Showing posts with label ioniq. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ioniq. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Hyundai IONIQ 6 N

The first-ever Hyundai IONIQ 6 N is here. Starting at 79,900,000 Korean Won plus additional costs, the all-electric high-performance super saloon you've been waiting for from the start is coming at you. Ready to find out what makes the IONIQ 6 N the EV super saloon you want to drive? You're in luck.

2026 Hyundai IONIQ 6 N
2026 Hyundai IONIQ 6 N

2026 Hyundai IONIQ 6 N
2026 Hyundai IONIQ 6 N interior

Based on the recently updated IONIQ 6 electric saloon, the IONIQ 6 N features a similar semi-racing appearance inspired by the RN22e Concept, which was derived from the pre-facelifted IONIQ 6. It's been three long years since the RN22e Concept shocked the world, and now, one of Hyundai N's rolling lab experiments has become reality.

The interior of the IONIQ 6 N retains the same functionality and feel as the standard IONIQ 6, but it features several distinctive additions. These enhancements consist of sports seats, an N steering wheel, and exclusive elements not found in the IONIQ 6 N Line. Notably, it features the N Active Sound + system, which adds a dynamic audio experience to driving, and the N Ambient Shift Light, a unique interior lighting feature that visually indicates precise shift points for optimal performance.

Compatible with the Hyundai N App, you can check how well your IONIQ 6 N performs on tracks like Everland, Inje, and Korea International Circuit.

Armed with an 84kWh Li-ion battery pack and two electric motors powering the front and rear wheels, the IONIQ 6 N produces up to 650PS of power and 770Nm of torque courtesy of the 10-second N Grin Boost. With N Launch Control set, it sprints from 0-100kph in 3.2 seconds and flat out in 257kph, 3kph slower than the IONIQ 5 N but faster than a high-performance European saloon. As for the driving range, it's good for 366km on one full charge.

Although aerodynamics play a crucial role in this car, its trump card is the new stroke-sensing ECS (Electronically Controlled Suspension) dampers, allowing this car to adapt to various road conditions, even on track days. Coupled with the N Torque Distribution and N Drift Optimizer, the result is a highly addictive driving experience you can't get enough of. Not bad for a grippy heavyweight Korean EV super saloon.

Although controversial, the IONIQ 6 N features numerous gimmicks such as the N e-shift system, where a virtual 8-speed DCT comes out for the play, and with the manual mode set, it shifts like you were in a video game.

Like the normal IONIQ 6, the N features a host of safety features such as Remote Smart Parking Assist, Surround View Monitor, and Hyundai SmartSense, among many others.

The IONIQ 6 N is a highly anticipated Korean electric super saloon that enthusiasts have been eager to see since the RN22e Concept. This car promises impressive performance, leaving us with a strong desire to drive it one day. It's high time to put this car under Red Notice.

Available Colors: Performance Blue Pearl, Serenity White Pearl, Nocturne Grey Metallic, Abyss Black Pearl, and Nocturne Grey Matte.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Hyundai IONIQ 6 (2026MY Minor Change)

Launched three years ago, the Hyundai IONIQ 6 proved that electrification is addictive and worth exploring due to the wondrous features it possesses. For a Korean-made electric saloon, this is pretty impressive, and it could be the Sonata of the new age, which is outlandish to say. With the introduction of its 2026MY Minor Change, the new IONIQ 6 continues to redefine the electric saloon category with new ways and means.

Hyundai IONIQ 6 (2026MY Minor Change)
2026 Hyundai IONIQ 6

With the starting price of 48,560,000 Yen plus additional costs, there's never a good time to reintroduce the Hyundai IONIQ 6 to the world with this latest minor change, and things couldn't get even more promising than before.

2026 Hyundai IONIQ 6
2026 Hyundai IONIQ 6

Beginning with the exterior, the front headlights have been shortened and feature a new front bumper design to improve their aerodynamic properties. At the back, the rear bumper looks more subtle than before, and the rear spoiler is now a ducktail, in the name of streamlining. For the first time ever, the IONIQ 6 N Line was added to the lineup, featuring a sporty exterior design and a blackened trunk to match its credentials. Either way, it's still the IONIQ 6 the world knows.

