The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has drawn comparisons to the Lancia Delta hatchback of the 1980s and 1990s ever since its launch, and now a German firm has brought the two closer together.
It’s called the Vanwall Vandervell, and while it may look like a modern Delta Integrale, underneath you’ll find all the best bits from the Hyundai Ioniq 5 – even if the brand makes no reference to the electric SUV.
Made by the new road car division of racing team Bykolles – and using the name of a 1950s Formula 1 team – the Vandervell is essentially an Ioniq 5 in new-look, carbon-fibre bodywork, claimed to give “unprecedented weight optimisation in this vehicle category”.
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Three variants of the Vandervell are offered, all with all-wheel drive.
The Vandervell H-GT offers the same powertrain as the Ioniq 5 Extended Range AWD in Australia, which means 239kW and 605Nm from dual electric motors.
Stepping up to the N-GT brings the underpinnings of the Ioniq 5 N, with outputs of 478kW and 770Nm, enough to launch the Hyundai version from 0-100km/h in 3.4 seconds.
A flagship Vandervell N-GT ‘Thin Wall Special’ takes the top-spec powertrain and brings a kerb weight of less than 2000kg, representing a circa-230kg weight saving on Hyundai’s flagship.
According to Vanwall, each variant is fitted with 22-inch wheels, and the interior features Connolly leather and velour upholstery.
N-GT Thin Wall Special
While Vanwall uploaded a spec sheet for customers of the Vandervell, it’s worth noting that this appears to have been released when the electric vehicle (EV) was announced in 2023, as it references the ‘S’ and ‘S Plus’ variants which haven’t eventuated.
At the time, it said the Vandervell S – with identical specs to the H-GT – would start from €128,000 ($214,550) before taxes, significantly more than the Ioniq 5 N’s €74,900 ($125,550) list price in Germany.
It’s yet to announce plans to build it in right-hand drive, despite Vanwall originally starting as a British Formula 1 team, founded by Tony Vandervell.
Thankfully, you can buy an Ioniq 5 N in Australia, priced from $110,383 before on-road costs. It featured heavily in CarExpert’s first drag race series last year, where it was put to the test against Ferraris, Lamborghinis and McLarens.
Ioniq 5 N 
Lancia’s hot hatch
