Hyundai has unveiled the high-performance version of its Ioniq 5 electric model at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The launch of the new electric Ioniq 5 N is expected in the second quarter of 2024.

The basic concept of the Ioniq 5 N and the Kia EV6 GT is the same: both E-GMP models rely on a two-motor all-wheel drive and an 800-volt battery. For the rear electric motor, both vehicles rely on a two-stage inverter with increased energy efficiency coming from the SiC semiconductors sourced from Onsemi.

650 hp with boost function

While the EV6 GT comes to 430 kW of power, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N offers 448 kW of system power, and with ‘N Grin Boost’ activated, the maximum power rises to 478 kW. A new battery with a capacity of 84 kWh is installed for the energy supply.

An optimized battery thermal management system is based on an enlarged cooling surface. Hyundai will only announce the range of the Ioniq 5 N with the market launch. The top speed is 260 kph, and acceleration from 0 to 100 kph takes 3,4 seconds in boost mode.

It’s unclear whether the difference to the previous 77,4 kWh battery is achieved by additional modules or by modified cell chemistry with higher energy density. Charging performance and duration do not deviate from the normal model’s 18-minute charging time at a DC charger up to 350 kW.

Thermal management is key

Hyundai goes into detail about the further developed thermal management, which is based on an enlarged cooling surface and is supposed to ‘significantly improve’ the engine and battery cooling. “The Ioniq 5 N is particularly resistant to heat-induced loss of power,” the South Korean company writes.

For the performance model, there is a special feature in thermal management: before driving, the driver can use battery preconditioning to bring the battery cells to the most energy-efficient state. He can choose between the ‘Drag’ mode for a short full-load drive and the “Track” mode, which optimizes the lowest possible battery temperature for several laps.

In addition, the ‘N Race’ function is intended to give the driver “more direct control over the vehicle’s energy consumption”. There is a choice between ‘Endurance’ and ‘Sprint’ in the software. ‘Endurance’ maximizes the range on the race track. According to Hyundai, this is achieved by limiting peak power, which results in a slower temperature rise. ‘Sprint’ focuses fully on performance and delivers maximized energy boosts.

Regenerative braking optimized

Energy recuperation while decelerating has also been newly developed. With Hyundai N’s system, deceleration of up to 0,6g is possible, “an industry-leading value,” according to the announcement. With ABS activated, the vehicle can still decelerate electrically with 0,2g.

Despite the improved recuperation, the brakes have also been upgraded: the Ioniq 5 N has 400mm front discs with four-piston monobloc calipers and 360mm rear discs with a single caliper.

Compared to the standard model, the Ioniq 5 N is 20 mm lower, 50 mm wider, and 80 mm longer. Other changes to the body are related to rigidity; this has been increased with 42 additional weld points and 2,1 meters of additional bonded parts.

The engine and battery mounts have been strengthened, while the front and rear subframes provide increased lateral rigidity. The steering column has also been reinforced.

Simulating ‘old habits’

There are also all sorts of other software features, from an ‘N Drift Optimizer’ that helps maintain the drift angle. to ‘Track SoC’, which automatically calculates and displays the battery consumption per lap on a race track.

‘N Launch Control’ offers three different traction levels for the fastest possible launch. And then there are the rather controversial features ‘N e-shift’ and ‘N Active Sound+’.

‘N e-shift’ simulates “a gearshift by controlling motor torque output and simulates the jolting feeling between shifts”. According to Hyundai, ‘N Active Sound+’ “delivers not only a futuristic electric sound inside and out but also combustion engine-like engine and exhaust sounds that make for an engaging experience behind the wheel”.

“Together, they enhance the fun and joy of driving by simulating the jolt feel and sound of an ICE vehicle,” the official press release boasts proudly.

When the market launch will take place and at what prices is not yet revealed. According to some sources, the market launch of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N in Europe is planned for the end of the first or the beginning of the second quarter of 2024.