Winter Test Hyundai Ioniq 5 N: The Drift Cathedral

In the Ioniq 5 N, Hyundai Motor is combining the Electrified-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) of the electric vehicle with the technologies of Hyundai N, tested in motorsport, for the first time. Testing is currently taking place in Sweden under extreme conditions.

With its location at the Arctic Circle, the site offers everything needed for comprehensive winter testing, such as icy surfaces with low grip coefficients and temperatures as low as -30°C. This allows Hyundai N engineers to test new models like the IONIQ 5 N under extreme conditions to achieve an optimal balance between the driving pleasure the vehicle is meant to offer and its ability to drive safely and predictably. Till Wartenberg, Vice President and Head of N Brand Management and Motorsport Subdivision at Hyundai Motor Company, explains:

"Just as our N models are honed on the curves of the Nürburgring Nordschleife, they are also honed on the icy surfaces of our test facility in Arjeplog to ensure maximum performance under the most extreme conditions."

Albert Biermann, Executive Technical Advisor of the Hyundai Motor Group, adds:

"Our path to electromobility was initiated by the race-proven Veloster N ETCR, and with the RN22e, we aimed to bridge motorsport technology to the road."

Extra Drift Program for Various Experience Levels!

For the Ioniq 5 N, the N engineers optimized the E-GMP architecture of the Ioniq 5 for high performance under all driving conditions by adopting expertise from the Hyundai i20 N WRC Rally1 for use on all surfaces. The Ioniq 5 N will be the first production vehicle of the N sub-brand with all-wheel drive. The "N Drift Optimizer" integrates front and rear torque distribution, torque rate, suspension stiffness, steering effort, and the e-LSD system (electronically limited-slip differential) to create a driving mode specifically for drifting. The technology supports drivers with different experience levels in drifting, particularly those who are getting a feel for drifting for the first time.

E-LSD - For a Drifting Trip

In the specially tuned e-LSD for the Ioniq 5 N, the electronic control unit monitors wheel sensor inputs to detect precisely when a particular wheel needs additional torque to improve vehicle handling. This means that e-LSD improves vehicle behavior during cornering and high-speed driving on the track, as well as under adverse driving conditions such as icy roads and heavy snowfall. The e-LSD designed specifically for the Ioniq 5 N has the same function as a traditional LSD, but offers faster response and greater precision, which is especially important given the faster torque delivery compared to combustion vehicles.

In addition, the Ioniq 5 N uses N Torque Distribution, which is optimized for various driving modes and allows the driver to choose the torque level for the front and rear wheels. N Torque Distribution and e-LSD work together to optimally distribute power to all four wheels under different conditions and are specifically designed to respond quickly to the immediate and seamless power transmission typical of electric vehicles - even under extreme low-friction conditions such as those found in Arjeplog. 

What does that mean?

The Ioniq 5 is not currently known as a dedicated dynamic performer – that could change with the N version. Although many would also prefer a snappier and smaller body.