Hyundai unveils the Ioniq 6 N, its fastest-going production car ever

The new Ioniq 6 N is a performance-focused electric sedan that improves upon the base Ioniq 6 model in numerous ways, from the aero to the powertrain.

On the outside, you can easily spot the N version thanks to its distinct low-drag bumpers and side sills, as well as a fixed swan-neck wing at the back. It is also available in an exclusive shade called Performance Blue Pearl.

An 84-kilowatt-hour battery provides power for a front-mounted motor rated at 226 PS (223 hp / 166 kW) and a rear-mounted one with 406 PS (400 hp / 298 kW). Their combined output can be briefly boosted to 650 PS (641 hp / 478 kW). Sprinting from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes only 3.2 seconds, and the top speed lies at 257 km/h (160 mph). 800-volt internals mean that drivers can benefit from 350kW charging outlets and recharge the battery from 10 to 80 percent in as little as 18 minutes.

As one would expect from a high-end Hyundai EV, the Ioniq 6 N comes loaded with tech features. These include an exhaust sound replacement system called the N Active Sound+ with three presets to choose from, a manual transmission imitator known as the N e-Shift and a drift facilitator called the N Drift Optimizer. N Battery can help drivers prepare the car for a long trip, while N Torque Distribution can be engaged to better manage the torque in 11 different driving scenarios.

While many of these features will sound familiar to Ioniq 6 owners, the N version also gets a unique gimmick called the N Ambient Shift Light. It adjusts the color and intensity of the ambient lighting to indicate when to “switch” the “gears” for “optimum performance”.

The standard equipment list includes special Pirelli P Zero 5 tires sized 275/35 R20, front bucket seats, a sports steering wheel and an action camera holder on the ceiling (camera not included).