Hyundai Reveals the ‘Lightspeed’ Ioniq 6 N

Following the success of its ridiculously entertaining Ioniq 5 N in 2024, Hyundai is clearly hoping it can repeat the trick by applying its speedy sub-brand’s knowhow to its streamliner sibling—the result revealed today is this, the Ioniq 6 N, Hyundai’s second high-performance EV.

Being born from the brand’s N division, which is tasked with focusing on delivering a combination of cornering prowess and racetrack capability to supposedly create accessible “everyday” sportscars, you’d expect the 6 N to have impressive numbers, and it does. It produces 650 PS (478 kW) and 770 Nm of torque, a standstill to 62 mph acceleration time of 3.2 seconds (using launch control), and a top speed in the region of 160 mph.

The 6 N has also been given a revamped battery management system, which apparently adapts to a range of track driving scenarios (such as drag, sprint or endurance racing), making sure temperature management is optimal. Hyundai claims this results in the EV having higher and long-lasting performance, as well as a significantly reduced conditioning time, which means a 6 N should be able to operate at race level for longer periods.

Photograph: Alex Tapley/Hyundai

Photograph: Alex Tapley/Hyundai

Photograph: Alex Tapley/Hyundai

In an issued statement, José Muñoz, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, says that he wants this second performance EV from the brand to “entice drivers” over to EVs, “high-performance enthusiasts” that may be die-hard fans of combustion technology yet willing to be swayed if an attractive enough alternative presents itself.

A major part of the 6 N’s ability to lure petrolheads away from ICE racers is its innovative N e-Shift (virtual gear shift) system first deployed to great effect in the Ioniq 5 N, but now supposedly improved even further. With e-Shift switched on, the 6 N’s steering wheel paddles combine with the car’s motors, regen braking system, and speakers to simulate ICE car gear changes—not just audibly, but physically as well.

The car’s motors and the regen braking system combine to manipulate torque resistance to simulate the dips in acceleration you experience while shifting gears in an ICE vehicle. To further the illusion, these “dips” are married with a corresponding change in fake noise, which can be set from traditional motorsport-inspired tones to a more EV-sounding mode called Evolution—or sci-fi fans can opt for something called Lightspeed.

Photograph: Alex Tapley/Hyundai

Photograph: Alex Tapley/Hyundai

Photograph: Alex Tapley/Hyundai

The system, which initially required a whole year of software development for the 5 N, even increases regen braking and boosts thrust at higher “fake revs”. As a final flourish, Hyundai has added a feature called N Ambient Shift Light, an interior feature that visually cues shift points for the driver.

On top of the redesigned suspension geometry and reengineered chassis sits a spruced up version of the 6 N’s exterior design, where aerodynamics play a critical role, just as they did in the original 6. The “vanilla” 6’s single-curve profile afforded it an impressive drag coefficient of just 0.21, but now with the sporty panel tweaks this figure rises a touch to 0.27.

Those tweaks include motorsport-inspired elements such as the swan neck rear wing and widened fenders, which are meant not only to underline a track-ready appearance but also contribute to stability during high-speed cornering. The 6’s new color, “Performance Blue Pearl”, adds a pearl finish to Hyundai N’s signature hue.