Hyundai’s performance division isn’t interested in a horsepower arms race. Their N brand chief acknowledges that super-powerful electric vehicles, like the 600-hp Ioniq 5 N, might be a bit too much for most drivers. He emphasizes that fun and accessibility are key.
The thrill of a 1,000-horsepower car is more like a jolting stomach punch than enjoyable driving, according to Hyundai. They argue that these extreme horsepower battles are more about bragging rights than actual driving experience. Hyundai’s N division wants to build electric cars that are exciting and engaging but without the intimidation factor.
Joonwoo Park, head of the N brand, told InsideEVs that they’re not interested in the “horsepower war” where manufacturers keep trying to outdo each other with ever-increasing power figures. According to Park, boosting horsepower in electric vehicles is easy, but it’s not their priority.
They’d rather focus on creating a fun and engaging driving experience for their customers. This perspective makes a lot of sense. While the initial thrill of launching a 1,000-horsepower car might be exciting but it can wear off quickly. And as someone who’s test-driven a Tesla Model S Plaid, the author can attest to the potential downsides of such extreme power.
The brakes and chassis might not be able to handle the car’s capabilities, making for a nerve-wracking experience rather than a truly enjoyable one.
Even incredibly capable electric performance cars like the Porsche Taycan Turbo S face limitations. While it might handle corners well, unleashing its full power on public roads is simply unsafe. At a recent test drive event, Porsche reportedly restricted journalists from exceeding a certain speed on the straightaway, fearing the car could reach dangerous speeds in inexperienced hands.
This situation highlights a growing issue – some electric vehicles are becoming too powerful not just for everyday driving, but even for some racetracks.
Hyundai’s approach with the Ioniq 5 N reflects this concern. Their N brand chief acknowledges that even their 600-hp output (with a temporary 641-hp boost) might be too much for some drivers. This focus on a more manageable power level aligns with Hyundai’s strategy of prioritizing a fun and engaging driving experience over an all-out horsepower war.
They took 29 journalists to test drive the Ioniq 5 N on Laguna Seca Raceway, one of America’s premier tracks.
The goal?
To showcase the car’s performance capabilities. But the experience served as an interesting illustration of Hyundai’s philosophy.
Out of the entire group, only a few drivers were confident enough to go full-throttle on the main straight. This included the author, who has extensive experience with performance cars and track driving. Even for someone comfortable with speed, the Ioniq 5 N’s power wasn’t the limiting factor on Laguna Seca’s challenging course. It was the driver’s own limitations navigating the track’s blind corners.
This reinforces Hyundai’s N division’s focus – creating a car that’s exciting and engaging to drive, but prioritizes accessibility and control over raw, intimidating power.