2026 Hyundai IONIQ 6
2026 Hyundai IONIQ 6 interior

The interior's slightly revised for this minor change. It now features a revamped center console, a larger air conditioning touch panel, USB-C ports, improved door panels, and improved software with the new AI assistant that responds to your voice, among others. The N Line, meanwhile, features a unique N round steering wheel with a red drive mode button and metal pedals.

2026 Hyundai IONIQ 6
2026 Hyundai IONIQ 6 N Line

Onto the IONIQ 6 N's electric powertrain. The rear-wheel-drive Standard model runs on a 63kWh Lithium-Ion battery to produce 170PS of power and 350 N · m of torque with a driving range of 437km. The Long Range model, meanwhile, runs on the 84kWh Lithium-Ion battery to produce up to 325PS of power and up to 533km of driving range for AWD variants. Both models come with the all-new adaptive regenerative braking system, which now uses navigation data to adjust regeneration strength, such as speed camera locations, speed bumps, and roundabouts.

The driving experience has been improved thanks to its revised frequency-selective dampers, low-rolling-resistance tires, increased sound insulation, reduced high-frequency noise, and the new Smooth Mode that reduces the throttle and brake pedal sensitivity.

Like before, it features Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of active safety features such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2, rear-side collision avoidance assist, lane departure prevention assist, Highway Driving Assist 2, navigation-based smart cruise control, high beam assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Remote Smart Parking Assistant 2.

With its latest improvements compared to the pre-facelift model, there's never a better time to get familiarized with the award-winning Hyundai IONIQ 6 with this updated version.

Available Colors: Ultimate Red Metallic (N Line only), Serenity White Pearl, Aero Silver Metallic (N Line only), Nocturne Grey Metallic, Bio Philic Black Pearl, Gravity Gold Matte, Transmission Blue Matte, and Nocturne Grey Matte.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

Thursday, September 25, 2025

My GT7 Log: IONIQ 5 N

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 is the biggest break in the history of electric cars, and here in Gran Turismo 7, I got the chance to sample the first-ever all-electric N car from the rapidly growing South Korean motoring titan.

Hyundai IONIQ 5 N '24

First and foremost, what is the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N?

Hyundai IONIQ 5 N '24

Hyundai IONIQ 5 N '24

Unveiled in 2023, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N is the high-performance version of the award-winning IONIQ 5 all-electric crossover and the first all-electric N car ever made.

The IONIQ 5 N features an 84 kWh lithium-ion battery and dual electric motors, delivering 609 PS and 740 Nm of torque. With the N Grin Boost, it can reach up to 650 PS for ten seconds. It boasts a 0-100 km/h time of 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 260 km/h. Recognized with the 2024 World Performance Car award and Top Gear's 2023 Car of the Year, the IONIQ 5 N also set a new record at Pikes Peak with a time of 9 minutes and 30.852 seconds in its class, showcasing its impressive performance and design.

In Gran Turismo 7, use the IONIQ 5 N's N Grin Boost by pressing and holding the right analog stick, great for overtaking. While the boost enhances acceleration, the handling can be challenging, especially on Sports Hard tires, with tense and fierce braking. I’ve experienced it myself.

Hyundai IONIQ 5 N '24

I visited Fuji Speedway to demonstrate the IONIQ 5 N's capabilities, reminiscent of when IONIQ 5 N cars raced against other electrics at this track. Let's roll the tape.


As I said, the handling is challenging indeed, and the braking is fierce and tense, but I managed to lap around the track in 1m57.216s. In my standards, that breaches GR Supra territory. All thanks to the IONIQ 5 N's N Grin Boost feature that surely comes in handy in the straights. A real 10-second car with a ten-second overboost to hit.

Hyundai IONIQ 5 N '24

The IONIQ 5 N proved to the world that even electric cars can break common sense in the pursuit of happiness behind the wheel. A real everyday racer for the everyday driver. Well done, Hyundai.

Hyundai IONIQ 5 N '24

NEVER JUST DRIVE.

Thursday, March 13, 2025

My FM Log: Heroes

The Toyota GR Yaris and the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N are prize cars in Forza Motorsport's Daily Racers update. Having got my hands on these two everyday heroes on the road and track, let's get to know them two.


I acquired the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N by completing the Open Class Tour update or finishing 10 races in the Open Class Featured Multiplayer until the March 12, 2025, deadline. 

