Awe-N-spiring

HMPH INSPIRES A COMMUNITY OF HIGH PERFORMANCE VEHICLE ENTHUSIASTS WITH HANDOVER OF THE HYUNDAI IONIQ 5 N AND ELANTRA N TO FIRST BATCH OF OWNERS

The IONIQ 5 N Drift Spec featured in a special exhibition for the newly-minted owners of the Elantra N and IONIQ N

In a handover ceremony, Hyundai Motor Philippines, Inc. (HMPH) turned over 18 units of the IONIQ 5 N and Elantra N to its first batch of customers in the country.

The significant milestone was held in Okada Manila in Parañaque City and was attended by both customers and Hyundai executives represented by president, Dongwook Lee; managing director, Cecil Capacete and N Brand Strategy Team Manager, Jeesang Kim.

“Hyundai N plays a crucial role in redefining high-performance driving in the Philippines, highlighting our commitment to provide innovative and future-ready mobility options for all Filipinos,” said the HMPH head honcho.

“This event is not just a handover ceremony, but a testament to our dedication to pushing the boundaries of automotive technology,” added Lee in his special message to the pioneer Hyundai N customers in the country.

‘N’-credible features

The Hyundai Elantra N is one of the very first N models to roll out in the country.

Under its hood is a turbocharged 2.0-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 gasoline engine, mated to the sole eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. This produces a powerful 276 horsepower and 392 N-m of torque.

This superb performance is further amplified by its electronic limited-slip differential, electronically adjustable dampers and a reinforced chassis. Because of this the Elantra N can sprint from 0 to 100km/h in just 5.3 seconds and top at 250 km/h.

At the onset, the sharp boxy front end is highlighted by sleek LED daytime running lights and LED headlights. Its sharp fierce profile continues further with angles that define the lower bumper, accentuated by red trim at the bottom of the front spoiler. Its top-notch panache is characterized by fastback silhouette, side skirts, LED tail lights, large twin exhaust pipes, rear wing, capped by gloss-black 19-inch alloys wrapped in 245/35R19 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires.

The Elantra N is priced at P2,738,000.

Ashley and Ariane Sison showcasing the Elantra N

Meanwhile, the IONIQ 5 N is a spruced up version of its regular spec. This IONIQ 5 on steroids is further beautifully sculpted with its crisp and futuristic styling cues, such as its rectangular LED daytime running lights and electrically retractable door handles. Its large bumper accommodates cooling vents and active air flaps. Pizzazz continues with the full-width LED tail lights and 21-inch alloy wrapped in bespoke Pirelli PZero tires.

At its heart is a potent 84-kWh lithium-ion battery and dual electric motors, which produces 600 horsepower and 740 N-m of torque. When boosted, the vehicle can even spring to 641 horsepower and 770 N-m, transforming it to a demigod which can dart from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds, while topping at 260 km/h.

Further making it one “Super Saiyan” are its electronic limited slip differential, adaptive dampers, the N Drift Optimizer that help this EV corner with lightning speed; as well as the N Light Sport bucket seats and the N-Tuned high-performance brakes with N Brake Regen for maximum stopping power and battery recharging.

This stunner can also charge from 10 to 80 percent in 18 minutes using a fast charger. Range-wise, it can reach up to a maximum range of 476 kilometers. This IONIQ 5 N is priced at P4,250,000.

Other ‘N’-ticing event highlights

Together with the customers and HMPH executives who graced the special occasion were representatives from four Hyundai N dealerships coming from Alabang, Commonwealth, Makati and Pasig.

While spicing everything up was an exciting drift stunt exhibition by none other than Autocraft Drift Philippines, headed by Dr. Drift himself, Audel Sison.

From left, siblings Audel, Ariane and Ashley Sison, with Korean drift driver Sungu Cho

Drifting along with him are his daughters and professional Korean drifter and D Spec Motorsports Team CEO, Sungu Cho.

They showcased the original IONIQ 5 N Drift Spec from South Korea at the sprawling Okada Manila Boardwalk, exemplifying the exciting capabilities of the 2024 World Performance Car.

Here, both the Elantra N and IONIQ 5 N embodied the three Hyundai N pillars, namely: Corner Rascal, Everyday Sportscar, and Racetrack Capability.

The fifirst batch of new N owners are joined by top offificials of Hyundai Motor Philippines at the official handover ceremony at Okada Manila

‘N’-joying the pop-up showroom, displays and car-meets

Following the successful launch of the Elantra N and IONIQ 5 N at the Manila International Auto Show early this year, a number of events also transpired that allowed the public to get immersed in the world of Hyundai’s N Series and personally acquaint and enjoy them in the flesh.

With the N Car Meets series and the N Pop-up Store at Karrera Showroom also fostering a new community of ‘N’thusiasts, the vehicles were able to establish themselves in the Filipino car culture as the brand’s halo vehicles that offer uncanny high performance and blissful driving experience.