2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 N to challenge the Tesla Model 3 Performance [Update]

Update: ‘Hyundai Motor’s ‘rolling labs’ at the 2023 Canadian International Auto Show’ section updated.

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 went on sale in South Korea in September 2022, and it’s reaching U.S. shores in early 2023. Like the Ioniq 5, it will receive a sporty variant from Hyundai N, the South Korean automaker’s high-performance brand, which uses the Nürburgring race track (Germany) as its development bed. Here’s what we know about the Hyundai Ioniq 6 N.

Design & Features

Hyundai N has laid the groundwork for the Hyundai Ioniq 6 N in 2022. It has introduced a concept previewing the high-performance electric sedan, the Hyundai RN22e, a racetrack-ready Ioniq 6. As illustrated below, the Ioniq 6 N that’s destined for Hyundai showrooms will be a road-legal model with toned-down aggression and lack some of the concept’s motorsport-style features to meet homologation.

With its low ground clearance and emphasized shoulders, the Ioniq 6 N should have an imposing stance. It may sport a front splitter, larger front air intakes, a massive hood vent, partially blanked headlamps, side skirts, unique mirrors, wider wheel arches, exclusive wheels and tires, a rear diffuser, a triangular brake light, and a fixed rear wing. A signature Hyundai N Performance Blue exterior with a racing stripe, N branding, red accents, and the works for amplifying the motorsport-inspired looks is a given!

An ‘N Sound+’ artificial sound generated by interior and exterior speakers may give the driver a thrilling driving experience. Another feature called ‘N e-shift’ could integrate the vibration and shift feel with this artificial sound, as explained later in the story.

Specifications

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 N should sport two motors, one located at the front and one located at the rear. They could be the same machines that power the Kia EV6 GT and are expected in the upcoming Ioniq 5 N They could produce at least 430 kW (576 hp) of total power and 740 Nm (546 lb.-ft.) of total torque.

The Ioniq 6 N could take just around 3.5 seconds for a 0-60 mph sprint. The car’s top speed could be electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). Stopping power may come from brakes with 400-mm hybrid discs and four-piston monoblock calipers.

We expect the Ioniq 6 N to have a 77.4 kWh battery pack and a 400V/800V multi-high-speed charging system. Charging the battery pack from 10 to 80% level using an ultra-fast charger (800V) should take just 18 minutes. The EPA-est. range could be around 250 miles, with performance given precedence.

Aspect	Hyundai Ioniq 6 N Expected Specification
Length	~4,915 mm (193.5 in.)
Width	~2,023 mm (79.6 in.)
Height	~1,479 mm (58.2 in.)
Wheelbase	2,950 mm (116.1 in.)
Drivetrain Layout	AWD
System Power	~430 kW (576 hp)
System Torque	~740 Nm (546 lb.-ft.)
0-60 mph Acceleration Time	~3.5 seconds
Top Speed	~250 km/h (155 mph)
Battery Pack Capacity	~77.4 kWh
DC Charging Time (10-80% SoC)	Under 18 minutes
EPA-est. Range	~250 miles

N e-shift

One of the topics that Albert Biermann, Executive Technical Advisor at Hyundai, was enthusiastic about while talking with CarExpert on December 12, 2022, was “N e-shift.” While he confirmed the virtual DCT’s arrival in the Ioniq 5 N, the upcoming Ioniq 6 N is expected to get the same treatment. Here as well, the virtual system will be tuned to have mannerisms currently witnessed in gasoline-powered cars with a physical dual-clutch gearbox.

“Virtual Grin Shift”, as Biermann terms it, is being developed to specifically appease drivers of Hyundai’s N-branded EVs who still want all the traits of a driver’s car. To unlock that possibility, engineers and specialists have been working on every small detail – from replicating exhaust and engine notes to the feel of each gear shift. Biermann said that the system could be switched on or turned off by the driver using a button and the paddle shifters.

Release Date

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 could debut and start arriving at dealers in 2024.

Hyundai Motor’s ‘rolling labs’ at the 2023 Canadian International Auto Show

At the 2023 Canadian International Auto Show that took place from February 16-26, 2023, Hyundai Motor displayed its latest ‘rolling labs,’ which are fully functional concepts used for R&D and verification of Hyundai Motorsport-derived technologies before introducing them in mass-production models. We’re talking about the aforementioned RN22e and the N Vision 74 hydrogen fuel cell plug-in hybrid EV that debuted on July 14, 2022.

Video Source: YouTube/Everyday Reviews

The RN22e is a racetrack-ready iteration of the Ioniq 6, but with a different name that communicates it’s a project vehicle, not a commercially available model. It has a reduced ground clearance, wider haunches, aggressive front & rear bumpers with redesigned intakes, a prominent rear diffuser, and a large rear wing, all of which give it vastly improved cooling and aerodynamics.

The RN22e was developed to further the design and technologies that will find their place in future N models, while also keeping enthusiasts in mind. Therefore, it’s equipped with new ‘N Sound+’ and ‘N e-shift’ technologies. For a more exhilarating driving experience, the RN22e can mimic various sound signatures usually associated with high-performance gas-powered cars. It can also emulate the behavior of a manual transmission.

TopElectricSUV says

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 N should be designed as a proper high-performance electric sedan, offering a quick 0-60 mph acceleration, a high top speed, and a more engaging driving experience than the regular version. It may not beat the Tesla Model 3 Performance at the drag strip or its travel range, but with similar performance levels, a faster charging system, a conventional interior, and accessible pricing, it could be an attractive alternative.

Hyundai to focus on zero-emissions vehicles

Every year Hyundai reinforces its focus on EVs. With sales increasing steadily, there seems to be a parallel production ramp-up. By 2035, Hyundai wants to sell only zero-emission vehicles in Europe (BEVs and FCEVs), gradually phasing out ICE and hybrid vehicles worldwide. CEO Jaehoon Chang told Automotive News that HMC (Hyundai and Genesis) expects to deliver 220,000 EVs in 2022.

At the CEO Investor Day 2022 on March 2, 2022, Chang said that Hyundai aims to sell 1.87 million EVs and increase its market share in EVs globally by 2030. The E-GMP, however, will not be the only bespoke EV platform. A second EV platform (IMA) will be introduced by mid-decade, to cover all passenger vehicle segments, in addition to Purpose Built Vehicles (commercial).

Hyundai Ioniq 6 N FAQs

Featured image: TopElectricSUV’s rendition of the Ioniq 6 N.