The IONIQ 5 N is the high-performance variant of the IONIQ 5 crossover and signifies that Hyundai N is embracing electrification.

Equipped with an 84 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and two electric motors that power both the front and rear wheels, the IONIQ 5 N delivers a default output of 609 PS and 740 Nm of torque. When the N Grin Boost feature is activated for ten seconds, the power increases to 650 PS. Additionally, with N Launch Control engaged, it can achieve a 0-100 km/h time of just 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 260 km/h.

Hyundai has truly excelled with the IONIQ 5 N, which has won the 2024 World Performance Car award as well as Top Gear's 2023 Car of the Year. This high-performance electric crossover not only boasts an impressive design but also the power and speed to match. Its recent achievement of setting a new record at Pikes Peak with a time of 9 minutes and 30.852 seconds in the Modified and Production SUV/Crossover classes further underscores its performance capabilities.


Moving to the Toyota GR Yaris that I acquired by completing the Daily Racers Tour or finishing 10 races in the Daily Racers featured multiplayer until the March 26, 2025 deadline.

Known as the second JDM sports car of the Reiwa era, the GR Yaris served as the template for Toyota's next rally car. Take the fourth-generation Yaris, strip the two extra doors off, make it wider, jam it with the G16E-GTS 1.6L 3-cylinder intercooler turbo engine, and lodge it with the GR-FOUR four-wheel-drive system. The result is a road-legal rally car akin to the legendary Toyota Celica GT-FOUR.

In addition to the 1.6L turbocharged variant, there is a cheaper and much slower RS variant with the 1.5L M15A-FKS engine mated to a CVT.



Having acquired these two high-performance Asian superheroes, let's drive these two around Brands Hatch to prove just how "super" these everyday superheroes are.



They both know how to use their superpowers effectively. As the saying goes, "with great power comes great responsibility." That's why I admire them both.

Anyway, enjoy your new rides.

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Hyundai IONIQ 9

The first-ever Hyundai IONIQ 9 SUV completes the IONIQ trilogy of electric cars and it's the flagship EV SUV of the Hyundai lineup. Let's get to know more about the top of Hyundai's electric food chain.

2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9
2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9

With prices starting at 67,150,000 Korean Won plus additional costs, the first-ever Hyundai IONIQ 9 can be rudely called the Palisade of Hyundai EVs. While identically sized to the Palisade, the IONIQ 9 is a zero-emission business class on all four wheels that takes a different approach to "touring."

2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9
2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9

Like its IONIQ siblings, which draw inspiration from their respective concept vehicles—the IONIQ 5 from the 45 Concept and the IONIQ 6 from the Prophecy Concept—the IONIQ 9 takes cues from the Seven Concept. While the design, inspired by the concept, is a standout feature of the IONIQ 9, the rear view is somewhat puzzling, as it may evoke memories of various Volvo wagons from the past.

2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 interior

Inside, the IONIQ 9 is everything you expect for a flagship EV SUV. From the driver's side, you'll be greeted by the braille-written steering wheel that became a signature for today's Hyundai models, a panoramic curved display that features a 12.3-inch instrumental display, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment purposes, buttons and knobs for the aircon and radio, ambient lighting, and a glove compartment underneath the center console, among others. 

On the passenger side, the IONIQ 9 offers a choice between a 6-seater and a 7-seater. The cargo space accommodates from 620L (with rear seats up) to 2,462L (with all passenger seats folded down), while the frunk provides from 52L (for 4WD models) to 88L (for 2WD models). Notably, the six-seater variant features a unique asset that no luxury people mover possesses, not even today's Toyota Alphard: swiveling second-row seats.

2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9
2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9

Armed with the E-GMP platform and a 110kWh li-ion battery, rear-wheel-drive variants of the IONIQ 9 have 160kW of power and 532km of driving range while the range-topping variant with H-TRAC all-wheel-drive system has 315kW of power and 501km of driving range.

Despite being somewhat bulky, the IONIQ 9 offers a luxurious experience comparable to any premium SUV you can think of. It serves as a well-organized cruiser, perfect for touring South Korea's upscale destinations, including the stunning location dubbed "Paradise" by Singles' Inferno. Equipped with H-TRAC, it features an Auto Terrain Mode that automatically adjusts its capabilities for various surfaces, whether tarmac, gravel, or snow. While it may not match the quality of a Range Rover, it is still quite impressive.

