Hyundai's N performance brand has been going from strength to strength lately. After launching the Veloster N hot hatch, Hyundai's N family has expanded with high-performance versions of the Kona and Elantra.

Looking ahead, Hyundai has hinted at plans to build a high-performance N electric car based on the E-GMP electric platform that underpins the Ioniq 5. This could happen sooner than we were expecting, however, because our spy photographers have caught Hyundai testing a mysterious prototype that appears to be an early mule for a hardcore Ioniq 5 N.

On the outside, it looks like a regular Ioniq 5, but a closer inspection reveals some key changes. Compared to the standard Ioniq 5, the hot version rides lower to the ground and sits on wider low-profile tires. It also has larger brakes and stiffer suspension. These modifications make us believe we are looking at an early test mule for a hot Ioniq 5 N.

As we previewed in our exclusive render design, we expect the production model's exterior will be enhanced with a vented hood, a rear wing, and red accents. Complimenting the exterior upgrades will be a power bump.

In its most powerful guise, the Ioniq 5 is powered by two electric motors producing a combined 301 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque, enabling it to hit 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds.

Potentially, the hotter Ioniq 5 N could be boosted up to 576 hp , matching the output of the range-topping Kia EV6 GT. This would give the Ford Mustang Mach-E GT a run for its money. Since development is still at an early stage, we aren't expecting the Ioniq 5 N to debut until next year at the earliest. Hopefully, it won't be long until Hyundai starts testing pre-production prototypes to give us a better look at the final design.