Epic journeys and a dazzling debut
6 minute read
Since zooming onto the automotive scene in 2019, the Hyundai N EV lineup has been synonymous with highperformance vehicles, built for speed and boundary-pushing innovation. As part of the legendary N family, each EV N model carries a proud motorsports heritage and a bold vision of electrification's potential. There's a lot to look back on and one very special debut taking things forward.
A bombastic beginning: VELOSTER N ETCR
Motorsport DNA runs deep throughout all Hyundai N vehicles. So, it's no surprise that Hyundai N's first EV N model, the VELOSTER N ETCR, was born on the racetrack. This model marked an exciting new direction for Hyundai N, inspired by valuable lessons from numerous World Rally and Touring Championships, which gave the VELOSTER N ETCR its groundbreaking character and competitive edge in EV motorsports.
The development of the VELOSTER N ETCR put Hyundai N on its successful high-performance EV trajectory. By taking a motorsports driven approach to EV capabilities, Hyundai N internalized race grade R&D into thermal management, durability, and power control, all of which are crucial aspects for the continued success of highperformance EVs.
On a roll with Rolling Lab: RM20e
Every great model deserves a worthy successor. For the VELOSTER N ETCR, it was the RM20e Rolling Lab. Introduced in 2020, it successfully transferred motorsport technology into mass-produced high-performance EVs. And like any well-stocked laboratory, the RM20e Rolling Lab was filled with fascinating and groundbreaking concepts.
Features like no other
The RM20e Rolling Lab put innovation into high gear with the debut of Virtual Gear Shift (VGS) technology. Hyundai N was the first to develop and introduce this groundbreaking feature, which mimics the transmission of a traditional combustion engine car by managing motor torque output and creating the sensation of a jolt between shifts. This served as the foundation for what is now called N e-shift—the system currently featured in the IONIQ 5 N and IONIQ 6 N.
And while sound is an essential part of the driving experience, the RM20e also features e-ASD+ (electric vehicle Active Sound Design+), which delivers dynamic sounds such as idling, engine booming, and the roar of combustion engines. The e-ASD+ system introduced in the RM20e later evolved into the versions shown in the RN22e and was further refined into what is now called N Active Sound+. This system produces a range of performance enhanced sounds that boost the emotional and immersive driving experience.
The RM20e s legacy is that it served as a testbed to verify whether key performance factors, such as steering accuracy, braking, and durability, could be successfully integrated into the EV driving experience. Luckily, all targets were achieved and even surpassed! The stage was now set for the next leg of N s EV journey.
The first E-GMP-Based Rolling Lab: RN22e
In 2022, Hyundai N introduced the RN22e. Designed as a cutting-edge prototype, this next generation model showcased the high-performance capabilities of the dedicated electric vehicle (EV) platform, E-GMP.
Developed through close collaboration between the Namyang R&D Center and the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center (HMETC), the RN22e featured finely tuned suspension and steering dynamics, providing a precise and responsive driving experience. Additionally, it incorporated more advanced virtual shifting and sound technologies compared to previous models, thereby enhancing the emotional connection and driver engagement by creating a sensation similar to that of traditional internal combustion engines.
Throughout its impressive career, the RN22e played a vital role in exploring ways to enhance driving enjoyment in the era of EVs, using Hyundai s E-GMP. Its many achievements ultimately paved the way for Hyundai N s first high-performance electric production car, the IONIQ 5 N.
Setting the new standard of highperformance EV: IONIQ 5 N
After years of refinement, testing, and perfecting, the moment had finally arrived to combine all the gathered experience and innovation into a vehicle designed for drivers seeking the best in high-performance cars and sustainable EV technology. Enter the IONIQ 5 N! As Hyundai N s first mass-produced, high-performance EV, the IONIQ 5 N brought together cutting-edge powertrain technologies developed through electrified motorsport (VELOSTER N ETCR) and rolling labs (RM20e, RN22e), along with the emotional factors unique to traditional high-performance vehicles.
Game-changing meets bar-raising
The IONIQ 5 N offered customers an exciting mix of new features and performance highlights. Equipped with exclusive technologies such as N e-Shift, N Active Sound+, and N Drift Optimizer, the IONIQ 5 N delivered peak performance and an immersive driving experience.
The IONIQ 5 N was not only built for speed but also quickly gained international recognition from well-known automotive media sources and organizations, including Top Gear, Carwow, and Hagerty, and received prestigious awards such as the World Performance Car and Top Gear Car of the Year.
As an attention-getter, the IONIQ 5 N has showcased this potential through the Hyundai N Festival eN1 class—the world’s only one make race class for mass produced electric vehicles. Additionally, the IONIQ 5 N demonstrated its engineering excellence on an international platform during the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, marking another proud achievement for the model.
Electric performance redefined: IONIQ 6 N
On July 10th, at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed, Hyundai N unveiled the IONIQ 6 N to the global media and enthusiasts worldwide. The IONIQ 6 N takes Hyundai N’s vision for high-performance electrification to the next level. Rather than engaging in a numbers race centered on power, acceleration, and top speed, the IONIQ 6 N is designed to deliver driving enjoyment through advanced highperformance automotive technologies, including controllable braking power, predictable handling, driving stability, and enhanced driving confidence.
In its development, the IONIQ 6 N focused on three core elements: Predictable, Stable & Faster, Driving Confidence. The IONIQ 6 N features fully redesigned suspension geometry and a reengineered chassis, delivering precise handling and outstanding road holding for predictable and stable dynamics. Advanced features like N Active Sound+, N e-Shift, and N Drift Optimizer, powered by in-house developed vehicle control software, redefine the EV driving experience—enhancing both the emotional engagement and the driver's confidence.
Pushing boundaries, shaping tomorrow
Since taking its first step with the VELOSTER N ETCR, Hyundai N has continually advanced its EV N lineup, from motorsport to mass production. Each model brought new insights and breakthroughs that helped refine and improve the next generation of vehicles. Now, a new addition, the IONIQ 6 N, is ready to take things in a bold, category reshaping direction. With it, Hyundai N is setting new standards for highperformance EVs, while driving the future of electric performance.
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