The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is entering a special racing series. It’s called the eN1 class, and it features sprint races and head-to-head knockout races. This new racing series resembles the N1 class with the Elantra (known as Avante in South Korea) and is open to multiple carmakers and tire suppliers.
The first electric N model has undergone significant changes for track performance. To start, Hyundai has trimmed a lot of weight. While the regular Ioniq 5 N weighs up to 4,916 pounds, the eN1 Cup Car is nearly 600 pounds lighter, tipping the scales at 4,343 lbs. It achieves this through a full aerodynamic body kit with wide fenders and a large rear wing.
Weight reduction is accomplished by using a fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) hood and polycarbonate windows. It also features 18-inch forged wheels with racing tires and has a stripped-down interior with a single racing seat. Despite the weight loss, the Ioniq 5 N eN1 Cup Car includes additional equipment not found on the standard model, such as a full FIA-compliant roll cage, beefy 18-inch racing tires, a fire suppression system, and a high-voltage cutoff system.
Other modifications from the road-going Ioniq 5 N include adjustable suspension with two-way dampers, a high-voltage warning light, and a relocated charging port at the rear. Interestingly, the race car retains the simulated engine noise feature (N e-Shift), and teams can even choose their preferred sounds. The functionality for simulating gear changes (N e-Shift) is also retained. Battery preconditioning and the N Grin Boost feature, which unleashes maximum power for 10 seconds, are also retained.
The dual motors still deliver a combined 641 horsepower, similar to the road-going Ioniq 5 N, and it inherits the 84.0-kilowatt-hour battery pack. Performance figures haven’t been disclosed, but the 0 to 60 mph sprint should take around three seconds, considering the standard electric crossover achieves it in 3.25 seconds with the N Grin Boost activated.
The debut of the new Ioniq 5 N eN1 Cup Car will be on April 27 during the first round of the 2024 Hyundai N Festival at the Inje Speedium, where the eN1 class will have an official practice session. Ten races are scheduled for later this year.
