Ahead of its motorsport-focused N festival in Korea later this month, Hyundai Motor Company has unveiled a new and advanced variant of its IONIQ five N functionality electric vehicle. The IONIQ five N eN1 is a new electric race car designed and advanced through Hyundai for professional drivers only. Do not worry; it still has the sounds of fighter jets like the IONIQ five N.
Hyundai Motor Group’s N and N Line functionality sub-brands have been around for less than a decade, the functionality lines have already begun the transition to an all-electric future.
That transition began with the IONIQ 5, which we inevitably learned would be the first production EV model to carry the “N” functionality badge. Throughout 2023, we’ve seen video updates every few months, adding a camouflaged race at the Nürburgring. and an official debut at last year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, complete with smoked donuts.
In November 2023, the IONIQ five N debuted in North America before a starting price of around $66,000 shared last month. While the IONIQ five N is a functional variant of Hyundai’s flagship IONIQ model, it’s still road-legal and available to consumers. . . . with potential profit margins at dealerships.
However, the next edition of Hyundai N in the IONIQ five is an upgraded race-only coupe car designed solely for drivers. Take a look.
In a press release today, Hyundai unveiled the new IONIQ five N eN1, adding design details, functionality specs, photographs, and a video below. The live reveal took place at the official practice consultation for the upcoming Hyundai N Festival, the first circular of which begins outside on April 27.
Hyundai explained that the new eN1 features the same power electronics (PE) formula as the IONIQ five N, which means more power and battery capacity than the conventional IONIQ five EVs. However, the IONIQ five N eN1 Cup has been redesigned with Racing in Brain circuit and includes a redesigned frame kit for improved handling, increased downforce and improved aerodynamics.
Hyundai N also said it got rid of all unnecessary parts to reduce the weight of the new IONIQ race car, while adding forged wheels with slick tires, an FRP hood and polycarbonate windows. By Joon Park, Director of Brand Management Group N:
Through the eN1 category, our ultimate goal is to make Hyundai Motor a true leader in the electric motorsport platform, fostering the expansion and progress of the dynamic motorsport culture in Korea, while achieving a resounding impact on a global scale. With the eN1 category, we are poised to redefine the long-term of motorsport and pave the way for a new era of electrifying achievements in motorsport.
Despite its efforts to keep the weight down, Hyundai didn’t include some attractive components, adding the virtual switch of the IONIQ five N and NAS (N Active Sound), allowing each race team to expand its own unique sounds for its electric vehicle. As a result of those improved improvements in racing, Hyundai explained that the IONIQ 5 eN1 would likely not be available to buy groceries like its other EV models:
Similar to the current Avante (Elantra) N1 Elegance, the eN1 Elegance is exclusive to professional athletes and is a race-only vehicle that is driven on public roads. The ‘e’ in eN1 stands for the electrification of the racing category, underlining Hyundai’s commitment to sustainable racing.
Hyundai says the new IONIQ Five N eN1 Cup car will be tested and advanced on the Proto stage of its upcoming N Festival season. The eN1 Elegant will have its official practice in the first round, followed by ten races in the fifth round, consisting of various knockout races and classic board races, testing various EV racing strategies for long-term sustainable competition. See the new electric race car in action in the video below: