Hyundai took centre stage at its N Festival in South Korea, not only to celebrate its racing achievements in 2023 but also to surprise enthusiasts – the unveiling of the concept images of the Ioniq 5 eN1 Cup race car. Alongside the visual revelation, Hyundai shared tantalising technical specifications, aiming to conclude development work by February 2024.
The Ioniq 5 eN1 Cup showcases a bold aesthetic with an aggressive body kit featuring sizable air intakes, a prominent diffuser, and an imposing rear wing. Riding on 18-inch wheels wrapped in 280/680 R18 slick tires, the race car boasts a stiffer suspension setup that lowers its ride height by up to 2.8 inches. Braking prowess is provided by six-piston front and four-piston rear brake callipers, complemented by an air jack for swift lifting. Hyundai enhances safety with a six-point, FIA-compliant roll cage and fortified battery protection.
One of the most significant transformations involves shedding weight, with an estimated loss of up to 250kg. While full details are pending as development continues, Hyundai has already confirmed the replacement of side and rear glass with polycarbonate. Comparatively, the street-legal Ioniq 5 N, with an estimated weight of 2,109kg, serves as a benchmark for the race car’s anticipated reduction.
The Ioniq 5 eN1 Cup introduces hardware refinements, including an adjustable suspension with spherical-joint pillowball mounts to enhance chassis connection stiffness. Notably, the race car is equipped with disconnectors to address potential battery overheating issues. Adding an element of uniqueness, each racing team will have its own simulated engine sound, while drivers can engage in virtual gear changes using the N E-Shift function, replicating the behaviour of an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Beyond its visual and technical prowess, the Ioniq 5 eN1 Cup isn’t just for show. Hyundai plans to debut it on the racing scene as early as May 2024, marking Korea’s inaugural one-make EV competition. As the development progresses, anticipation builds for this groundbreaking electric race car to hit the track and showcase Hyundai’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle performance.
