Posted in

ON THE ROAD – IAN LYNAS PREVIEWS THE NEW HYUNDAI IONIQ 6 N – Motorsport.ie

ON THE ROAD – IAN LYNAS PREVIEWS THE NEW HYUNDAI IONIQ 6 N – Motorsport.ie

When Hyundai launched their performance packed IONIQ 5 N it became an immediate success and now the latest fast lane contender the IONIQ 6 N has been engineered for maximum driving thrills, offering a unique personality that sets it apart from its hatchback counterpart.

Very much guided by Hyundai N’s three-pillar philosophy: Corner Rascal, Racetrack Capability, and Everyday Sportscar, this new model delivers an even more distinct N- focused design with a plethora of advanced features for heightened driving control and engagement. Cornering precision is delivered through advanced suspension geometry and a re-engineered chassis for superior handling, with stroke-sensing electronically controlled suspension dampers and a lowered roll centre working together to enhance grip and stability, ensuring confidence inspiring performance on undulating roads and demanding circuits.

This is very much a car for road and track. The revised suspension geometry not only lowers the roll centre for improved high-speed stability but also incorporates new bushing applications to balance sharp handling with refined comfort; this is not always easy to achieve. As witnessed previously with the IONIQ 5 N, an electronic limited slip differential actively manages wheel torque to boost traction and overall performance, with complementary upgrades to axle stiffness, steering precision, and mount damping further reducing vibration while enhancing ride comfort and refinement across varied surfaces. The power electronics system unlocks maximum performance from the E-GMP platform; up front a high-efficiency, high-output drive system combines motor, reducer and inverter, while the rear motor serves as the primary drive unit for enhanced traction. With NGB engaged, IONIQ 6 N delivers 650 PS and 770 Nm of torque, accelerating from rest to 100kph (62mph) in just 3.2 seconds, with N Launch Control, reaching an eye watering top speed of 258kph (160 mph).

First used on the IONIQ 5 N, an enhanced N e-Shift system has been developed for IONIQ 6 N, with shorter gear ratios, whilst a refined N Active Sound + system featuring upgraded hardware and meticulous acoustic tuning contributes to a more engaging and immersive driving experience. Fully customisable N drive functions are carried across from IONIQ 5 N, enabling drivers to fine tune to their taste, with dedicated steering wheel buttons for rapid mode selection and driver focussed control. Styling and the IONIQ 6 N takes styling from the newly designed IONIQ 6 and IONIQ 6 N Line adding five spoke 20 inch alloy wheels, a high performance rear wing and widened front and rear fenders that not only accentuate its aggressive, track-ready appearance but also contribute to enhanced stability during high-speed cornering.

Moving to the interior, the cabin is geared for high-performance driving, with bucket seats upholstered in Alcantara suede and genuine leather for optimal support during spirited driving. The N-exclusive metal pedals ensure precision braking and stable pedal response and a knee support pad enhancing comfort during cornering. There are a number of nice touches such as the N logo welcome lighting on the front seats and the latest Hyundai CCnC infotainment system which adds to the cabin’s motorsport- inspired character, creating an environment that blends cutting-edge performance with everyday usability. The tilt and slide Vision Roof and, six exterior body colours are the only available options; the exterior colours include Performance Blue pearl, Abyss Black pearl, Gravity Gold matte, Nocturne Grey metallic, Nocturne Grey matte and Serenity White pearl.

Ian Lynas

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *