The award-winning Hyundai Ioniq 5 N has plenty of numbers to like, with a maximum output of 478kW and a 3.4-second 0-100km/h sprint time, but there is one number that fans of the car, particularly those in Australia, would like to see change. The price.
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Currently priced from $110,383 (before on-road costs), the Ioniq 5 N is the most expensive Hyundai-badged vehicle sold new in Australia.
What could be done to make that entry price a little sharper? What about losing the front electric motor and creating an entry-level rear-drive variant of the performance SUV?
It’s not as crazy an idea as you may think, according to the head of Hyundai’s Performance Development Tech Unit, Manfred Harrer. Speaking with Drive, Harrer noted, “We receive a little bit more of the challenge, especially from the Australian market, why are you not bringing a true rear wheel drive on this platform to the customer?”
Harrer attended the Australian Hyundai N Festival late last year and was able to speak to both Hyundai N model owners and fans.
“Last year at the N festival, it was very clear the message from our fans was to do so, and that's a really good,” said Harrer. “We started it, but with the hope also to reduce the MSRP.”
Harrer noted the idea wasn’t as simple as it sounds, as the current Ioniq 5 N uses both its motors to achieve its performance goals, with the rear motor ‘only’ offering 282kW or up to 303kW in boost mode, compared to a peak of 478kW when both motors are used for maximum output. While there is a rear-drive version of the Ioniq 5, the changes needed to make an N-variant work as a performance platform would be considerable, and probative, at least now.
“It's a niche, a small volume. A lot of changes we have to go through, and so unfortunately (now) we cannot do it”, said Harrer.
But it’s still part of the consideration of options available to the platform, with Harrer noting, “I still have the idea in mind that maybe I really drive on this platform, coming from the 5 N is the best answer I can give.”
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With over 20 years of experience in digital publishing, James Ward has worked within the automotive landscape since 2007 and brings experience from the publishing, manufacturer and lifestyle side of the industry together to spearhead Drive's multi-media content direction.
