We’ve been waiting a surprising long time for the next Hyundai N performance EV, but that time is finally almost upon us. The Hyundai Ioniq 6 N has been teased again as its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed nears, exactly two years after the Ioniq 5 N.
The sole image provided gives us a somewhat decent look at the rear end, building on the already aggressive look of the facelifted Ioniq 6 N Line. There’s a full-black version of that car’s bumper, which features twin “tusks” that wrap back around to form the corners, along with a red stripe on the lower edge. There are also wheel arch flares that are now smoothly integrated into the fenders, unlike the Ioniq 6 N. And who could miss the swan-neck rear wing?
Hyundai has also released a few key details on the car, which should prove to be an even better steer than the Ioniq 5 N on account of its lower ride height and weight. Building on this higher base, the Ioniq 6 N features upgraded suspension geometry that drops the centre of gravity further and increases the caster angle, the latter providing improved on-centre steering feel, greater feedback and increased self-centring. The adaptive dampers also better optimise the ride and handling balance.
The carmaker has also listened to feedback from reviewers and owners and finally made the novel N e-shift simulated gear shifts available in every mode, including the N Drift Optimiser and yes, even Eco mode. You also get shorter, more closely-spaced “gear ratios” that should deliver even more violent acceleration, as well as the use of the ambient lighting as shift lights to further the immersion.
Meanwhile, the N Drift Optimiser has been enhanced with new customisation options for increased control to suit their drifting proficiency. Further details on the car were provided through US first drive reports of camouflaged prototypes, including from Motor Trend.
The publication stated that the Ioniq 6 N has 30 mm wider fenders and a 15 mm longer wheelbase, the latter likely responsible for the increased caster angle. It also said the car rides on 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 275/35 R20 Pirelli P Zero Elect tyres and comes with a louder external speaker for onlookers to better hear the synthesised N Active Sound + engine note, while the N Drift Optimiser now features three levels for drift initiation and ten levels for slip angle.
The Ioniq 6 N should carry over much of the mechanicals of the Ioniq 5 N, including dual motors that make 609 PS (448 kW) and 740 Nm of torque (650 PS/478 kW and 770 Nm for up to ten seconds in N Grin Boost mode) in the SUV, plus an 84 kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery.
The sedan will reportedly get improvements to the battery cooling and motor that should provide sustained track performance and possibly result in higher outputs, while its inherently lower weight and better aerodynamics should offer greater range over the SUV’s 448 km.
The Hyundai brand as a whole is gaining interest in Malaysia thanks to the establishment of the new Hyundai Motor Malaysia (HMY) principal company, taking over from Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM). Don’t hold your breath for the Ioniq 6 N (or indeed, the entire facelifted Ioniq 6 range) to arrive here, however, as EVs do not figure in the firm’s plans as yet.
GALLERY: Hyundai Ioniq 5 N in Malaysia
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