The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N has swiftly captured the imagination of performance car enthusiasts since its unveiling as the N division’s first fully electric model.

With numerous global track tests and comparisons already positioning it favourably against traditional sports cars, the new electric kid on the block has undoubtedly carved a compelling niche for itself.

Only a select few get to properly push the car to its limit on a proper racetrack, so imagine my excitement when I got called to Lombok, Indonesia to have a field day with it.

The Mandalika Playground  

Stretching 4.3 kilometres, the Mandalika Circuit, originally designed for MotoGP, served as the ultimate proving ground for the Ioniq 5 N for our N Track Day. Its short straights and technically demanding corners tested the car’s agility, grip, and powertrain dynamics, making it an arena where Hyundai’s engineering could truly shine.

The tropical heat of Lombok also provided an ideal setting to push this high-performance EV to its limits, with sunny weather in Kuta Mandalika adding a touch of serendipity to the occasion.

Before we took to the track, a comprehensive briefing on the car and circuit prepared us for the session ahead.

Our instructors detailed the optimal racing lines and braking points while introducing the Ioniq 5 N’s features, including N Pedal, N Active Sound+, N Torque Distribution, and N e-Shift – all designed to enhance the driving experience and convert sceptics of electric performance cars.

Born to Corner, Built to Thrill  

Developed under Hyundai N’s guiding philosophy – Corner Rascal, Racetrack Capability, and Everyday Sportscar – the Ioniq 5 N is engineered for extreme track versatility.

Whether carving through tight bends or cruising comfortably on a cooldown lap, this car is designed to evoke the same excitement as its petrol-powered predecessors.  

On ignition, we activated N Active Sound+, which emulates the roar of an internal combustion engine, adding a visceral edge to the otherwise silent electric drivetrain. Coupled with N e-Shift, which simulates artificial but surprisingly compelling gear changes, the car delivers a uniquely engaging driving experience that bridges the gap between the future and nostalgia.  

Power delivery from the twin electric motors is nothing short of ferocious, with a baseline output of 600hp and 740Nm of torque.

Activate the N Grin Boost or lovingly dubbed NGB button, and these figures jump to 631hp and 770Nm, propelling the car from corners with a force that firmly cements you into the semi-bucket seats.

Hitting 200km/h on Mandalika’s 723-metre pit straight felt effortless.  

Handling Precision Meets Comfort  

Despite its substantial weight of over 2.2 tonnes, the Ioniq 5 N handles spirited driving with surprising poise.

Hard braking into the first corner revealed the car’s robust setup, featuring high-spec disc brakes and callipers paired with a finely tuned chassis and suspension system.

The steering is precise, making rapid transitions through Mandalika’s technical corners (particularly turns 2, 3 and 16) enjoyable and controlled.  

The innovative N Pedal feature adds another dimension to the driving experience. Acting as a regenerative brake, it stabilises the car when entering corners, delivering a balanced and seamless transition that enhances confidence during sharp manoeuvres.  

Click it into its most powerful “Stage 3” regen mode, and I even could do a full lap without touching the brakes of the car. Ingenious.

For added fun, we switched N Active Sound+ to its Supersonic mode, which mimics the sound of a jet engine.

Throw in some pops, bangs, and sonic booms during gear shifts, and the drive turned into a symphony of speed and excitement.  

Nothing Else Comes Close  

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is without a doubt a marvellous product of insane engineering.

Combining cutting-edge electric technology with features that deliver genuine driving pleasure, it has successfully addressed the concerns of petrolheads who doubted the fun factor of EVs.

This is a car that delivers on multiple fronts, and I can guarantee that you’ll break out a smile as soon as you get behind the wheel. 

For anyone ready to embrace the future of performance motoring, the Ioniq 5 N sets a new benchmark, one grin-inducing lap at a time.

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Hyundai Motor Company and Toyota Motor Corporation recently pulled the covers off their first-ever joint event, the Hyundai N x Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival. Held at Yongin Speedway, this festival was a full-throttle celebration of motorsport culture in South Korea.  

The event saw Hyundai Motor Group’s Executive Chair, Euisun Chung, and Toyota’s charismatic Chairman, Akio Toyoda, sharing the spotlight. After their vehicle demonstrations, complete with WRC-style donuts and crowd-pleasing stunts, the two industry heavyweights took the stage together.

