We took the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N on the track at Laguna Seca and it’s something special [Video]- looki – Luxury cars

As Hyundai’s N efficiency arm approaches the launch of its first-ever track-friendly EV, we bought the possibility to go to the world-famous Laguna Seca raceway in California to check drive the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N. You’ll want to try the total video evaluate beneath.

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N has lastly arrived

It’s been practically two years since we first realized of an N-brand model of the comparatively new Hyundai IONIIQ 5 EV when it was featured in a teaser video shared by the Korean automaker throughout the international premiere of the IONIQ 6.

As the primary all-electric Hyundai mannequin to adorn the “N” efficiency badge, quite a bit has been main as much as our current take a look at drive, however the particulars Hyundai has shared alongside the way in which have been fairly encouraging.

 First, we noticed footage of a camo’d Hyundai IONIQ 5 run at Nürburgring, adopted by its official public debut in July 2023 throughout the Goodwood Competition of Pace. By November, the efficiency EV mannequin had made its official debut in North America, adopted by shared pricing this previous March earlier than deliveries started.

Whereas first clients await their very own track-capable IONIQ 5 N, Hyundai invited some media out to Monterey, California, to expertise the distinctive EV and its numerous drive parts the place else however Laguna Seca.

Hyundai IONIQ 5 N kicks the door in on EV motorsports

As you’ll see in my first-drive evaluate video beneath, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N is extra than simply an EV that may nook and simulate gear shifts. Its bolstered construction, low profile, and boosted specs in comparison with the usual crossover make the N mannequin the primary true all-electric racing automobile past the 0-60 mph straightaway.

The Hyundai N group was intelligent in primarily using the identical footprint as the unique IONIQ 5 however optimizing it for tight maneuvers and aerodynamics. For instance, the N mannequin is barely longer, wider, and decrease in top than the unique 5, with bigger wheels and wider tires (customized Pirelli P ZEROs).

The 5 N options an built-in drive axle, the identical as within the Elantra N, which was additionally obtainable to drive at Laguna Seca on an autocross course. Hyundai N additionally applied rack-type motor-driven energy steering, which is extra inflexible. Lastly, the suspension structure is exactly the identical because the IONIQ 5, however every part within the new EV variant is solely distinctive to the N variant.

N-Model unique elements enhance the EV’s exterior, from a brand new customized entrance bumper and grille with lively air flaps to wheel arches and a rear spoiler that permits air to circulate extra simply. In true Hyundai vogue, the (speedy) satan is within the little particulars. The IONIQ 5 N includes a distinctive black aluminum badge, a shiny orange racing stripe, and “N” logos all through.

I cherished the refined nod to the racetrack by implementing checkered flags in unassuming spots just like the rear reflectors, door panels, and base frames. If you happen to’ve pushed the unique IONIQ 5, you received’t discover a large veer from its inside within the N-version. Nonetheless, these few adjustments are fairly an improve, particularly from a racing consolation perspective.

The seats are sportier buckets styled with Alcantara, resembling extra of a observe automobile whereas nonetheless providing air con for these whose backs are inclined to sweat after they’re attempting the corkscrew at Laguna Seca for the primary time. The middle console was additionally fully redesigned for operate and extra consolation. By that, we imply it has extra cushioning and padding with fewer shifting elements, so in case your leg retains bumping it throughout scorching laps, it received’t hassle you.

The steering wheel is the centerpiece of the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N’s inside. It supplies a cushty grip and easy accessibility to drive modes and different automobile features, reminiscent of regenerative braking and N e-Shift.

Navigating Laguna Seca within the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N

Earlier than I took to the well-known raceway in California, I bought the possibility to take the 5 N out in streets across the space and get really feel for it… you realize, at common speeds. First impressions have been that it was positively an IONIQ – easy proper, that recognizable EV hum, and glorious i-Pedal regenerative braking.

