Last spring, the unusual Hyundai Ioniq 6 electric sedan underwent a major facelift, but the most interesting version was kept under wraps until now. At the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the powerful Ioniq 6 N variant made its debut. The development of this model has been underway for a long time, as the Hyundai RN22e concept car was unveiled three years ago. However, the production Hyundai Ioniq 6 N has essentially adopted the entire powertrain from the 2023 Ioniq 5 N model.
Electrifying Performance
Both models feature the same dual-motor all-wheel-drive system. The front and rear electric motors can reach up to 21,000 rpm, with the front motor producing 226 hp and the rear motor delivering 383 hp, resulting in a combined power output of 609 hp. In the most extreme «N Grin Boost» mode, activated by a button on the steering wheel, the power output can be temporarily increased to a staggering 650 hp and 770 Nm of torque for 10 seconds. The rear differential features an electronically controlled limited-slip differential.
Advanced Battery and Charging
The 84 kWh traction battery, which also comes from the Ioniq 5 N, features an advanced thermal management system with a dedicated radiator. Before hitting the racetrack, the battery can be preheated to the optimal operating temperature. The Ioniq 6 N is equipped with a 350 kW DC fast-charging system, but Hyundai has not yet disclosed the vehicle’s driving range on a single charge.
Innovative Electronic Systems
The Ioniq 6 N inherits a rich suite of electronic systems and assistants from the Ioniq 5 N. The «N Drift Optimizer» system not only adjusts the torque distribution for drifting but also simulates the sudden clutch release. The «N Active Sound+» feature, which has been further refined, generates engine-like sounds both inside and outside the cabin, with three selectable modes (Ignition, Evolution, and Lightspeed). Additionally, the «N e-Shift» system mimics an eight-speed gearbox, momentarily interrupting the electric motors’ torque delivery and providing visual feedback.
Impressive Performance and Styling
With the «N Launch Control» system activated, the Ioniq 6 N can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds, slightly quicker than the Ioniq 5 N’s 3.4 seconds. This difference is partly due to the Ioniq 6 N’s lighter 20-inch wheels (compared to the Ioniq 5 N’s 21-inch units) and Pirelli P-Zero 5 tires. The top speed is an impressive 257 km/h.
The braking system is shared between the two «N» models, featuring four-piston calipers and 400 mm discs up front, and floating calipers with 360 mm discs at the rear. The highly effective regenerative braking system can generate up to 0.6g of deceleration. The suspension has been significantly reworked, with a revised geometry, lower center of gravity, and reduced ground clearance compared to the standard Ioniq 6 sedan.
Visually, the Ioniq 6 N stands out with its aggressive body kit, which adds 80 mm to the overall length (now 4,935 mm) and 60 mm to the width (now 1,940 mm). The car also features flared wheel arches, a massive rear spoiler, and a modified trunk lid with reduced rear light sections. The aerodynamic drag coefficient (Cx) is an impressive 0.27.
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 N will go on sale in the autumn, and its pricing is expected to be on par with the Ioniq 5 N, which starts at around 75,000 euros in Germany. Additionally, Hyundai promises a comprehensive range of N Performance accessories for this high-performance electric sedan.