In terms of safety, the IONIQ 9 comes loaded with the latest Hyundai SmartSense technologies. These include high beam assist, Highway Driving Assist 2, navigation-based smart cruise control, Remote Smart Parking Assist 2, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist 2, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Rear Parking Collision Avoidance Assist, among others.

The arrival of the first-ever IONIQ 9 completes the IONIQ trilogy of electric cars. With its SUV ruggedness, luxury sedan-riding comfort, award-winning EV powertrain, and premium features that can upset European imports, this is Hyundai's opulent expression of zero-emission touring. This is common-sense business class the Hyundai way. Any questions?

Available Colors: Ionosphere Green, Sunset Brown, Nocturne Grey Metallic, Celadon Grey Metallic, Bio Phillic Blue Pearl, Abyss Black Pearl, Serenity White Pearl, Nocturne Grey Matte, Celadon Grey Matte, and Gravity Gold Matte.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

Monday, January 27, 2025

My FH5 Log: The Moment We Meet...

The Toyota GR 86 and the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N were featured cars in the advertisement for the Hyundai N x Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival, which aired in October 2024. In the ad, we witnessed these two sports cars racing head-on and performing drifts. It’s a long story, but in Forza Horizon 5, the experience is quite different.


The poster cars from October 2024's Hyundai N x Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival are here to settle the scores again just as how the rivalry between Hyundai and Toyota in the WRC became the talk of the town. But first, let's get to know these two.

Let's start with the Toyota GR86, the second generation of Toyota's affordable rear-wheel-drive sports coupe. The GR86 builds upon the legacy of its predecessor while maintaining the accessible driving dynamics that enthusiasts around the world appreciate. It features an improved version of the platform used by the previous model. Although the new model is similar in size to the old one, the sport-tuned suspension and updated chassis enhance the driving experience.

Under the hood, the flat-four boxer engine has been upgraded from the previous model's 2.0L to a 2.4L displacement. This change results in increased power output of 235 PS and 250 Nm of torque, with the option of a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission.

Now, let's get to know about the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, the high-performance version of Hyundai's award-winning all-electric compact crossover SUV.

The IONIQ 5 N features an 84 kWh lithium-ion battery pack equipped with two electric motors that power both the front and rear wheels. It delivers a standard output of 609 PS and 740 Nm of torque, making it more powerful than the Kia EV6 GT. With the N Grin Boost activated for ten seconds, the power increases to 650 PS. Furthermore, with N Launch Control, it can achieve a 0-100 km/h time of just 3.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 260 km/h.

Hyundai has truly excelled with the IONIQ 5 N, which won the 2024 World Performance Car award and was named Top Gear's 2023 Car of the Year. This high-performance electric crossover has impressive aesthetics and boasts remarkable power and speed. It set a new record at Pikes Peak, completing the course in 9 minutes and 30.852 seconds in the Modified and Production SUV/Crossover classes. This car will undoubtedly continue to attract attention and make a significant impact in the automotive industry.



Let's find out how good these two cars are around the main festival grounds. Roll the tape!


And now, the results...

GR86 - 1m25.836s

IONIQ 5 N - 1m18.662s

It's a bit misguided to compare a powerful electric SUV with an affordable rear-wheel-drive sports coupe. However, both vehicles have effectively served as promotional ambassadors for the Hyundai N x Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival. Well done, GR86 and IONIQ 5 N. You both deserve a round of applause!


"We race as competitors.

The moment we meet,

a new thrill begins."


EPILOGUE

Having grown respect for the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N for being the antithesis of the ever-growing all-electric crossover SUV market, I think it's time for this K-popper to have its own live performance but first...





A witty move. Shiki-chan would be impressed with this one.


As the Korean EV SUV hero donning the role of Liella's wittiest and most clever member, we are tackling through an EventLab creation inspired by a racetrack in Taiwan. I don't know what that is but we're going to find out. Let's rock and roll.


Smart move. I won't regret it.


In Forza Horizon 5, we are united by our passion for racing, much like Hyundai N and Toyota Gazoo Racing. While competition is a part of the game, it's not our primary focus. We come together to have fun and share our love of racing.

