The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Spied Flys Its Own Checkered Flag In The ‘Ring’

So far, a strange road for the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, at least from a public perspective. Usually, we see the progression from prototype to production starting with a disguised test vehicle sporting janky body parts, or outlandish test kits. As the debut draws closer, more cars are revealed until we get the full reveal.

The opposite is the case with Hyundai’s hot EV crossover. Our first look at the Ioniq 5 N in September 2021 captured a two-tone black/silver test car that was completely devoid of camouflage. We caught another camo-free prototype at the Nurburgring, but since then, Hyundai has buttoned it all up. Our latest sneak peek is a video from CarSpyMedia, once again capturing the upcoming electric N model in the ‘Ring. Now, it wears a full-body wrap that looks like a checkered flag, and its wheels are equipped with elaborate testing equipment.

It’s entirely possible our previous sightings didn’t feature the model sporting the now-hidden N-specific body upgrade. Either way, the high-performance electric model won’t look much different from the standard Ioniq 5. The sleek wheels with the fat tires have been the key to identifying its true nature, and in this clip, it’s easy to see this car is clearly fast. It looks very flat as it cuts corners of the Nurburgring, remaining fairly stable through the higher speed transitions. We also don’t hear any tire torments, which suggests this Ioniq still has a lot more to give.

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With regards to the Kia EV6, there is every reason to believe that the Ioniq 5 N will at least share the EV6 GT’s 577-horsepower dual motor setup. Driving all four wheels with such power, the Kia can hit 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and top it out at 162 mph. However, we know that the E-GMP platform used in these two cars is capable of producing more power. It’s possible that Hyundai could actually increase its power, perhaps hitting the 600-hp mark.

The rumor mill has been rather quiet regarding the Ioniq 5 N, but a recent teaser from Hyundai suggests at least some new information could be released on July 15th.