Hyundai unveiled the IONIQ 5 N eN1 Cup car ahead of the upcoming Hyundai N Festival motorsports event. Based on the IONIQ 5 N EV, the car has been upgraded for the durable and intensive driving that the track requires and signals the start of a new era in sustainable racing.

The IONIQ 5 N eN1 Cup car uses the same power system as the production IONIQ 5 N - the N brand’s first high-performance EV. Why N? The N line originated from the city of Namyang and also pays home to the Nurburgring, where the high-performance Hyundai’s are tested. The N line is a step up from the standard IONIQ 5 with a strong powertrain and higher battery capacity.

It is also 600 pounds lighter than the street legal car and features slick tyres and a redesigned lower-sitting body kit designed to improve handling and increase downforce. Unnecessary components were removed to reduce the basic weight while forged wheels and polycarbonate windows were applied.

The IONIQ 5 N eN1 Cup car will compete in the new eN1 class which consists of sprint races and 1 v 1 knockout races and will operate under regulations, meaning teams can use various tyres from different manufacturers.

“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 Hyundai N Festival begins with the opening round at Inje Speedium, South Korea on April 27.

words: Mike Booth
pictures: Hyundai