Chung summed up the spirit of the festival perfectly: “With our high-performance N brand, we’re committed to delivering excitement and satisfying all car enthusiasts. We’ll continue to push forward in motorsport alongside Toyota.” It was a sentiment echoed by Toyoda, who lauded the collaboration as a way to “shape the future of mobility.”

The festival featured a thrilling lineup of cars, from Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 N Drift Spec to Toyota’s GR YARIS Rally 1 Hybrid. Fans were treated to electrifying show runs by world-class drivers, including Thierry Neuville and Takamoto Katsuta.

Attendees had the chance to hop into these beasts for a firsthand experience too. The WRC Taxi and Circuit Taxi programs offered hair-raising laps around the track, with professional drivers demonstrating the full prowess of Hyundai N and Toyota Gazoo Racing vehicles.  

For those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground, the festival offered plenty of other attractions. A Gymkhana Competition saw customers teaming up with professional drivers, while the Show & Shine corner showcased some customizations.

To end off, a Parade Lap featuring 66 cars from both brands showed off cars from both brands, led by Chung and Toyoda themselves. 

Inside the brand booths, Hyundai unveiled its futuristic Rolling Labs concept vehicles like the hydrogen-powered N Vision 74. Toyota displayed innovative models like the AE86 H2 Concept. 

From this event, Hyundai and Toyota pledged to donate all ticket proceeds to the Korea Automobile Racing Association, furthering the development of motorsport in the region.  

Hyundai’s commitment to motorsport is nothing new. Over the past two decades, it has cultivated a thriving car culture through events like the Korea Speed Festival and the Hyundai N Festival.

Looking ahead, both companies are gearing up for the FIA World Rally Championship’s final showdown in Japan. In the words of Toyoda, “Together, Toyota and Hyundai are creating a better society.” 

With the Hyundai N x Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival, we can safely agree with them.

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Hyundai and Toyota are joining forces to present a motorsport extravaganza like no other: the inaugural Hyundai N x TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival. Set to take place at the Everland Speedway in Yong-in, South Korea, this event is all about showcasing high-performance cars, racing talent, and an unwavering passion for motorsport.

Hyundai and Toyota may be fierce rivals on the track, but this time they’re coming together to give Korean motorsport fans a spectacle worth remembering. The event will feature demo drives, test rides, and rally-style exhibitions, complete with World Rally Championship (WRC) cars and the drivers who make them fly.

And speaking of big names, Hyundai’s Executive Chair Euisun Chung and Toyota’s Chairman Akio Toyoda will be there in person. 

Hyundai N will be rolling out the big guns from its WRC program, including the i20 N Rally 1 Hybrid and i20 N Rally 2. On hand to wrangle these beasts will be WRC legends Thierry Neuville, Dani Sordo, and Andreas Mikkelsen.

TCR drivers Norbert Mischelisz and Mikel Azcona will put Hyundai N’s production lineup, including the IONIQ 5 N and Elantra N, through their paces.

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing is coming in strong with the GR YARIS Rally 1 Hybrid, GR Supra, GR86, and the GR Yaris Rally 2. With WRC ace Takamoto Katsuta and TOYOTA GAZOO Racing team principal Jari-Matti Latvala in the driver’s seat, you can bet Toyota’s racing arsenal will be on full display.

Nine-time Japan Rally Champion Norihiko Katsuta will also be there, showing that motorsport runs deep in the Katsuta bloodline.

Hyundai will be giving us a peek at what’s to come with the IONIQ 5 N Drift Spec and the hydrogen-powered N Vision 74, while Toyota will showcase its own hydrogen combustion tech with the AE86 H2 Concept.

As Hyundai’s Executive Vice President Yeong Ho Lee put it, “This event will emphasise the fierce competition and friendship that coexist in motorsport… it’s a chance to showcase the shared passion for cars between Hyundai and Toyota.”

Toyota Motor Korea’s CEO, Manabu Konyama, echoed the sentiment: “Toyota remains committed to furthering and strengthening motorsports culture, and we’re glad to be working alongside Hyundai N to give fans a chance to experience car culture beyond the racetrack.”

For all the details on the Hyundai N x TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival, and to stay updated on what’s in store, head to the official website or follow Hyundai N and TOYOTA GAZOO Racing on social media.

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