THE IONIQ 5 N EN1 CUP CAR IS A PURPOSE-BUILT COMPETITION EV - AND IT'S AWESOME.
It’s amazing to have been able to witness the rise of Hyundai. In the mid to late 90s, the first-generation Hyundai Accent arrived in SA, it was an affordable alternative to other budget cars of the time, but the brand still had a hard time making sales. In true South African brand blindness, not too many were willing to choose something other than the usual Volkswagen or Toyota offerings. The cars looked like Smarties rolling down the road, they were small and were available in some pretty funky colours. While buyers were weary of Korean brands, much like they are with the Chinese brands we see in the market today, the Koreans managed to improve with every model we saw arrive on our shores. Now years later, the brand is a major force that commands a decent section of the market. Their performance brand, Hyundai N, is absolutely brilliant and the cars that bear the logo have been able to rival the industry stalwarts. Here in SA we’re still a fair bit behind with some of the latest Hyundai models, we only get the i30 N and the Kona N, while other markets have the i30 Fastback N, the Elantra N, the i20 N and the Veloster N. There’s also an electric offering that’s been the toast of international motoring media, the all-electric IONIQ 5 N. It’s a full-loaded hatchback that’s got the right dimensions for a hot hatch along with ridiculous power making it sort of like the GTi of electric cars, if that makes any sense. The IONIQ 5 N is equipped with a pair of electric motors, the front is rated at 166 kW and the rear at 282 kW making for a total of 448 kW. Being electric, there’s an added drive mode that pushes the power up a bit more when an extra burst is needed. When using N Grin Boost, the power rises to 478 kW. This is in a hatchback that’s slightly longer and taller than a Mk8 Golf. The Golf measures 4,255 mm in length, the IONIQ 5 is 4,535 mm long. With the IONIQ 5 N being the electric sports version, it was only a matter of time before we saw a special edition created with a singular purpose.
Hyundai Motor Company recently unveiled the IONIQ 5 N eN1 Cup car at the official practice round for participating teams in the upcoming Hyundai N Festival motorsports events. These are Korea’s biggest single make race events and they’re hugely popular, attracting thousands of people. “We are incredibly proud to unveil the IONIQ 5 N eN1 Cup car, demonstrating our commitment to sustainable racing,” said Till Wartenberg, Vice President and Head of N Brand & Motorsport. “This unique electric racing car demonstrates our cutting-edge technology and passion for pushing the boundaries of what EVs can achieve on the racetrack.” The IONIQ 5 N eN1 Cup car features the same power electronics as the showroom version, but it combines the cutting-edge technology of Hyundai Motor’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), battery thermal management system and regenerative braking system. The IONIQ 5 N eN1 Cup car is b built for competition in the N1 class, and so it has proper racecar vibes. There’s a redesigned body kit with low and wide-style over-fenders, wider wheel trajectories, increased downforce from front lips and rear wings, and improved aerodynamic performance. Unnecessary components were removed to reduce the basic weight and lightweight forged wheels, and an FRP hood and polycarbonate windows were added - the car now tips the scales at an acceptable 1,970 kg - not bad for an EV. There’s an approved roll cage, race seats and harnesses, fire extinguishers exclusively for electric fires, asphyxiation fire extinguishers and a modified charge port location. Charge time is great, 10-80% can be loaded in just 18 minutes. The IONIQ 5 N eN1 Cup car also features height and camber adjustable dampers, 6-pot brakes up front with 4-pots at the rear and rolls on series-approved slick tyres.
Take a look at the YouTube video that shows off the latest creation from the world of Hyundai N, an all-electric track-prepped EV purpose-built for a good time on track and it will be seen special events to promote the N brand: Hyundai N | IONIQ 5 N eN1 Cup car Performance Film | Hyundai N Worldwide
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