The EV6 GT is Kia’s electric performance hero, but it currently misses out on some clever features debuted on its newer Hyundai Ioniq 5 N cousin. That could soon change.
A facelift for the EV6 was revealed in South Korea earlier this year, but an updated GT wasn’t unveiled. Now, Carscoops reports the updated EV6 GT will receive some of the Ioniq 5 N’s performance tech.
The GT is expected to be revealed this year, and will arrive in Australia a few months after other EV6 models, which are due in the fourth quarter of 2024.
The expected headlining feature will be the integration of Hyundai’s N e-shift, which is designed to give drivers the option to simulate a real dual-clutch automatic transmission from a petrol-powered vehicle and shift between gears using the paddles.
Genesis already offers simulated shifts on its related GV60, but Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 N goes further still with simulated pops and crackles and external speakers to fool passers-by into thinking there’s a turbocharged engine under the bonnet.
Carscoops reports the updated EV6 GT “won’t get all” of the Hyundai’s features, as it’s “intended as more of a GT car” in contrast to the Ioniq 5 N’s rowdy hot hatch approach.
The Ioniq 5 N boasts a dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain producing 448kW of power and 740Nm or torque, with those outputs increased to 478kW and 770Nm with the N Grin Boost function.
The EV6 GT currently produces 430kW and 740Nm from its dual-motor all-wheel drive setup. Carscoops suggests the updated model could upgrade to the same 448kW figure as the Hyundai – just without N Grin Boost mode.
The Ioniq 5 N also features a special drift function (N Drift Optimiser) and N Torque Distribution, which as the name suggests allows you to adjust front and rear torque distribution – for example, you can toggle the car to send 100 per cent of torque to the rear wheels.
It’s unclear how many of the Ioniq 5 N’s unique features could be rolled out to the EV6 GT.
This year’s update to non-GT EV6 models brought with it physical changes including new J-shaped headlights, a revised front bumper, and tweaks to the rear LED strip that incorporates the taillights.
Interior updates include a revised dash to house the single-piece panel for the instrument display and infotainment screen, as well as updated steering wheel designs, a digital rear-view mirror, and an upgraded 12.0-inch head-up display.
Both rear- and all-wheel drive EV6 models receive a larger 84kWh battery pack (up from 77kWh), with a claimed range of up to 494km in Korean testing. The Ioniq 5 N already packs an 84kWh battery as standard.
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