The Ultimate Electric Corner Rascal
Hyundai is about to drop its most exciting EV yet, the IONIQ 6 N, and it’s coming in hot at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed (10 July, 12:30 BST). Forget everything you thought you knew about sensible electric sedans; this one’s packing drift modes, fake gear shifts, and a rear wing that means business. If the IONIQ 5 N was Hyundai’s first shot at a performance EV, consider this the headshot.
Suspension So Sharp It Could Cut Glass
Hyundai’s N division hasn’t just tweaked the IONIQ 6’s chassis, they’ve completely re-engineered it for maximum attack. The low-slung sedan silhouette helps, but the real magic is in the bespoke suspension geometry, featuring:
- Lowered roll centre for reduced body lean
- Enlarged caster trail for razor-sharp steering feedback
- Electronically controlled stroke-sensing dampers that adapt in milliseconds
Translation? This thing should stick to tarmac like gum to a school desk, whether you’re carving up B-roads or chasing lap times.
N E-Shift & Fake Noise: Because EVs Can Be Dramatic Too
Yes, it’s still an EV with a single-speed gearbox. No, that doesn’t mean Hyundai’s forgotten how to have fun. The IONIQ 6 N gets the brand’s latest N E-Shift tech, which simulates an 8-speed dual-clutch ‘box with:
- Motorsport-style close ratios (because banging through “gears” is half the fun)
- N Ambient Shift Light – a visual cue on the dash telling you when to “shift” for max thrust
- Upgraded N Active Sound+ that pipes in noises ranging from “futuristic spaceship” to “angry rally car”
It’s all a bit silly. And we absolutely love it.
Drift Mode: Now With More Tail-Happy Chaos
The IONIQ 5 N’s drift mode was already a laugh, but the 6 N takes it further with customisable drift settings. Beginners can opt for stability-focused assists, while veterans can dial everything back for maximum opposite-lock action. Hyundai’s even tweaked the torque vectoring and brake-based faux diff to make sliding this 2-tonne sedan feel (almost) as natural as a rear-wheel-drive petrol car.
Aero That Actually Does Something
No half-arsed styling kits here the IONIQ 6 N’s flared arches, wider track, and swan-neck rear spoiler are all functional. Hyundai’s engineers spent “countless hours” in the wind tunnel to ensure high-speed stability, while the lightweight alloys hide massive brakes (because stopping is just as important as going).
Goodwood or Bust
The Festival of Speed debut isn’t just a static display, Hyundai’s promising proper hill climb runs, giving us our first taste of how the 6 N sounds (fake noises and all) at full chat. The N brand will also host a dedicated area with simulators, photo ops, and exclusive grandstand access for hardcore fans.
The Big Question: How Fast Is It?
Hyundai’s playing coy on power figures, but expect 600bhp+ and a 0-60mph time in the low 3-second range, putting it squarely in BMW M3 and Tesla Model 3 Performance territory. The real story, though, isn’t straight-line speed; it’s whether the 6 N can deliver the throttle adjustability and playful handling that made petrol N cars so brilliant.
Final Thoughts
The IONIQ 6 N isn’t just another EV, it’s Hyundai trolling the purists by proving electric cars can be every bit as engaging as combustion ones. Will it work? We’ll find out in just a few days. Either way, the performance EV game just got a whole lot more interesting.
