Hyundai Ioniq 5 N NPX1 concept debuts

HYUNDAI has unveiled its Ioniq 5 N NPX1 concept at the Tokyo Auto Salon this week, the vehicle said to preview an array of enhancements by N Performance Parts that will soon be available for purchase by customers.

Hyundai has been producing N Performance Parts for ICE models – including the i20 N, i30 N and i30 Sedan N – since 2019, and is now planning to offer specialised tuning components for its all-electric N models, including the Ioniq 5 N.

The N brand plans to release a range of N Performance Parts sometime this year, expanding the product line-up for all N-branded models. It also plans to release a range of customisable software enhancements, available over-the-air to N customers.

Hyundai says the NPX1 concept model previews an array of N-specific enhancements including a carbon-fibre front splitter, side skirts, rear diffuser, and rear wing spoiler, lightweight hybrid carbon-fibre wheels, high-performance brake pads, and lowered springs.

Inside, the concept model features Alcantara upholstery and racing bucket seats.

“In 2024, Hyundai Motor Company will take a step forward as a leader in new tuning parts suitable for the high-performance EV era, as demonstrated with the NPX1 concept model,” explained N Brand Management Group president, Joon Park.

“Not limited to tuning parts, we are also developing software customisation such as sound and vehicle calibration by over-the-air updates which will open a completely new category of EV customisation for an exciting future ahead for the tuning community.”

The Ioniq 5 N performance electric model will go on sale in Australia from the first quarter of 2024.

Priced from $111,000 plus on-road costs – almost $40K more than that of the entry-grade Ioniq 5 – the high-performance large hatch is said to be “racetrack ready”, offering up to 478kW of dual-motor power and a 0-100km/h acceleration time of just 3.4 seconds. Top speed is listed at 260km/h.

With a battery capacity of 84kWh the model is said to deliver up to 450km (WLTP-estimated) and support fast charging at up to 350kW (DC) and has V2L functionality. In “optimal conditions” a 10-80 per cent top up will take 18 minutes.

Enhancements to the ‘N’ variant include a reinforced body structure, steering column and pedal box, and additional aerodynamic and body enhancements that make the vehicle 80mm longer, 50mm wider, and 20mm lower.

The Ioniq 5 N hits the tape at 4714mm in length, 1940mm in width, 1585mm in height, and rides on a 3000mm wheelbase. Weight is not listed but is understood to be close to 2200kg (kerb).

Debuted at the Goodwood Festival of Speed earlier this year, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N rides on 21-inch aluminium wheels shod with Pirelli P-Zero boots and is arrested by four piston callipers clamping 400mm rotors up front and single piston / 360mm discs at the rear.

Additional wheel-speed sensors and electronically controlled dampers are said to offer a “comfortable yet dynamic ride”.

Paint options include Abyss Black Pearl, Atlas White, Atlas White Matte, Cyber Gray Metallic, Ecotronic Gray, Ecotronic Gray Matte, Gravity Gold Matte, Performance Blue, Performance Blue Matte and Soultronic Orange Pearl.

Inside, the Ioniq 5 N is upholstered in poly-Alcantara in black with Performance Blue accents and features a bespoke steering wheel with driver-selectable performance modes and N Grin Boost button.

Paddle shifts allow dual-clutch-gearbox-like control over the electric drive motors while the centre console is “tailored for track driving” with knee pads and shin support.

Of course, the model also includes expected everyday amenities such as dual screens for instrumentation and infotainment, USB-C charging ports, welcome lighting, metal pedals and lowered sport seats.

Hyundai has also placed considerable emphasis on the use of sustainable materials throughout the cabin, including recyclable paperette door decorative garnish, BIO PET yarn from sugarcane, recycled PET yarn from PET bottles, BIO TPO from sugarcane, eco-processed leather, recycled tyre pigment paint and recycled poly Alcantara seat cover cloth.