Pre-production examples of the upcoming Hyundai Ioniq 5 N have been spied at the Nürburgring as the release of the hot electric crossover nears.
Hyundai confirmed earlier this year the Ioniq 5 N is due in 2023.
The latest spy photos show an Ioniq 5 N in grey, rather than the N division’s signature Performance Blue as seen on past prototypes.
The Ioniq 5 N features a deeper and more aggressive front spoiler, while down back there’s a large roof spoiler and what appears to be a rear diffuser.
It also appears to have a wider track and wider fenders, as well as unique wheels and a lower ride height, though the headlights and tail lights appear unchanged.
While our photographers weren’t able to capture the interior, we expect cosmetic changes there, too, like sports seats and unique trim.
It’s unconfirmed what will power the Ioniq 5 N, but it could offer as much or more performance than the Kia EV6 GT while having more of a focus on track performance.
The Kia’s dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain produces 430kW of power and 740Nm of torque. Kia claims the EV6 GT can do the 0-100km/h sprint in just 3.5 seconds.
Currently, the most powerful Ioniq 5 pumps out 225kW and 605Nm.
Kia recently detailed the raft of changes it made to the EV6 to make the hot GT, which has also been put through its paces by the Kia Australia team and received final-stage local tuning.
Due here in the first quarter of 2023, the EV6 GT – which could wear a price around the $100,000 mark – features retuned suspension, upgraded cooling and a unique variable gear ratio steering system.
It also features an electronic limited-slip differential and Electronic Control Suspension with semi-active high-performance dampers unique to the GT.
While we expect the Ioniq 5 N to receive numerous tweaks under the skin, it remains to be seen whether Hyundai’s Australian engineers will make any tweaks of their own.
The regular Ioniq 5 didn’t receive any local ride and handling tuning.
The still-fresh crossover is receiving an update for 2023 which will bring retuned ride and handling, with Hyundai citing wheel control, bump absorption and body control as being the key focuses for its engineers.
With the updated Ioniq 5, Hyundai promises a ‘perfect’ blend of ride comfort and engaging dynamics “no matter the road or road surface”.
RN22e concept
Hyundai executives have previously said N vehicles can employ any number of drivetrains, so long as they follow three principles: they must be a “corner rascal”, an “everyday sports car”, and have track capability.
The Ioniq 5 N will join Hyundai’s range of petrol-powered N cars, which currently comprise the i20 N, i30 N, i30 Sedan N and Kona N.
It could be followed by an N version of the recently revealed Ioniq 6, which was previewed recently with the RN22e concept.
