Shhh! Hyundai's Electric Stallion Breaks Cover Early: The Ioniq 5 N Unmasked!
It seems the folks at Hyundai have been harboring a secret. A well-guarded, electrifying secret at that. It was so titillating that somebody at Hyundai's Australian outpost simply couldn't hold their excitement and let the secret out. The result? Our first good look at the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, even before its grand debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this Thursday.
What makes the Ioniq 5 N so exciting? Let's begin with its dashing outer shell, dressed in a catchy Performance Blue, paying homage to its gas-guzzling ancestors. It's spiced up with a hint of red accents, which run across its 21-inch dual-tone wheels, wrapped snugly in 275/35 ZR21 tires. This isn't just a sneaky nod to its fiery past, but a declaration of its thrilling future. This isn't your run-of-the-mill, tree-hugging EV – it's a bona fide racetrack rascal.
When we say bona fide, we mean it. The 5 N boasts a broader body, further accentuated by extra air intakes, glossy black side mirror caps, a substantial roof spoiler, and vented rear fenders. And the barely-there ground clearance? That screams 'agile' louder than a bratty toddler at a toy store. Throw in a bashful rear diffuser and some venting reminiscent of a boomerang, and you have a sure-fire conversation starter at your next car meet.
Inside the beast, the 5 N greets you with a digital speedometer that seems more than eager to reach 186 mph (300 km/h). This isn't hyperbole – it's a challenge. The N-themed infotainment system isn't just for playing your favorite tunes, either. It comes loaded with some intriguing features like the N Drift Optimizer, N Pedal, and N Race. Add to that, the N Torque Distribution with a rear-biased setup, and you have a wild card that not many can match.
This stallion's gear is as impressive as its prowess. The steering wheel comes adorned with an N badge and button, replacing the humdrum Pixel dots. A checkered flag pattern adds flair to the pedals and side sills. And the seats? Oh, those are full-fledged racing buckets with a provision for a 3-point harness. Yes, in a production car that you can drive your family around in!
As for what fuels this beast, that remains the ace up Hyundai's sleeve. But if we were to play Sherlock, a twin-motor, all-wheel-drive setup giving out around 600 hp seems plausible. Factor in a high-density battery pack, and some magical tech to keep things chill while hot-lapping Nurburgring, and you're looking at an electric sensation.
Hyundai's Ioniq 5 N is more than just an EV. It's a statement, a gauntlet thrown at the feet of the old guard. "Who said electric couldn't be exhilarating?" it seems to ask. If you can overlook the artificial engine sounds and unnecessary pretend gearbox, it's poised to be a true blue track titan.
