Hyundai’s First Electric N Model to be Unveiled Next Week
Over the past few years, Hyundai has put a lot of emphasis on its new lineup of sporty N Line and high-performance N models. It’s kind of sad that the quirky but feisty Veloster N coupe won’t return for 2023, even if we have the similarly powered Elantra N sedan and Kona N crossover.
That being said, some pleasant surprises are in store for us, and we’ll get to see them officially on July 14 at 9:00 pm. EDT when Hyundai hosts its “N Day” in South Korea.
The automaker today released a teaser in the form of a short clip and three pictures on social media. They seem to show at least two different vehicles, and the message that accompanies them hints at the “fun of driving in the age of electric vehicles.”
It’s quite possible that the blurred blue vehicle on a starting grid signals the arrival of the IONIQ 5 N. In fact, spy photographers have caught a camouflaged unit during track tests at the Nürburgring earlier this year. There’s no better vehicle than the 2022 World Car of the Year to become Hyundai’s first high-performance EV, right?
In all likelihood, the powertrain will be shared with the Kia EV6 GT, which produces 577 hp and 546 lb-ft. of torque for 0-100 km/h sprints in a mere 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 260 km/h. The EV6 GT also features an electronically controlled limited-slip differential to enhance handling in all conditions.
A second image shows the back of a car with a trunk lid and LED taillights that look awfully similar to those on the freshly revealed IONIQ 6 four-door coupe, except that a large wing is mounted above. Could this be a IONIQ 6 N or a racing variant?
As for the third and final image, the one with the side view of a car hidden under a black veil, we can see an even bigger rear wing, although the overall shape is pretty different from that of the IONIQ 6, especially the long hood.
It will all come to light in just over a week, so stay tuned.