Following the success of its ridiculously entertaining Ioniq 5 N in 2024, Hyundai is clearly hoping it will possibly repeat the trick by making use of its speedy sub-brand’s knowhow to its streamliner sibling—the end result revealed immediately is that this, the Ioniq 6 N, Hyundai‘s second high-performance EV.
Being born from the model’s N division, which is tasked with specializing in delivering a mix of cornering prowess and racetrack functionality to supposedly create accessible “on a regular basis” sportscars, you’d anticipate the 6 N to have spectacular numbers, and it does. It produces 650 PS (478 kW) and 770 Nm of torque, a standstill to 62 mph acceleration time of three.2 seconds (utilizing launch management), and a prime pace within the area of 160 mph.
The 6 N has additionally been given a revamped battery administration system, which apparently adapts to a spread of monitor driving situations (equivalent to drag, dash or endurance racing), ensuring temperature administration is perfect. Hyundai claims this ends in the EV having larger and long-lasting efficiency, in addition to a considerably diminished conditioning time, which suggests a 6 N ought to be capable to function at race stage for longer durations.
{Photograph}: Alex Tapley/Hyundai
{Photograph}: Alex Tapley/Hyundai
{Photograph}: Alex Tapley/Hyundai
In an issued assertion, José Muñoz, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor Firm, says that he needs this second efficiency EV from the model to “entice drivers” over to EVs, “high-performance fans” which may be die-hard followers of combustion know-how but prepared to be swayed if a horny sufficient various presents itself.
A serious a part of the 6 N’s capacity to lure petrolheads away from ICE racers is its revolutionary N e-Shift (digital gear shift) system first deployed to nice impact within the Ioniq 5 N, however now supposedly improved even additional. With e-Shift switched on, the 6 N’s steering wheel paddles mix with the automobile’s motors, regen braking system, and audio system to simulate ICE automobile gear modifications—not simply audibly, however bodily as nicely.
The automobile’s motors and the regen braking system mix to control torque resistance to simulate the dips in acceleration you expertise whereas shifting gears in an ICE automobile. To additional the phantasm, these “dips” are married with a corresponding change in faux noise, which will be set from conventional motorsport-inspired tones to a extra EV-sounding mode known as Evolution—or sci-fi followers can go for one thing known as Lightspeed.
{Photograph}: Alex Tapley/Hyundai
{Photograph}: Alex Tapley/Hyundai
{Photograph}: Alex Tapley/Hyundai
The system, which initially required a complete yr of software program improvement for the 5 N, even will increase regen braking and boosts thrust at larger “faux revs”. As a remaining flourish, Hyundai has added a characteristic known as N Ambient Shift Mild, an inside characteristic that visually cues shift factors for the motive force.
On prime of the redesigned suspension geometry and reengineered chassis sits a spruced up model of the 6 N’s exterior design, the place aerodynamics play a crucial function, simply as they did within the authentic 6. The “vanilla” 6’s single-curve profile afforded it a powerful drag coefficient of simply 0.21, however now with the sporty panel tweaks this determine rises a contact to 0.27.
These tweaks embrace motorsport-inspired components such because the swan neck rear wing and widened fenders, that are meant not solely to underline a track-ready look but in addition contribute to stability throughout high-speed cornering. The 6’s new colour, “Efficiency Blue Pearl”, provides a pearl end to Hyundai N’s signature hue.
