Pre-Production Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Spied With More Muscular Body

Nov. 05, 2022 7:13 AM ET by Karl Furlong Spy Shots / Comments

This is likely to be the quickest Hyundai N car ever.

Hyundai has begun testing pre-production models of its highly anticipated Ioniq 5 N. The merging of the Korean brand's performance arm with a fully electric powertrain was inevitable at some point. We've already seen Audi RS and Mercedes-AMG begin the transition to EVs with models like the RS e-tron GT and AMG EQS, respectively. Among mass-market brands, Volkswagen is set to introduce its first electric R model in just two years.

The Ioniq 5 N has been spied before, but mostly covered in heavy camouflage. With this pre-production model spotted at the Nurburgring, that's unfortunately still the case, but the camo can't hide a few telltale signs that this is no ordinary Ioniq 5.

The most obvious upgrade are the larger wheels, finished here in black and with a five-double-spoke design. We are just about able to make out what are Pirelli P Zero tires; the rorty Kona N hot crossover uses the same tires. Of course, the Ioniq 5 N EV will be a much heavier car, so we hope that Hyundai has been able to tune it well enough to retain a nimble feel through the corners.

We can also see significantly larger brakes behind the black wheels, and on this particular example, the rear calipers have the obligatory red finish. That's likely to be repeated on the front calipers of production-ready models.

In front, the Ioniq 5 N has what looks like much larger lower mesh inserts than on the regular car, but this could be an illusion created by the camo. A similar lighting signature for the headlights is visible. At the back, we expect the same retro-style taillights, and it looks like a more prominent roof spoiler is poking through the black camo.

The Ioniq 5 N is expected to be the quickest N car yet, with an output of around 600 horsepower. But Hyundai N cars have always emphasized fun over raw performance, so that's why the Ioniq 5 N is also coming with a playful Drift Mode. Like the Kia EV6 GT, the Ioniq 5 N should have dual electric motors, all-wheel drive, and a 0-60 mph time of below 3.5 seconds.

We look forward to the reveal of this electric performance car in the months ahead.