

2024.09.11 Hyundai Motorsport Team
A year after its launch, the IONIQ 5 N has redefined the paradigm of electric vehicles. It is writing a new chapter in the history of true high-performance EVs, something that no one has achieved before. This success is likely due to Hyundai's extensive experience and know-how in motorsports, which have been embedded into the IONIQ 5 N.
The IONIQ 5 N is a car made for those who love driving. The N brand, having grown with motorsports, is now setting a new direction with the IONIQ 5 N, bringing motorsports into the electric vehicle era. A prime example is the motorsports-specialized models based on the IONIQ 5 N, designed for various categories such as drifting, racing, and time attack.
As the name suggests, the IONIQ 5 N Drift Spec is specially designed for drifting. It has been showcasing impressive drift performances around the world. For instance, at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed, the IONIQ 5 N electrified the atmosphere with its spectacular drift, and at the 2024 Nürburgring 24-Hour Endurance Race, the IONIQ 5 N TA Spec participated in the "Falken Drift Show," demonstrating the dawn of the high-performance electric vehicle era with its powerful drifts among internal combustion engine cars.
Despite its rugged appearance, the IONIQ 5 N Drift Spec has not undergone significant changes from the production version. The modifications were primarily focused on the suspension and the installation of a hydraulic handbrake to facilitate smooth drifting. Additionally, for driver safety, bucket seats and a roll cage were added. The Power Electric (PE) system, motor, and power output remain unchanged from the production model.
Even with these minimal changes, the IONIQ 5 N Drift Spec delivers exceptional drifting performance, showcasing the fundamental strengths of the IONIQ 5 N. With a maximum output of 650 horsepower and freely adjustable front-to-rear power distribution, the production model of the IONIQ 5 N is capable of drifting. It is equipped with specialized driving features such as the "N Drift Optimizer" and "N Torque Distribution (NTD)" to make drifting even easier.
The N Drift Optimizer helps achieve smooth drifts by optimally distributing power between the front and rear wheels. It prioritizes power to the rear motor during cornering to induce oversteer and then appropriately distributes power to the front wheels during exit to ensure quick acceleration. As a result, the IONIQ 5 N delivers impressive drifting performance.
Additionally, the N Torque Distribution system allows the driver to manually distribute power between the front and rear wheels. This can be adjusted via the infotainment system, enabling the driver to experience different driving characteristics depending on whether the car is set up for front-wheel, rear-wheel, or all-wheel drive. This versatility enhances the driving enjoyment with the IONIQ 5 N, offering a dynamic and ever-changing driving experience.
The IONIQ 5 N eN1 Cup Car is a race car designed to maximize circuit performance. Unlike the Drift Spec, it is not intended for road use but is built solely for racing. However, like the Drift Spec, the PE system remains the same as the production model. This allows Hyundai to understand the impact of extreme racing conditions on the vehicle and develop better cars.
The IONIQ 5 N eN1 Cup Car is equipped with race-specific slick tires, low and wide overfenders, and increased wheel tread for enhanced handling. Aerodynamic components like a front lip and rear wing have been added, and unnecessary parts such as seats (except the driver's seat), floor carpets/mats, and other non-essential components have been removed. Lightweight materials like forged wheels and an FRP hood have been used to reduce the car's weight by over 200 kg compared to the production model.
The IONIQ 5 N eN1 Cup Car is currently competing in the newly established eN1 class at this year's Hyundai N Festival. The eN1 class is the first one-make electric vehicle race in South Korea, and it has quickly become known as a "battle of the stars," where the best drivers engage in fierce competition. Here, Kim Kyu-min from DCT Racing and Noh Dong-gi from Kumho SL Motorsports shared their thoughts on the IONIQ 5 N eN1 Cup Car.
Both drivers are known for their bold and challenging racing strategies, so we were curious about their impressions of the IONIQ 5 N eN1 Cup Car. Noh started, "I wasn’t worried about the power output because I've driven high-power race cars before. But after actually driving the IONIQ 5 N eN1 Cup Car, I found it to be agile, fun, and nimble, despite being a big car. The acceleration is also very impressive."
