Hyundai unveils Ioniq 5 N eN1

MANILA: Hyundai Motor Company has unveiled the Ioniq 5 N eN1 Cup car.

Based on the Ioniq 5 N, the latest high-performance electric vehicle was revealed during an official practice round for the upcoming Hyundai N Festival.

Per the Korean automaker, the vehicle’s debut signals a new era in sustainable racing.

“We are incredibly proud to unveil the Ioniq 5 N eN1 Cup car, demonstrating our commitment to sustainable racing,” Vice President and Head of N Brand and Motorsport Till Wartenberg was quoted as saying.

“This unique electric racing car demonstrates our cutting-edge technology and passion for pushing the boundaries of what EVs can achieve on the racetrack,” the official added.

Specifications

Boasting a strong powertrain and higher battery capacity compared to a regular Ioniq 5, the eN1 Cup car is fitted with the same power electronics (PE) system as the production version of the Ioniq 5 N (the brand first- high performance EV). To note, the Ioniq 5 N can dish out as much as 641 horsepower.

It also combined Hyundai Motor’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), strong battery thermal management and regenerative braking systems.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N eN1 Cup car also features a redesigned body kit made up of low and wide-style over-fenders, wider wheel trajectories, front lips and rear wings. It also became lighter as the unnecessary components were removed to reduce the race car’s basic weight, and applied forged wheels, fiber reinforced plastic hood and polycarbonate windows.

Boosting safety of the drivers while maneuvering the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N eN1 Cup car are the roll cages, racing bucket seats and seat belts, as well as fire extinguishers exclusively for electric fires, asphyxiation fire extinguishers and modified charge port location, have been put into place.

Hyundai N Festival

Similar to the existing Avante (Elantra) N1 class, the eN1 class is exclusively for professional athletes and is a race-only vehicle that cannot be driven on public roads. The ‘e’ in eN1 refers to the electrification of the race class, highlighting Hyundai Motor’s commitment to sustainable racing.

Per Hyundai, the upcoming season will be the “trial period for EV racing,” being the first in the aforementioned Festival.

“The eN1 Cup car will be tested and improved through the harsh motorsport environment in the Proto stage. This season will also provide an opportunity for race teams, drivers, and marshals to learn about and develop the EV racing competition,” the company explained.

Charging-related infrastructure, fire response measures and emergency response will be further developed during the trial period.

This year’s Hyundai N Festival will kick off at Inje Speedium on April 27, with the eN1 class set to have its official practice during the opening round, followed by 10 races in the fifth round. The competition format will vary, including one-on-one knockout races and traditional sprint races, allowing for a comprehensive understanding, and testing of various EV racing methods.

“Through the eN1 class, our ultimate aim is to establish Hyundai Motor as a true leader in the EV motorsport platform, fostering the growth and development of Korea’s vibrant motorsport culture while making a resounding impact on a global scale,” Head of N Brand Management Group Joon Park.

“With the eN1 class, we are poised to redefine the future of racing and pave the way for a new era of electrifying motorsport achievements.”

To recall, the N sub brand shall be officially revealed to the Philippine market via the Manila International Auto Show 2024.

Photos from Hyundai

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