Hyundai is fine-tuning the performance capabilities of the IONIQ 5 N - the brand's first all-electric high-performance N model - on the Nürburgring circuit ahead of its world debut in July.
For the IONIQ 5 N, Hyundai has integrated the Electrified-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) with the race-inspired technologies and knowledge of the N brand to optimise the EV's high-performance capabilities, ensuring it meets the three core principles of N performance: Corner Rascal, Racetrack Capability and Everyday Sportscar.
Hyundai has successfully achieved this by utilising the combined expertise of the Namyang R&D Centre in South Korea and the European Test Centre at the Nürburgring. This latest test centre is a continuation of Hyundai's European R&D centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany, which has been the base for the brand's European design and engineering teams since 2003. By maintaining a full presence on the track, Hyundai N's engineering team can test and improve the durability and driving dynamics of its vehicles more efficiently and frequently.
Till Wartenberg, Vice President and Head of N Brand & Motorsport Division of Hyundai Motor Company, said: "The Nürburgring is the place where every N model is meticulously perfected, and so our debut high-performance, all-electric N model should also be validated here." He also announced the successful completion of the IONIQ 5 N's 10,000-kilometre endurance test on the Nordschleife circuit, a major achievement that demonstrates the vehicle's high endurance and race track capabilities. However, a second 10,000-kilometre test is currently underway to further extend the limits of the IONIQ 5 N.
When it comes to maximising durability in track conditions, the Hyundai N brand consistently uses the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit to validate technologies derived from racing in N brand vehicles, and the IONIQ 5 N is no exception. Despite the unique technical challenges posed by EVs, including more stringent heat management compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, the company has implemented advanced software solutions alongside hardware upgrades to squeeze maximum performance out of the EV.
Particular attention has been paid to the IONIQ 5 N's heat management through cooling, as electric cars present more cooling challenges than their internal combustion engine predecessors. Hardware improvements similar to those of internal combustion vehicles include an expanded cooling area with efficient radiator packing specific to the N, an improved engine oil cooler and battery cooler. These hardware cooling methods are further enhanced by innovative heat management solutions such as N Battery Preconditioning and N Race.
N Battery Preconditioning regulates the battery cells to their most efficient temperature, with two modes that respond to different high-performance driving scenarios: "Drag" mode for immediate use of maximum power and "Track" mode to optimize the lowest possible battery temperature to facilitate more laps.
N Race mode gives drivers direct control over the car's energy use, favouring either 'Sprint' or 'Endurance' driving. While 'Sprint' is the IONIQ 5 N's default mode that prioritises full power on demand, 'Endurance' is a setting that extends the IONIQ 5 N's range on the race track by controlling power peaks, slowing temperature build-up and improving endurance.
Both N Battery Preconditioning and N Race are results of the N brand's race-inspired approach, allowing drivers to strategise their energy consumption to optimise performance or lifetime. This functionality is easily accessible via a few button presses, eliminating the need for a team of engineers and equipment normally required for such setups.
When it comes to braking, Hyundai N engineers have designed a unique regenerative braking system specifically for the IONIQ 5 N, which can deliver up to 0.6 G of retarding force - an industry-leading rate - through regenerative braking alone. Additional braking power is provided by hydraulic brakes when needed. Regenerative braking remains active even when ABS is activated with a maximum retarding force of 0.2 G.
The IONIQ 5 N's hydraulic brakes have been improved with larger 400 mm diameter discs, which use a new lightweight material and have optimised airflow for cooling. This reduced reliance on disc brakes increases their longevity compared to internal combustion vehicles. Seamless mixing between regenerative and hydraulic brakes ensures an undetectable transition for the driver.
Addressing the lack of driver feedback in many EVs, a concern expressed by many performance enthusiasts, N engineers developed N Active Sound+ and N e-Shift to provide improved driver feedback and more precise control of the vehicle's dynamic handling. N Active Sound + includes a 10-speaker system with three different sound themes: Explosion, Evolution and Ultrasonic. N e-Shift simulates an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) of ICE N cars, controlling engine torque delivery and simulating the jerky feel between shifts to deliver a driving experience that feels closer to ICEs than EVs.
In sync with the Nürburgring tests, the N brand has unveiled the "Hyundai N | IONIQ 5 N Teaser - Episode 3", which shows the IONIQ 5 N undergoing rigorous endurance testing on the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife, reaching a milestone of 10,000 kilometres of testing. A further 10,000 km endurance test is scheduled before production to further validate the vehicle's increased mechanical strength and the seamless operation of its intelligent software.
The IONIQ 5 N will make its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, marking the first appearance of the Hyundai N at this iconic event. The festival will host the announcement of the world premiere of the IONIQ 5 N on 13 July, along with other activities aimed at attracting the public. Multiple N vehicles, including the hydrogen-powered N Vision 74, will participate in the event's iconic hill climb.
Additional details about the IONIQ 5 N will be revealed in the run-up to its world premiere.
