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Cars & Tech: Hyundai unveils the Ioniq 6 – A bold step into the future of electric sedans

Fast Company|Published

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 N has two electric motors that produce up to 478kW.

Image: Supplied

Hyundai is using the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed to introduce the world to its fastest sedan ever, the new Ioniq 6 N.

It joins the Ioniq 5 N as the Korean brand’s second high-performance electric vehicle, and the new four-door matches its sibling’s supercar-rivalling 0-100km/h time of 3.2 seconds.

Hyundai’s performance division says the new vehicle was engineered to thrill on the race track, while also doubling as a comfortable and refined daily driving vehicle.

Its front and rear motors collectively produce 448kW, with 478kW being available for 10 seconds on overboost.

Electric cars are often criticised for their driving experience, which, apart from the acceleration, is often considered to be somewhat boring. The Ioniq 6 N, like its Ioniq 5 sibling, attempts to mitigate this with several ‘grin-inducing’ features.

This includes N e-Shift, which simulates motorsport-inspired short-ratio gear changes. This is given further visual effect through the N Ambient Shift Light, which visually cues precise shift points for optimal performance. This synchronised ambient glow “transforms the cockpit into an arena where every gear change is not just felt but seen,” Hyundai says.

The cockpit has many unique performance features.

Image: Supplied

The Ioniq 6 N also features the N Drift Optimiser, which provides “unparalleled” control over the vehicle’s drift characteristics. It offers customisable parameters for drift initiation, angle, and wheelspin, allowing drivers to fine-tune the car’s behaviour to suit their driving style and skill level.

Furthermore, the N Track Manager allows drivers to tailor their on-track experience and monitor their performance using real-time ghost car visuals and detailed lap time analysis.

As for the soundtrack, Hyundai’s N division claims to have redefined the EV driving experience through its N Active Sound+ system, which delivers an “enriched sound stage that makes each journey aurally immersive.”

Of course, the ‘N’-gineers also put a great deal of effort into the chassis, fully redesigning the suspension geometry of the Ioniq 6 and reengineering the chassis.

The Ioniq 6 N was designed to thrill on the race track.

Image: Supplied

“IONIQ 6 N combines formidable power, sophisticated battery management, aerodynamic mastery and advanced suspension systems to deliver a compelling blend of speed, stability and comfort, setting new benchmarks in modern automotive engineering,” said Manfred Harrer, Hyundai’s head of vehicle development tech.

The Ioniq 6 N is unlikely to reach South African shores anytime soon, with the company citing pricing concerns as the reason for not introducing its EV range locally.

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