Thursday, July 4, 2024

My FH5 Log: The Silent Movement

Kia's back in Forza! This time around, they've added the latest car to bear the new Kia logo. You know the one, the weird-looking one with the "Movement that Inspires" slogan.


What Kia is this, you may ask? Here's a hint; this is the overall prize car in the Forza Horizon 5 Modern Horizons update by hitting 80 points. It won the 2022 European COTY, 2022 Korean COTY, 2022 Red Dot Award for Best of the Best Car Design and Innovative Product, 2022 What Car? Awards Car of the Year and Electric SUV of the Year, and of course, 2023 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year.


The answer is this; The Kia EV6 GT. Before driving this award-winning EV, let's take a quick dive into the EV6 GT.


First launched in 2021, the Kia EV6 signaled the beginning of a new age for Kia. With its just-size styling and performance that defy expectations, the EV6 is the real materialization of the "Movement that Inspires" slogan. The EV6 GT is the range-topper that starts at 76,680,000 Korean Won plus additional costs when it went on sale a year after the normal EV6's launch. With the GT button pressed,  it will unleash the full capability of the EV6 GT. Apart from the adjustments to the e-LSD, electronically controlled suspension, and whatnots, it delivers an explosive performance of 585PS of power, 740Nm of torque, a 0-100kph time of 3.5 seconds, and a top speed of 260kph. As for the range, it's good for a combined 312km.

Not too shabby for an EV, right? Yes and no. Although I am utterly grateful to have a spin with this high-performance all-electric crossover that upsets the world over, that's the new world order the Korean way to you, feels like it wasn't enough to take on this...


As Han from The Fast and The Furious universe said, “What you think, I’m gonna let you roll in a Hyundai?” For now, yes. There's an all-electric Hyundai crossover that is worthy of bearing the N mark and I won this car straight from the Modern Horizons Storm Season Playlist.


This is the first-ever Hyundai IONIQ 5 N. The all-electric high-performance crossover with the credentials of the N car.

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N is the high-performance version of the IONIQ 5 crossover and a sure sign that N is embracing electrification. It's got a sporty design, and the N Steering Wheel with N-specific functions, as well as a center console with race-specific features for your track day use.

The IONIQ 5 N is armed with an 84 kWh Li-ion battery pack and two electric motors powering the front and rear wheels. It produces a default 609 PS of power and 740 Nm of torque, more powerful than the Kia EV6 GT. With the N Grin Boost engaged for ten seconds, the power gets bumped to 650 PS, and with N Launch Control in play, it's capable of a 0-100 km/h time of 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 260 km/h. 

Although winning the 2024 World Performance Car award as well as Top Gear 2023 Car of the Year, Hyundai has really outdone itself with the IONIQ 5 N. This high-performance electric crossover not only looks the part but it's got the power and speed to back it up. The fact that it recently set a new record at Pikes Peak with a time of 9 minutes and 30.852 seconds in the Modified and Production SUV/Crossover classes is proof of that. I'm sure this car will continue to turn heads and make waves in the automotive world.



Having enjoyed driving the two award-winning Korean EVs, it's time for the long-awaited duel. The Kia EV6 GT and the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N will clash to the top of the caldera with the fastest time will decide the victor. Obviously, the IONIQ 5 N has the upper hand because it's more powerful than the EV6 GT and it has one thing the EV6 GT doesn't; the N Drift Optimizer. I can enable the IONIQ 5 N's drifting capabilities at the push of the button. Long story short but you get the point.

Anyway, the grudge match between the two Korean high-performance EVs is about to begin. Roll the tape. Dojeon!


And now the results...

EV6 GT - 3m31.428s

IONIQ5 N - 3m23.687s

Hyundai wins the day! With its powerful electric drivetrain, unorthodox dynamics, and recent PPIHC experience, the IONIQ 5 N proved itself to be the victor over the Kia EV6 GT. I have to say that Hyundai really outdid itself with this high-performance electric crossover. Not only does it look the part, but it's also got the power and speed to back it up. With these recent developments, it's clear to me that Hyundai is embracing electrification, and I can't wait to see what they do next.