Kim added, "One thing I realized while driving an electric race car is the importance of temperature. Even if the battery or motor temperature gets too high, as long as you cool them down, the car performs just fine. And it’s nice to have air conditioning. The tricky part, though, is brake control. Even though we’re professionals, it’s hard to maintain perfect braking at every corner. Sometimes you need to brake while cornering, and that can be a bit challenging.”
Kim then shared his thoughts: "In the qualifiers, where rankings are determined based on timed laps, I noticed that at a certain point, all the drivers started using the N Grin Boost (NGB) button at around the same time. Pressing the NGB button increases the maximum output by nearly 40 horsepower. It seems that everyone has gotten familiar with the IONIQ 5 N eN1 Cup Car, and the range of strategies has become similar."
Noh added: "As Kim mentioned, I think the ways to drive the IONIQ 5 N eN1 Cup Car quickly are becoming more defined. On a more technical note, I've started actively using the regenerative braking feature. Initially, I didn't use it much, but I've changed my style to use regenerative braking more and more to reduce the load on the brake system."
We asked both drivers what advice they would give to those looking to drive the IONIQ 5 N in a sporty manner. Kim offered, "Until you're fully accustomed to the car, I wouldn't recommend turning off the driving assistance systems. Before I got into racing cars, I drove the IONIQ 5 N, and it's a really fast car. Until you're confident in handling the IONIQ 5 N freely, keep the driving aids on. There's no need to take unnecessary risks before you're ready."
Noh also shared his advice: "I hope people find a safe environment to drive in. The IONIQ 5 N has outstanding acceleration and is a really fun car to drive. I recommend building your driving skills in a safe place like a track. I'm pleased to see that as car culture develops, more people are enjoying sporty driving. I encourage you to explore different driving experiences in the safe and designated space of a track."
The IONIQ 5 N made history this year, not just for Hyundai but for electric vehicles as a whole. At the 2024 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in Colorado, the IONIQ 5 N and IONIQ 5 N TA Spec set new records for production electric SUVs, both in the unmodified and modified categories, surpassing even electric sedans.
The IONIQ 5 N TA Spec, which competed in the modified category, is an enhanced version of the IONIQ 5 N eN1 Cup Car, optimized for the Pikes Peak Hill Climb with additional tuning in aerodynamics, suspension, and software. The IONIQ 5 N TA Spec produces 687 horsepower continuously, but this isn’t achieved by altering the drivetrain. Instead, it uses the same PE system as the production model, with software tweaks to prove its durability in more demanding races.
Despite being its first appearance, the IONIQ 5 N TA Spec, driven by Hyundai’s WRC driver Dani Sordo, completed the race in 9 minutes 30.852 seconds, significantly beating the previous record for a modified production electric SUV, which was 9 minutes 54.901 seconds. This achievement secured first place in its category and third overall. The unmodified IONIQ 5 N also crossed the finish line in 10 minutes 49.267 seconds, surpassing the previous record for an unmodified production electric SUV, which was 11 minutes 2.801 seconds.
Hyundai has shown through models like the IONIQ 5 N Drift Spec, eN1 Cup Car, and TA Spec that high-performance electric vehicles can still offer the thrill of driving. However, this does not mean saying goodbye to internal combustion engine cars. Hyundai achieved a record 4th consecutive TCR class win and 9th consecutive finish at the Nürburgring 24-hour endurance race this year.
In addition, Hyundai has secured two manufacturer titles in the WRC and currently holds the top spot in the manufacturer standings as of the 2024 season, following the Finland Rally. Thierry Neuville is also leading the driver standings. If they maintain this momentum in the remaining four rallies, they have a strong chance of winning both the manufacturer and driver championships.
Hyundai continues to develop better technology through the knowledge gained from motorsports, applying it to production cars and testing it again. This process applies to both electric and internal combustion engine vehicles. All the race cars Hyundai uses in motorsports are based on production models, which is why their success in motorsports also proves the durability of the cars customers drive.
N is a brand that makes everyone’s heart race. Born for those who love driving, N proves its worth in the tough, competitive world of racing and continues to make better, more exciting cars. This is why many are passionate about N—because they believe that no matter what the future holds, N will continue to deliver cars that bring the joy of driving to those who love it.
Photography by Cho Hyuk-su
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