100% electric motor with a capacity of 166 kW (226 hp) and at the rear a second motor with a capacity of 282 kW (384 hp) for a total of 448 kW (609 hp). You’ll then need to activate the N Grin Boost mode to release an extra 30kW (9kW at the front and 21kW at the rear) to reach 478kW (650 horsepower) of maximum power and 770 Nm of torque. It is enough to swallow Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in about 3.3 secondsand all for an electronically limited maximum speed of 260 km/h.

The car also has a Battery 84 kWh, which allows you to charge it from 10 to 80% in 18 minutes thanks to the 800 V architecture, compatible with ultra-fast charging of up to 350 kW. However, the autonomy figures have not yet been confirmed. The model is compatible with V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) technology, which allows you to use battery energy to power or recharge electrical devices.

Driving modes that give free rein to sportiness

The standard Hyundai Ioniq 5 has received numerous improvements to reveal its sportiness: the structure was strengthened, engine and battery support has been strengthened, and the front and rear subframes have been improved to provide greater lateral stiffness. The integrated drive axles have also been strengthened to handle the greater torque of the electric motor, and weight has been reduced thanks to 21-inch forged wheels.

On the technical side, the power steering has been optimized to offer more direct and communicative driving, while “N Drift Optimizer” function. combined with electronic drift control technology allows the vehicle to slide while maintaining control. The “N Torque Distribution” system allows optimal distribution of torque to the front and rear according to 11 levels of settings adjusted by the driver, and the electronic differential of increased friction, located on the rear axle, helps to optimize dynamic characteristics during turns.

In addition, the “N Race” function allows you to optimize the endurance of the car on the track, more precisely controlling the consumption of electricity: you can choose between driving modes “Endurance” or “Sprint” to optimize autonomy or performance as desired. The braking system has been optimized for sports use, while the “N Brake Regen” function is regenerative braking optimized for sports use that offers up to 0.6 g of braking force.

Finally, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is also promisingthermal sports car driving experiencethanks to two techniques: the “N e-shift” function simulates the gear changes of the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) of the hot N models, modulating the engine’s torque, while the “N Active Sound+” system brings a artificial engine sound, thanks to 8 internal and 2 external speakers. Three sound modes are available: “Ignition” (a 4-cylinder thermal engine), “Evolution” (a high-performance sound inspired by the RN22e prototype), and even a “Supersonic” mode (a sound inspired by a twin-engine fighter jet)!

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is planned to enter the market spring 2024, at prices to be announced later. In the meantime, it can be found at the Hyundai stand at Los Angeles living room (AutoMobility LA), which will open its doors to the public from November 17 to 26, 2023.

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