Hyundai enhances Ioniq 5 with new performance N variant
Electric vehicles aren’t often thought of as fun to drive machines compared to gear-shifting gas vehicles, but Hyundai is doing its part to bridge the gap with the new Ioniq 5 N performance variant. As the name suggests, the automaker handed its popular crossover EV off to the teams at its “N” subbrand and is giving it a virtual eight-speed transmission and up to 478kW (the equivalent of 641 horsepower).
The new “e-shift” dual-clutch transmission is designed to make the 2024 Ioniq 5 N feel like an internal combustion engine vehicle without the emissions. It simulates gear shifting by adjusting torque output on the dual motors and includes jolts and fake engine noises that help you pretend you’re firing pistons on the racetrack. You can...