As Korean car manufacturers, Kia and Hyundai are in some ways part of the same family tree. But in another way, their recent models are showing the opposite to be true. The Kia EV6 GT and the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N both won Car of the Year in their respective years, but when you pit these award-winning cars against each other, the Hyundai comes out on top.

The "new normal" is upon us, and it's clear that electrification is the future. But the Hyundai Motor Group knows how to make EVs fast and clever. They've made these cars not just environmentally friendly but really fun to drive as well.

The more you know.

Monday, March 4, 2024

Hyundai IONIQ 5 (2025MY minor change)

The Hyundai IONIQ 5, the electric car that forever changed Hyundai, has been given a minor change for the 2025 model year, and this award-winning electric car is now made even better.

2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5
2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5

Starting at 52.4 million Korean Won, the facelifted Hyundai IONIQ 5 saw some revisions on the award-winning electric car that forever changed Hyundai, keeping it fresh and competitive as the opportunity arises.

2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5
2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5

2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5
2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 interior

The IONIQ 5 minor change saw some revisions inside and out. The exterior now sports a V-shaped garnish and revised bumpers, increasing its overall length by 20mm. The rear spoiler's revised as well and a new set of wheels are offered for this minor change. A sporty N Line variant was added to this minor change, mimicking the looks of the high-performance IONIQ 5 N variant and that's it.

The interior is revised with its new center console layout, a new physical button that offers access to frequently used functions, the wireless charging pad repositioned to the upper part, a new steering wheel design, and ccNC implementation with OTA updates, among others. The N Line jams the red ambient lighting, sports seats, metal pedals, red stitching, and the N steering wheel into the mix.

The IONIQ 5's electric powertrain was updated by increasing the size of its Li-ion battery from 77.4kWh to 84kWh, meaning the performance and ecology were updated as well. RWD variants have 229PS of power and up to 485km of driving range while HTRAC AWD variants have 325PS of power and up to 425km of driving range. Apart from the increased battery size, it comes with a new shock absorber, new cowl crossbar, doubled reinforcement at the rear wheels and the lower part of the vehicle, improved body stiffness, and added sound insulation, slightly improving its dynamics for the good of it.

Apart from the reinforced body and eight airbags, the IONIQ 5 minor change features new safety features such as the hands-on detection steering wheel, Lane Keeping Assist 2, Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 (RSPA 2), Forward/Side/Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, intelligent front lighting, Digital Key 2, and Built-In Cam 2.

The award-winning Hyundai IONIQ 5 is now made even better with this facelift and it looks like it's on a roll. Will you?

Available colors: Atlas White, Lucid Blue Pearl, Digital Teal Green Pearl, Cyber Grey Metallic, Ecotronic Grey Pearl, Abyss Black Pearl, Atlas White Matte, Ecotronic Grey Matte, Gravity Gold Matte, and Ultimate Red Metallic (N Line only).

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

Friday, February 9, 2024

My FH5 Log: I'M ON IT

In the early days of the COVID pandemic, Hyundai showcased the Prophecy concept which previews the company's first fully-electric saloon sized to Sonata proportions. When Hyundai announced the creation of the IONIQ sub-brand of electric vehicles, the Prophecy Concept starred in a music video with BTS performing the IONIQ brand's anthem, IONIQ: I'M ON IT. Two years after the Prophecy Concept showcase, its production equivalent came to life.


Obtained after hitting a total of 80 points throughout Forza Horizon 5's Lunar New Year series update, here comes another Hyundai that will make the ARMY thrilled to bits since the Prophecy Concept popped up in the IONIQ: I'M ON IT music video starring BTS.


This is the IONIQ 6, the first fully-electric executive midsize sedan from Hyundai.


Before getting my ARMY vibes with this car, let's have a quick info with this car now that I got my hands on it.

Launched in 2022, the Hyundai IONIQ 6 is the second part of the IONIQ trilogy of electric cars since the IONIQ 5 crossover of 2021. With styling inspired by the Prophecy Concept, the IONIQ 6 is one of the most aerodynamic electric cars ever made thanks to its streamlined silhouette.

Running on the same E-GMP platform as the IONIQ 5, the IONIQ 6 is packed with a 77.4kWh battery capacity. In Long Range variants, it produces a high-performance class 228PS of power, or with 4WD variants, a sports car-like 325PS of power.


