These Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Features Will Get You Enthusiasts Weak In Your Knees

Electric vehicles have undeniably redefined mobility, delivering silent efficiency and eco-conscious transportation. But, for automotive enthusiasts, who live for adrenaline-pumping performance and visceral driving experiences, the landscape has felt somewhat…tame, considering EVs are mostly about 0-60 mph thrills. Enter the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, a groundbreaking machine poised to rewrite the script.

N, Hyundai’s performance-focused sub-brand, has carved its reputation with gasoline-powered rockets like the Veloster N and Kona N. These agile beasts have captured the hearts (and tire treads) of driving purists with their raw power, precision handling, and unbridled driving joy. But the tide is turning, and the electrification revolution is reaching even the racetrack.

The Ioniq 5 N marks a monumental shift for both Hyundai and the automotive industry. It brings the electrifying energy of high-performance EVs to the table, promising to deliver blistering acceleration, razor-sharp agility, and all the heart-pounding thrills petrolheads crave – wrapped in a zero-emissions package.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Hyundai and other reliable sources.

The N e-Shift Redefines EV Performance

While the sheer power of the Ioniq 5 N’s dual-motor setup might steal the headlines, the innovative N e-Shift transmission deserves its own spotlight. Unlike the typical single-speed transmissions found in most EVs, the N e-Shift introduces a multi-speed gear feel, catering to the desires of performance enthusiasts accustomed to the thrill of gear changes.

This innovative system utilizes a two-speed gearbox paired with the electric motors. The first gear provides electrifying off-the-line acceleration. As your speed builds, the transmission seamlessly shifts to the second gear, optimizing power delivery for higher speeds and sustained performance. But the N e-Shift goes beyond mere gear simulation. It actively enhances driver engagement through:

• Paddle shifters: These paddles mimic the feel of a traditional gear shifter, allowing for manual gear changes and a more connected driving experience.
• N e-Shift Crunch: For those who miss the satisfying “clunk” of a gear change, the N e-Shift offers a subtle but audible feedback, replicating the sensation of shifting gears and further blurring the lines between electric and gasoline-powered performance.
• N Grin Shift: This temporary power boost feature unlocks the full potential of the Ioniq 5 N’s 641 horsepower (with N Grin Boost) for 20 seconds, adding an extra layer of adrenaline-pumping excitement to your drive.

However, the N e-Shift isn’t just about replicating the past. It also leverages the unique advantages of electric motors:

• Faster shifts: The electronic nature of the N e-Shift allows for lightning-fast gear changes, eliminating the lag and power loss often associated with traditional transmissions.
• Smoother acceleration: The multi-speed setup provides a more progressive power delivery compared to single-speed EVs, resulting in a smoother and more refined driving experience, especially at low speeds.
• Enhanced efficiency: While not its primary focus, the N e-Shift can potentially optimize motor performance in certain driving situations, potentially contributing to improved efficiency under specific conditions.

Ioniq 5 N Performance Specs

(Specs sourced from Hyundai)

Auditory Alchemy For The Electric Age

While the Ioniq 5 N’s performance figures and aggressive styling are sure to turn heads, Hyundai’s engineers haven’t neglected the aural experience. Enter N Active Sound+, gone are the days of silent electric commutes. The system injects the Ioniq 5 N with a dynamic soundscape, catering to both enthusiasts yearning for auditory feedback and those seeking a futuristic soundtrack to their journeys. This system isn’t simply a speaker upgrade; it’s an orchestra conductor, weaving together a tapestry of sounds that evolve with your driving.

From Familiar Purr To Fighter Jet Thrill

Three distinct sound themes – Ignition, Evolution, and Supersonic – offer a personalized sonic palette. Ignition evokes the familiar purr of a high-performance gasoline engine, providing a nostalgic connection for those transitioning to electric. Evolution unleashes a more futuristic symphony, amplifying the car’s power delivery with throbs and whirs that rise and fall in sync with acceleration. Supersonic, inspired by fighter jets, takes the experience to another level, with the volume dynamically adjusting based on cornering forces, creating a truly immersive sensation of speed.

But N Active Sound+ isn’t just about mimicking combustion engines. It also serves a practical purpose. The system provides audible cues for acceleration, deceleration, and even regeneration, enhancing driver awareness and vehicle control. This auditory feedback loop fosters a deeper connection between driver and car, potentially leading to smoother and more precise driving.

The N Power Sense Axle System Puts Precision And Agility At The Forefront

For driving enthusiasts, steering feel and cornering prowess are paramount, and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N doesn’t disappoint in this department. Its secret weapon lies in the innovative N Power Sense Axle, a specially designed front axle that elevates handling to a whole new level.

• Enhanced Stiffness, Reduced Mass: The N Power Sense Axle boasts a stiffer structure compared to the standard Ioniq 5. This rigidity translates to sharper turn-in, minimizing unwanted flex and body roll during spirited driving.
• Power Transfer Perfected: The axle’s rigidity also plays a crucial role in power delivery. By minimizing flex, it ensures that engine power translates directly to the wheels, resulting in more immediate acceleration and sharper throttle response. This translates to a thrilling feeling of connectedness between the driver, the car, and the road.
• Beyond The Hardware: The N Power Sense Axle isn’t just about brute strength. It’s integrated with the Ioniq 5 N’s Electronic Control Suspension (ECS). This system continuously adjusts the dampers in real time, optimizing ride quality and handling based on driving conditions. Whether navigating city streets or pushing the limits on a twisty backroad, the ECS ensures the N Power Sense Axle delivers its best performance.

Redefining Agility With The e-Corner System

The Hyundai Mobis Ioniq 5 N prototype featured at CES 2024 isn’t just about speed and aesthetics; it’s about redefining what’s possible in electric vehicle agility. At the heart of this transformation lies the revolutionary e-Corner System, a technological marvel that grants the vehicle unparalleled maneuverability. The e-Corner System empowers each wheel with independent control, unlocking a repertoire of movements unseen on the road before.

Sideways “crab walks” become effortless, navigating tight parking spaces a breeze. Diagonal driving allows for sharper turns, while the ability to pivot on the spot eliminates the need for multi-point maneuvers. But the e-Corner System isn’t just about flashy tricks. It’s a meticulously engineered masterpiece that seamlessly integrates several key technologies:

• In-Wheel Motors: Replacing the single large motor found in most EVs, four smaller motors reside within each wheel. This empowers independent power generation for each wheel, the foundation for the system’s remarkable agility.
• Integrated Functions: Braking, steering, and suspension functions are all elegantly combined within the wheel hub, orchestrated by Mobis’ advanced control technology. This not only simplifies the overall design but also optimizes performance by minimizing lag and maximizing responsiveness.

The Mobis Extends Beyond Agility

• Strategic Lidar Placement: Three strategically positioned LiDAR sensors – two short-range near the headlights and one long-range at the front – provide comprehensive object recognition, particularly crucial during the system’s unique maneuvering capabilities.
• Exterior Lighting: Mobis’ innovative “Exterior Lighting” lamp utilizes LED displays to communicate vital information, especially for pedestrian safety.
• Ground Projection: This feature projects the vehicle’s intended path onto the ground using a 360-degree spectrum of lights.

While the Hyundai Mobis Ioniq 5 N prototype remains just that – a prototype – the e-Corner System represents a transformative leap in electric vehicle technology. Its potential to redefine agility, improve safety, and enhance the driving experience is undeniable.