Hyundai’s high-performance N Division has confirmed production of the Ioniq 5 N, its first all-electric performance road car based on Auto Express’s Car of the Year for 2021 and the World Car of the Year 2022.
At the same time as announcing the new hot hatchback, Hyundai has also revealed two ‘rolling laboratory’ concepts: the RN22e, based on the new Ioniq 6 saloon, and the N Vision 74, a retro-inspired hydrogen fuel cell-powered concept.
Full details of the new Ioniq 5 N aren’t expected for a while, although Hyundai has confirmed that the car will be on sale in 2023 and that the RN22e concept is playing a role in the development of future electric N models.
It’s expected to be lower and wider than the standard Ioniq 5 for that all-important sporty stance. We also expect the Ioniq 5 N to get a beefier rear spoiler at the top of its tailgate with a diffuser fitted beneath the rear bumper, while extended wheel arches and bigger 21-inch wheels are also likely. At the front, a deep front spoiler will have to include ducts for extra cooling; the battery pack is going to be working harder than usual in high-performance modes.
Inside, the Ioniq 5’s interior is likely to get an N makeover with sportier, but still sustainable, materials used in the cabin, deep sports seats, a thicker steering wheel and revisions to the graphics on the digital instrument cluster. We would also expect some electronic trickery, with different chassis, power and control settings available to drivers.
The powertrain used for the RN22e concept car gives a big hint to what could be on offer in the Ioniq 5 N. The concept uses the same E-GMP platform as the Ioniq 5 N and the same 77.4kWh battery and dual-motor set-up for four-wheel drive that’s also available on the standard 5.
The 569bhp output of the concept, together with its 740Nm of torque, could deliver a 0-62mph time of around 3.5s, if it does indeed carry over to the Ioniq 5 N. It’s a level of performance that would make this one of the most potent production hatchbacks ever built.
The RN22e includes a variety of other technology that could filter through to the Ioniq 5. There is a twin clutch torque vectoring system that is said by Hyundai to provide a ‘corner carving feel’. Weight is an important consideration in electric performance cars and while 3D-printed parts are likely to help shave it off, a set of four-piston monoblock brake calipers and 400mm brake discs should help keep it under control.
The N Sound+ feature on the concept might also make its way to the Ioniq 5 N, it pumps artificial noise into the cabin in a similar way to the e-ASD tech introduced in the new Ioniq 6. Meanwhile, N e-shift, aims to replicate the vibration and feel of a ‘real’ gear change.
The Ioniq 5 N is due to go on sale in 2022 so we expect to see the production car in the near future. It will probably arrive as a hatchback but given the current trend for coupe-SUVs, a racier ‘sportback’ version of the Ioniq 5 bodystyle shouldn’t be ruled out.
Click here to read our in-depth review of the all-electric Ioniq 5…