Summary
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 N debuted as the first electric car under Hyundai’s performance "N" brand
- The car has 601 horsepower, 0-to-60 mph time of 3.25 seconds, EPA-estimated range of 221 miles, and various driving modes
- The challenge of turning an EV into a performance icon is due to the lack of revs, gear shifts, and distinct engine sounds
- Ioniq 5 N uses fake engine noises and simulated shifting to provide a gas car-like driving experience, enhancing its personality
- The main challenge of the car as a track car is the issue of powering it with the current charging infrastructure, but improvements are expected in the future.
Article
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N debuted as the first electric car under Hyundai’s performance “N” brand, offering 601 horsepower, 545 pound-feet of torque, and all-wheel drive. It comes with various driving modes, including a boost mode that increases power to 641 hp for 10 seconds, drift mode, and simulated gas car sounds and shifts. While on paper, the Ioniq 5 N sounds impressive, it faces challenges as an electric performance car due to the relatively new “N” badge and the unique characteristics of electric vehicles.
The Hyundai N brand follows a similar approach to other performance nameplates, making upgrades to existing models to create high-performance variants. However, the transition to electric power presents challenges for creating a high-performance EV. Unlike gas cars, EVs have a different driving experience due to instant torque, linear power bands, and lack of traditional gear shifts and engine revs. This poses a challenge in creating a performance EV with the personality and rowdiness associated with gas-powered vehicles.
The Ioniq 5 N focuses on delivering personality through features like “N Active Sound+” and “N e-shift,” which simulate the sounds and shifts of a gas car using 10 speakers. The combination of simulated engine noise and shifting adds an element of fun and personality to the driving experience, making the Ioniq 5 N feel like an electric vehicle designed by someone who loves gas cars. Despite being an EV, the Ioniq 5 N offers the spunk of a four-cylinder hot hatch combined with over 600 horsepower.
Driving the Ioniq 5 N on track is a unique experience, as the simulated shifting and sounds help drivers adapt to the characteristics of an electric vehicle more easily. EVs present challenges on track due to their silent nature and different weight distribution compared to gas cars. The simulated gas car noises and shifting cues provide valuable reference points for drivers to adjust to the electric car’s dynamics quickly and effectively on the track.
The major obstacle for the Ioniq 5 N as a track car is its range and charging infrastructure. The need for recharging during track sessions requires planning and consideration, as running out of battery power halfway through a track day could limit the driving experience. However, advancements in battery technology and charging infrastructure could address this limitation in the future, making EVs more practical for track driving. The Ioniq 5 N offers a glimpse into a future where electric vehicles combine personality and performance for an enjoyable driving experience on and off the track.
In conclusion, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N exceeds expectations by delivering a thrilling driving experience as an electric hot hatch. Despite initial skepticism about its capabilities, the Ioniq 5 N surprises with its combination of power, personality, and engaging driving dynamics. While it faces challenges as an electric performance car, the Ioniq 5 N showcases the potential for EVs to offer an exciting and enjoyable driving experience, paving the way for a future where electric vehicles can rival gas-powered counterparts on the track and on the road.
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