Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 N Evolves into the NPX1 Racing Beast
In a groundbreaking move, Hyundai is set to unveil the NPX1, a race-ready version of the high-performance Ioniq 5 N, at the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon. The teasers for this upcoming debut suggest that Hyundai is not just pushing the boundaries but tearing them down, making the Ioniq 5 NPX1 a true powerhouse on the tracks.
Upon close examination of the images, it’s evident that the NPX1 is no ordinary Ioniq 5 N. The size of the rear wing alone indicates a significant departure from the standard model. Adjustments in brightness and exposure reveal a comprehensive body kit, featuring a wild aerodynamic design with a massive front splitter and rear diffuser. A closer look at the video accompanying the teasers unveils additional tweaks, including carbon mirror caps and distinctive blue brake calipers.
Interestingly, the NPX1 shares a visual resemblance with the Ioniq 5 eN1 Cup car showcased at the N Festival in South Korea the previous month. While it remains uncertain if these are one and the same, the Cup car boasted a beefy body kit and a weight reduction of up to 551 pounds compared to the road-ready Ioniq 5 N. Notable modifications included an adjustable suspension that lowered the ride height by 2.8 inches, enhancing its racing capabilities.
The Ioniq 5 eN1 Cup car also featured 18-inch wheels paired with 280/680 R18 slick tires, complemented by six-piston front and four-piston rear brake calipers. Its racing pedigree was further evident with polycarbonate side and rear windows, an air jack, a six-point FIA-compliant roll cage, and a kill switch for emergency battery shutdown.
What adds a layer of intrigue to this development is Hyundai’s apparent interest in South Korea’s first one-make EV competition. If the Ioniq 5 NPX1 is indeed gearing up for this competition, it signals a bold step forward for EV racing. The development phase is expected to conclude next month, with the eN1 Cup car anticipated to hit the track as early as May. Drivers are expected to leverage the N E-Shift function, simulating gear changes akin to an eight-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission.
As the automotive world eagerly awaits the NPX1’s official debut at the Tokyo Auto Salon on January 12, Hyundai’s move to bring high-performance EVs to the racing scene prompts questions about the future of motorsports and the broader implications for electric vehicles in competitive racing. The Ioniq 5 NPX1 not only promises an exhilarating racing experience but also challenges the conventional norms of motorsports, sparking debates about the role of electric vehicles in the racing landscape.
In summary, Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 NPX1 is not just a racing car; it symbolizes a paradigm shift in the perception of electric vehicles in competitive motorsports, setting the stage for a new era of high-performance, eco-friendly racing.
