Hyundai’s first electric N car is edging closer to production.
Prototypes of the hot Hyundai Ioniq 5 N may still be wearing camouflage, but they now wear production bodywork.
Hyundai confirmed last month the hotter version of its electric hatchback/SUV is due in 2023.
These latest spy photos show the Ioniq 5 N features a deeper and more aggressive front spoiler, while down back there’s a large roof spoiler and what appears to be a rear diffuser.
The Ioniq 5 N also appears to have a wider track and wider fenders, as well as unique wheels and a lower ride height.
While our photographers weren’t able to capture the interior, we expect cosmetic changes there, too, like sports seats and unique trim.
It’s unconfirmed what will power the Ioniq 5 N, but it could employ the high-performance powertrain used in the Kia EV6 GT.
The dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain produces 430kW of power and 740Nm of torque. Kia claims the EV6 GT can do the 0-100km/h sprint in just 3.5 seconds.
Currently, the most powerful Ioniq 5 pumps out 225kW and 605Nm.
It’s unclear if the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N will offer more pace than the EV6 GT, though there may be more of a focus on track performance.
Kia recently detailed the raft of changes it made to the EV6 to make the hot GT, which has also been put through its paces by the Kia Australia team and received final-stage local tuning.
It remains to be seen whether Hyundai’s local engineers will tweak the Ioniq 5 N. The regular Ioniq 5 didn’t receive any local ride and handling tuning.
Due here in the fourth quarter of 2022, the EV6 GT – which could wear a price around the $100,000 mark – features retuned suspension, upgraded cooling and a unique variable gear ratio steering system.
It also features an electronic limited-slip differential and Electronic Control Suspension with semi-active high-performance dampers unique to the GT.
RN22e concept
Hyundai executives have previously said N vehicles can employ any number of drivetrains, so long as they follow three principles: they must be a “corner rascal”, an “everyday sports car”, and have track capability.
The Ioniq 5 N will join Hyundai’s range of petrol-powered N cars, which currently comprise the i20 N, i30 N, i30 Sedan N and Kona N.
It could be followed by an N version of the recently revealed Ioniq 6, which was previewed last month as the RN22e concept.
