Brand divulges more about electric sizzler with promo video here.

CAUGHT on video, but you have to be quick to see it – that’s the impending electric performance hero Hyundai intends to release in 2023.

The Ioniq 5 N is an open secret, and while the car itself has yet to be seen in whollyb production ready form, its maker has just released the video posted here in which a camo-cloaked example shows up: It’s first official appearance.

Ostensibly, the film is all about the remarkable work Hyundai’s N skunkworks has done; it outlines past glories – most notably the fab i20-based World Rally Cars, but also concepts and, of course, the N-badged road cars.

But there’s so much more to come. Front and centre is the performance-tuned version of the battery-dedicated Ioniq 5, whose competitors will be another sharing common DNA: The Kia EV6 GT that is expected to go on sale in NZ in April, price already confirmed at $140,000.

The Ioniq 5 N seems to be set to the same thing … but perhaps slightly better. Hyundai NZ has not confirmed exactly when we will see it, only that it is going to come.

The video and these still images suggest the car is all but good to go. Hyundai has been busy running it at the Nurburgring, where the N Division has a big base. 

The movie has in its company with the brand’s latest concepts, the RN22e and the N Vision 74 – cars you might also wish to see in showroom form one day.

Hyundai has never outright said that won’t happen, though it is also steadfast in calling the concepts ‘rolling labs’.

The video gives good idea of the design details that will separate the Ioniq 5 N from the mainstream line, which presently tops out with the $118,000 Limited.

Indications are that the performance model will retain its retro-futuristic styling elements, such as the angular bodywork and dual headlight layout. The lower front bumper will gain a large central air vent to help cool the N’s battery pack and two side air intakes to cool the front brakes.  

The Ioniq 5 N will use the same E-GMP platform and 77.4kWh battery as the RN22e concept, running a dual-motor set-up for four-wheel drive; a layout enjoyed by the standard Ioniq 5 in its optimal form. 

Kia’s EV6 GT is also built on the same platform and features the same core elements. In the Kia this provisions 430kW and 740Nm of torque as well as a 3.5-second 0-100kmh time and 260kmh top speed. Clearly the Ioniq 5 N is set to get similar, if not slightly sharper, numbers. Sibling rivalry is intense.

 Overseas reports say that, given the extra straight-line punch, Hyundai will fit beefier brakes, an extended rear spoiler and a rear diffuser to reduce lift at speed. Vent openings ahead of and behind the front wheels will clean up airflow along the flanks.

The interior is likely to get an N makeover with sportier, but still sustainable, materials used in the cabin, deep sports seats, a thicker steering wheel and revisions to the graphics on the digital instrument cluster.

The video suggests additional electronic trickery, with different chassis, power and control settings available to drivers.

Development of that has been a reason why the RN22e exists. A drift mode is available in the EV6 GT and it’s possible this could also feature on the Hyundai offering thanks to torque vectoring technology. On the RN22e concept there is a twin-clutch torque vectoring system that is said by Hyundai to provide a ‘corner carving feel’.