Having already redefined what an electric high-performance car can be, with the Ioniq 5 N, Hyundai is back for seconds, with the ultra-sleek Ioniq 6 N. The low-slung electric super-saloon has made its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Presumably, this one has the same power as the Ioniq 5 N?
It certainly does, as the Ioniq 6 N divides the same 650hp and 770Nm of torque between its front and rear electric motors. Using the 'N Launch Control' system for standing starts, Hyundai claims that the Ioniq 6 N will sprint to 100km/h from rest in just 3.2 seconds, and it has a top speed of 257km/h.
Ah, but what about the range?
Good question. Hyundai isn't quite yet ready to reveal that, but while you presumably will have to sacrifice some range for the exceptional performance - the Ioniq 5 N manages only a 413km official range from its 84kWh battery - the Ioniq 6 N should go a little further than its chunkier brother, thanks to superior aerodynamics. A guess of 450km seems about right.
What has Hyundai done to turn the Ioniq 6 into an N-car?
Well, aside from the hugely powerful electric motors, Hyundai says that the Ioniq 6 N is designed around three central ideals, which it calls Corner Rascal, Racetrack Capability and Everyday Sportscar. Basically, that means that the Ioniq 6 N has to be fun to drive, has to be genuinely track-day capable, and still able to be used as a day-to-day car. A true high-performance all-rounder.
To achieve that, Hyundai's N-division has fully redesigned the Ioniq 6's suspension, even to the point of giving it a completely new geometry with a lower centre of roll. Then there's the N e-Shift system that minimises performance losses, while still giving the driver the sensation of having a multi-gear shift system as well as including an up-shift warning light.
There's also the N-Battery system, which optimises the Ioniq 6's cells for performance and longevity by actively cooling or heating the battery pack as necessary. The Ioniq 6 N also gets a new body, effectively. As well as getting the same slim-fit lights as the rest of the updated Ioniq 6 range, the N gets wider wheelarches to cover its increased suspension track, and a massive rear wing (proper Sierra Cosworth stuff, this) with a 'swan-neck' system that, just like a Le Mans racer's rear wing. Hyundai doesn't mention a specific downforce figure, but it does claim that the Ioniq 6 N has “enhanced stability during high-speed cornering.”
Does it have the same fake engine noises as the 5 N?
It certainly does, and while one might consider those a bit cheesy, they're actually quite effective. The N Active Sound + system works through the Ioniq 6 N's stereo via a performance-enhanced Acoustic Design Processor (ADP), which allows you to choose from different sounds, including the motorsport-inspired 'Ignition', the heritage-infused EV sound 'Evolution', and the futuristic sci-fi tones of 'Lightspeed'.
The Ioniq 6 N also borrows much of the Ioniq 5 N's trick electronics, including N Launch Control, N Drift Optimiser (for when you want to go drifting…), N Grin Boost (essentially a push-to-pass overtake button) and N Torque Distribution, which allows you to manually select which end of the car gets the most power.
There's also the N Track Manager, which allows you to record and analyse your track-day lap times like an F1 team manager, and can even project a 'ghost' car onto the screen to show you whether you're faster or slower than before.
Not enough for you? Hyundai is also offering a full suite of N performance parts, which will allow owners to further customise their Ioniq 6 N.
When can I have one?
Soon enough. Hyundai is giving the Ioniq 6 N its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, where it will share space on the stage and on the hillclimb with Hyundai's rally cars, the mad open-cockpit RN24 concept car, and an Ioniq 6 N specially designed for drifting competitions.
“With Ioniq 6 N, Hyundai N aims to elevate its offerings, enticing drivers with electric powertrains that offer high-performance enthusiasts a thrilling new avenue to electrify their passion both on the road and the track” said José Muñoz, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company.