Hyundai has filmed an eight-minute video story about its N subdivision dedicated to the upcoming electric car concepts – the battery-powered RN22e and the hydrogen-cell-based N Vision 74. Both are referred to as ‘labs on wheels’. What interests us more is a cameo by none other than the Ioniq 5 N, the long-anticipated performance variant of the Ioniq 5 shown in action.
The car is draped in Hyundai’s latest test camo consisting of black and white squares and rectangles. We have already seen cars wearing this particular pattern on the streets, and it is both confusing and stylish at the same time. The pixelated look references Pixel headlights, and the whole is a clear nod to the most traditional checkered racing flag. An inscription saying ‘Hyundai N – Never just drive’ is overlaid on the wrap and is not exactly new, either.
Compared to the standard Ioniq 5 model, the hottest version features upsized wheels shod in low-profile tires, larger brakes and an elaborate body kit, among other things. Bucket seats and a sports steering wheel are expected inside along with revised dashboard graphics.
The technical parameters have yet to be announced. The current top spec utilizes a pair of electric motors to hit the asphalt with 325 PS (321 hp / 239 kW) and 605 Nm (446 lb-ft) of torque. It needs slightly under five seconds to reach 100 km/h (62 mph) from standing still. Its technical Kia twin – the EV6 – benefits from a high-end GT spec rated at 589 PS (581 hp / 433 kW) and 740 Nm (546 lb-ft) of torque. It also takes advantage of an electronic LSD and a number of other driver-friendly mods. It snaps from standstill to highway speed in 3.5 seconds.
Speaking with the media in September, Hyundai N President Albert Biermann said the Ioniq 5 N could potentially get up to 620 PS (612 hp / 456 kW).
The premiere remains scheduled for next year. Chances are good that it will be the first production car to incorporate the technical innovations tested on the RN22e Concept mentioned above.