The N Division of Hyundai is alive and well. For the upcoming 2023 model year, we will see a performance-oriented Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.
All the excitement surrounding a pair of new N-brand performance concepts that hit the track overshadowed the announcement that the Ioniq 5 would receive some performance touches. The 2023 model year just got a little more exciting now that we know an electric performance crossover SUV is coming from one of our favorite South Korean brands. Get ready for some serious power and fun in this Hyundai EV.
We Thought Hyundai Might have Forgotten the N
It’s been a while since we’ve seen a new N model come out of the Hyundai brand. In fact, one of the favorites from this division, the Veloster N, is no longer in production, which made us think the performance division might be done. Thankfully, that’s not the case. Strangely, we didn’t see a concept model to preview the Ioniq 5 in any performance garb hit the track. We’ve seen the RN22e, which foreshadows an Ioniq 6 N, but the announcement of a performance SUV is certainly welcome news in the auto world.
Could the RN22e Offer the Power for the Ioniq 5?
There’s truly no reason we can’t conclude that the RN22e will be the concept car that offers an influence on both of the Ioniq EV models. The new Ioniq 6, scheduled for the 2024 model year, uses the same powertrains as the Ioniq 5. Based on that information, we should draw the conclusion that the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N will use the same power system as the upcoming performance version of the Ioniq 6. This could mean some serious power from the N Division.
How Much Power is Serious Power?
The RN22e hit the track offering 576 horsepower and 546 lb-ft of torque from the electric motors. Considering the best the Ioniq pair can achieve is 321 ponies, this is a dramatic increase in power. We don’t expect Hyundai to deliver the N model with this level of power, but it certainly would be nice. That said, it’s not a stretch to think that we might see 500 horsepower in the compact electric SUV when the N badge is attached to it. If that’s the case, the sprint time to 60 mph for the Ioniq 5 N could be less than four seconds, making it incredibly fast and fun.
Upgraded Everything to Make a Performance Car
More power requires more of everything in a performance car. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N will require more cooling to ensure the battery and motors don’t overheat. We should be able to drive this car hard, and the power gives this new car plenty of speed and performance. There could be body upgrades that might take on influences from the Veloster N, Elantra N, or Kona N. This might mean large front splitters, rear diffusers, and rear wings.
A new N Drift mode is being developed for the Hyundai EVs. This is already in the works for the upcoming Ioniq 5 N; giving this SUV most of the power in the rear for the power slides that will be a lot of fun. This would give the Ioniq 5 N a lot more pleasure for drivers that understand how to drift. The AWD model favors the rear motor already, but this change could truly allow this SUV to show off and become an online video sensation as new owners take to the track to show off their drifting skills.
Can the Ioniq 5 N Deliver Real Track Performance?
We’ve checked off the power box and the features that will make this power viable. We’ve talked about the drift mode, but will there be enough handling upgrades to make it possible to turn some fast laps? We expect this new Hyundai Ioniq 5 N to follow what other N cars have offered. This means handling upgrades, including adjustable dampers, stiffer springs, and a limited-slip differential for the rear axle. To harness the power increases, this car will need larger brakes. The RN22e concept uses 15.7-inch front brakes and four-piston calipers, which could make their way to the new SUV.
Lots of Room to Show Off for Your Friends
If you choose to drive this new performance version of the Ioniq 5, you’ll have room to take a few friends along. If you recall, the Ioniq 5 delivers a wheelbase that’s longer than the three-row Palisade. This means you’ve got room for some friends to ride along in comfort and style until you hit the gas and start tossing them around on the road. That’s certainly going to be a great time and something you’ll talk about for days after you’ve taken your companions for a wild ride.
Charge Everything Fast with the Ioniq 5
One of the greatest benefits of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is the ability to charge other devices and charge up quickly. This should translate to the new Ioniq 5 N as well. The Vehicle to Load charging system turns this SUV into a power generator for other EVs, laptops, or any other electric device. If you’re running out of battery power, this SUV can charge from 10 to 80 percent in only 18 minutes. That means you’ll be back on the track or on the road and have more fun from behind the wheel of this electric SUV.
When Will the New Ioniq 5 N Arrive?
Right now, there isn’t a date for this performance-oriented electric SUV, but it is expected sometime in 2023. We hope that means we’ll see it during the 2023 model year and not late next year. The added performance, features, and fun offered in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N make us excited to see what this vehicle can do. Possibly, Hyundai will take it to Nürburgring before it hits the market so we can have something even more fun to talk about when it arrives.
Are you waiting for the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N? Your wait might not be too much longer, and then this performance SUV can be yours to drive.
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