Hyundai Motor Company today unveiled the IONIQ 5 N eN1 Cup electric racing car in Korea at the official practice round for participating teams in the upcoming Hyundai N Festival motorsports event. For over 20 years, Hyundai Motor has sponsored and organized various racing competitions, starting with the Hyundai Click Speed Festival and Korea Speed Festival, leading up to the Hyundai N Festival, which has now become the largest one-make race series for professional athletes in Korea.
The IONIQ 5 N eN1 Cup racing car is based on the IONIQ 5 N which recently won the 2024 World Performance Car of the Year award. It adopts the same power electronics system as the production IONIQ 5 N, which uses a stronger powertrain and higher battery capacity than the IONIQ 5 base model.
The IONIQ 5 N is the N brand’s first high-performance EV with maximum output of up to 650 ps and high durability for intensive circuit driving. Cutting-edge technology can be found in Hyundai Motor’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), robust battery thermal management system and strong regenerative braking system which are used in various production EVs.
The fully electric racing high-performance racing car signals the start of a new era in sustainable racing. Like the existing Avante (Elantra) N1 class, the IONIQ 5 N eN1 Cup car is a top-class racing car for professional drivers competing in the N1 class, with enhanced circuit performance using slick tyres. The new eN1 class, to be introduced this year, will operate under open regulations so that teams can compete with various tire products without being restricted to a single manufacturer.
The IONIQ 5 N eN1 Cup car also features a redesigned bodykit. It has low and wide-style over-fenders, wider wheel trajectories for improved handling, increased downforce from front lips and rear wings, and improved aerodynamic performance.
It is also lighter as unnecessary components were removed to reduce the basic weight of the race car; forged wheels, a FRP bonnet and polycarbonate windows are among the weight-reducing measures. Still, the racing car weighs 1,970 kgs because of the unavoidable weight of the battery pack which has a capacity of 84 kWh.
And here’s something that will add to the excitement for the spectators. The cars will have sounds delivered by the NGB overboost, virtual shift (N e-Shift), and differentiated and amplified NAS+ (N Active Sound) so it won’t just be the whizzing sounds of motors. Each competing team will be able to develop unique sounds for their cars.
For enhanced safety measures, the IONIQ 5 N eN1 Cup car is equipped with essential safety elements, such as a roll-cage, racing bucket seat and competition seatbelts. Additionally, each car will have fire extinguishers exclusively for electric fires, asphyxiation fire extinguishers and a modified charge port location, ensuring the highest level of safety in EV racing.
“We are incredibly proud to unveil the IONIQ 5 N eN1 Cup car, demonstrating our commitment to sustainable racing,” said Till Wartenberg, Vice-President and Head of N Brand & Motorsport. “This unique electric racing car demonstrates our cutting-edge technology and passion for pushing the boundaries of what EVs can achieve on the racetrack.”
The upcoming season will serve as a trial period for EV racing, marking the first introduction of EV racing in the Hyundai N Festival. The eN1 Cup car will be tested and improved through the harsh motorsport environment in the Proto stage. This season will also provide an opportunity for teams, drivers, and marshals to learn about and develop the EV racing competition.
Additionally, charging-related infrastructure, fire response measures and emergency response will be further developed during this trial season.
The Hyundai N Festival will start with the opening round on April 27 at Inje Speedium, an 11-year old motorsports complex located 121 kms east of Seoul. The eN1 class will have its official practice during the opening round, followed by 10 races in the fifth round. The competition format will vary, including one-on-one knockout races and traditional sprint races, allowing for a comprehensive understanding and testing of various EV racing methods.
“Through the eN1 class, our ultimate aim is to establish Hyundai Motor as a true leader in the EV motorsport platform, fostering the growth and development of Korea’s vibrant motorsport culture while making a resounding impact on a global scale,” said Joon Park, Head of N Brand Management Group. “With the eN1 class, we are poised to redefine the future of racing and pave the way for a new era of electrifying motorsport achievements.”