As soon as I bought out round some curvy roadways, I switched by the 5 N’s drive modes utilizing the brand new steering buttons. That’s after I first skilled the EV’s N Energetic Sound+. I like to recommend testing my preliminary response within the video beneath. This function is wild and by no means one thing I believed I’d like, however I really did.

I did three runs at Laguna Seca within the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, every consisting of a lead lap behind an expert driver (each of which will probably be racing up Pike’s Pike for Hyundai this summer season), adopted by three scorching laps.

Every run, we explored a special drive fashion the IONIQ 5 N needed to supply, together with N Race mode that permits using N Grin Enhance for 10 seconds of most horsepower, and N e-Shift, the place the driving force can manually “shift gears” from the steering wheel – each of that are accompanied by the Energetic Sound+.

I’m admittedly not a lot of an skilled observe driver, so the looming considered racing round Laguna Seca in another person’s shiny automobile had me a bit of anxious, however as a passenger EV that may primarily double as a observe automobile, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N was the proper vessel for me to check drive the well-known observe, and I used to be instantly hooked.

I genuinely felt the rear digital limited-slip differential (e-LSD) and N electronically managed suspension (ECS) elements within the 5 N’s chassis, which helped hold the BEV tremendous sticky round corners whereas nonetheless giving me the liberty to whip that tail finish round if I needed… or a few occasions after I wasn’t attempting to (got here in a bit of scorching on flip six the primary couple runs!)

Whereas I used to be a fan of the simulated engine noises, I didn’t like N e-Shift and turned it off midway by the primary lap. I may see how a extra conventional racing fanatic may have extra enjoyable with this. Nonetheless, as a youthful one who (don’t kill me) has by no means pushed a handbook, I don’t see the necessity to fake such as you’re switching gears, particularly because the automobile simply buzzes at you however doesn’t have a clutch or something. It additionally considerably slows the EV down in that mode, move for me.

By my third run, I had these tires squealing and bought to make use of N Grin Enhance a few occasions on straightaways to essentially really feel the total 641 horsepower of the 5 N. I felt like I used to be in a Quick and Livid race or one thing, hitting my “NOS” button to interrupt somebody’s coronary heart and take their pink slips. I positively would have stored somebody’s Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, that’s for certain.

Specs, pricing, and our video evaluate

Total, I believe the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N is a genuinely excellent automobile. Is it going to be for everybody? Completely not. Most customers will probably be very happy with an SEL or Restricted model of the usual IONIQ 5 and save a bit of money.

Nonetheless, when you come from the racing world and like cornering and observe days, this may be the proper automobile for you. You get all the identical design options because the award-winning IONIQ 5 (albeit considerably decrease vary due to all its energy – 221 miles), but additionally a slew of N-specific add-ons included from each a efficiency and aesthetic stage.

Needless to say that is nonetheless an 800V platform and might recharge 10-80% in simply 18 minutes. I personally like that Hyundai is promoting the IONIQ 5 N as an all-in-one bundle mannequin with the whole lot included. It prices $66,100 earlier than taxes and charges and contains the whole lot talked about above after which some.

At that worth, it’s Hyundai’s costliest model of the IONIQ 5 (about $8,500 greater than the Restricted AWD trim), however that’s nonetheless a fairly cheap worth when you evaluate it to different crossovers in the marketplace – none of which you’ll truly take to a observe and do greater than drag race and possibly some autocross.

I’ve by no means actually had any curiosity in visiting racetracks, not to mention driving on them, however now that there’s a viable BEV possibility that not solely appears to be like cool as hell however also can carry out, I’m digging it. I lastly see what all these combustion followers get so enthusiastic about. I really feel the IONIQ 5 N is a wonderful bridge between each teams of lovers, offering a automobile that each conventional race followers and clear power BEV lovers can get enthusiastic about collectively.

This automobile will certainly have a crowd round it on observe days, and I believe that’s an superior concept for the way forward for electrical motorsports. As promised, right here’s my video evaluate, together with some loud drive footage of the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N at Laguna Seca.