Smooth like butter, you say? Because of the aerodynamics being smooth like butter, traveling through the straights is a breeze for the IONIQ 6. However, in terms of dynamics, because the IONIQ 6 featured in-game has 4WD, it feels clinically mild to drive. On the bright side, since this is Horizon, you are free to exploit whatever capabilities this fully-electric Korean executive saloon offers. I'm planning to do some stuff with this K-Pop superstar but in the meantime...


...the IONIQ 6 is transported to an EventLab creation where it will face a couple of ICE-powered competitions in a re-enactment of a certain city course from a certain video game. I don't know what that is but for the IONIQ 6, it just feels like home. Flush in the VTR.


A little rough on the competition but like I said, it just feels like home.


A prophecy turned reality, a BTS favorite turned into a Spiderverse favorite, the IONIQ 6 is proof that Hyundai's EV gamble really paid off and here in Forza Horizon 5, players are starting to behave like the ARMY while sampling this Korean EV saloon. Yes, whenever they got their hands on the IONIQ 6, they reminded them of the Prophecy Concept from the BTS music video of the IONIQ brand anthem.

IONIQ, IONIQ, IONIQ, IONIQ, IONIQ, IONIQ...

Friday, September 29, 2023

Hyundai IONIQ 5 N

When Hyundai's high-performance N division said they would brace electrification, they really meant it, shocking the entire world by storm. After years of waiting since the launch of IONIQ 5, the first-ever electrified N car has arrived and it's time to get too jealous about it.

2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N
2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N

2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N
2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N interior

Welcome to the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, the high-performance version of the award-winning IONIQ 5 electric crossover that signals the start of N's electrified route, like it or not. It costs 76,000,000 Korean Won plus additional costs and from every angle, this commoner's EV gets Physical. Physical: N, of course.

Although it looks vaguely similar to the normal IONIQ 5, this beefed-up version features signature N elements, a sporty exterior design, an N Steering Wheel with N-specific functions, and a specific center console with race-specific features fit for your track day use in Inje, among many others. It's hard to say if the IONIQ 5 N is a classified sleeper car because it looks pretty much like the normal one but...who knows. It's going to be a long day.

Armed with an 84kWh Li-ion battery pack and two electric motors powering the front and rear wheels, making it a punchy 4WD prized fighter, the IONIQ 5 N produces a default 609PS of power and 740Nm of torque, more powerful than the Kia EV6 GT. However, with the N Grin Boost engaged for ten seconds, the power gets bumped to 650PS, and with N Launch Control in play, it's capable of a 0-100kph time of 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 260kph, faster than a luxury German saloon. As for the driving range, it's good for 351km on one full charge.

Just like the normal IONIQ 5, it supports V2L capability, meaning you can use some of its juice to charge your phones, your laptop, heck, you can even plug in your TV sets and binge-watch some K-dramas while in the middle of a tailgating party with your pals.

Being a 4WD electric street fighter, the IONIQ 5 N is armed with an e-LSD at the rear axle as well as N Torque Distribution with 11 levels of adjustment and by surprise, an N Drift Optimiser. Although it feels bulky to drive as expected for an electric car, its N characteristics made it damn-straight addictive everywhere. You can really forget about your thoughts while trying to wrestle this car like a Ssireum match.

Although controversial, the IONIQ 5 N features numerous gimmicks such as the N e-shift system where a virtual 8-speed DCT comes out for the play and with the manual mode set, it shifts like you were in a video game, and the ultra-flashy N Active Sound+ where two external speakers and eight internal speakers can imitate engine noises including the jet-inspired Supersonic sound effect.

Like the normal IONIQ 5, the N features a host of safety features such as Remote Smart Parking Assist, Surround View Monitor, and Hyundai SmartSense, among many others.

So, what can I say about the IONIQ 5 N? While the virtual gear shifting and the virtual sound effects are flashy enough to be taunted by speedo boys as a poser machine, not to mention the quirky and bulky handling feel that feels like you're in a Ssireum match, the IONIQ 5 N is one of the many reasons that electric cars are getting manly and dangerous at the same time. Mixing subtlety and obviousness is one thing but with the IONIQ 5 N, we're experiencing burning jealousy right now, wishing we wanted to drive one someday.

The commoner's EV has turned...

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company