Winter testing underway for Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, the performance version of carmaker's EV

MANILA: The first high-performance, mass-produced all-electric N brand vehicle — the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N — was put through rigorous winter testing at the Hyundai Mobis Proving Ground in Arjeplog, Sweden, according to information released by Hyundai Motor Corporation.

The Hyundai Mobis Proving ground in Arjeplog provides everything a manufacturer needs for thorough winter testing, including low-grip coefficient snowy surfaces and deep sub-zero temperatures as low as -30°C (-22°F). This is because it is located close to the Arctic Circle. This enables Hyundai N engineers to test new models, like the Ioniq 5 N, in the lowest possible friction circumstances to find the perfect balance between the car's responsiveness and ability to run predictably and safely in extremely cold temperatures.

Hyundai Motor has combined the Electrified-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) of the EV with N's motorsport-bred technologies and expertise for the Ioniq 5 N in order to raise the bar for electrified high performance and lay the groundwork for what is certain to become the year-round performance EV of choice for the true driving enthusiast.

“Just as our N models are honed at the sharp corners of the Nürburgring, our N models are also honed at the sharp corners and icy surfaces of our proving ground in Arjeplog, ensuring maximum performance in the most extreme winter conditions,” said Till Wartenberg, Vice President of N Brand Management & Motorsport sub-division at Hyundai Motor Company.

“We’re proud to demonstrate the IONIQ 5 N perfectly meets our broad performance criteria, ensuring N Brand success as our first EV production N model.”

Hyundai N Sub-brand

N's electrification strategy has historically been based on the three motorsport-inspired pillars of performance: corner rascal, racetrack capabilities, and everyday sportscar. By displaying the N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo in 2015, the N brand outlined its vision for a sustainable future for the following generation of automobile lovers. The Veloster N ETCR race vehicle and the RM20e prototype marked the beginning of N's electrification approach. In order to signal a transfer of N's electrification knowledge to the brand's first production EV, the Ioniq 5 N, scheduled for release later this year, N brand presented the RN22e last year.

With knowledge transferred from the all-surface AWD capabilities displayed by the Hyundai i20 N WRC Rally car in Sweden, N brand engineers have refined the standard car's E-GMP dual-motor architecture for exceptional performance in all driving conditions, including the frozen ice lakes of Arjeplog.

The 5 N will be the first all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicle produced under the N brand. The World Rally Championship (WRC) competition in 2015 was where N's AWD story began. Hyundai has won various honors over its eight years of WRC competition, including two world championships.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N 'N Drift Optimizer'

The N Drift Optimizer, which combines front and rear torque distribution, torque rate, suspension stiffness, steering effort, and the e-LSD (electronic-Limited Slip Differential) system to create a driving mode specifically for drifting, further enhances the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N's ability to carve corners. It encourages drivers of all ability levels to enjoy drifting and is especially thoughtfully created for those who are just starting out in the sport.

With e-LSD specifically tuned for the Ioniq 5 N, the electronic control unit monitors input from wheel sensors to accurately identify when a certain wheel needs extra torque to enhance overall vehicle grip. That means e-LSD improves handling during cornering and high-speed driving on the racetrack as well as during adverse driving conditions, such as slick ice and deep snow. The e- LSD designed specifically for the Ioniq 5 N provides quicker response and accuracy, which are especially important considering the faster reacting torque delivery of EVs compared to ICE vehicles.

Additional information and details will be released building up to the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N’s global debut planned in July.

Hyundai Ioniq 5

The regular Hyundai Ioniq 5 collected accolades left and right in 2022, winning titles such as automobile of the year in two nations, EV of the year in two auto publications, and import car of the year in Japan. In 2023, Hyundai Motor Philippines introduced both the regular range and long-range versions of the EV to the Philippines market.

The Ioniq 5 is Hyundai's electric compact crossover SUV and the first vehicle of the Korean manufacturer's electric-focused sub-brand, which was initially revealed to the public in 2021. The Hyundai Pony served as design inspiration for the 5, which incorporates the company's Parametric Pixel design in the headlights, taillights, and, most prominently, the wheels.

Three different models and all-wheel drive choices were available when the Ioniq 5 was introduced worldwide. According to the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP), the regular range rear-wheel drive model can travel 384 km, the long-range model can go 451–481 km, and the ultra long-range model can go up to 488 km.

Because to the E-GMP platform, which enables the Hyundai Ioniq 5 to have a level floor and increased passenger legroom, the inside is roomy. The central console can travel forward and back with a little engineering.

Two 12-inch screens, one for the instrument cluster and the other for the entertainment system, take up most of the dashboard. The shifter is situated behind the car's steering wheel, expanding the central compartment's storage capacity. The IONIQ's roof is made entirely of glass with solar panels integrated into it. Because there are no evident structural supports, the interior of the automobile appears larger than it is

Photos from Hyundai

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