Hyundai PH brings powerful ‘N’-ergy at MIAS 2024
As we reported last week, Hyundai Motor Philippines is shaking up the local performance-car scene with the launch of its N brand at the 2024 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS).
Although we have long known about the arrival of the Elantra N, the Korean carmaker also gave a surprise debut of the IONIQ 5 N – the high-performance version of the IONIQ 5 electric vehicle (EV) that has been on sale locally since last year.
Adding to the glamor of the event is the presence of the Elantra N TCR, which is the motorsport version of the Elantra N. This hot racing car was introduced by the equally hot veteran actor Piolo Pascual, who serves as an official Hyundai Motor Philippines brand ambassador.
Startling value
The Elantra N is not only one of the first N models to come to the Philippines, but also the first four-door sedan to be launched since Hyundai Motor Philippines took over local passenger-car operations on June 2022.
Under the hood is a turbocharged 2.0-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 gasoline engine pumping out 276 horsepower and 392 Newton-meters of torque. It is only available with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Helping keep all this performance on the road is an electronic limited-slip differential, electronically adjustable dampers and a reinforced chassis. All these help the Elantra N do 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.
Styling-wise, the robot-like front end is emphasized by the sleek LED daytime running lights and LED headlights. Sharp angles define the lower bumper, which is accentuated by red trim on the bottom of the front spoiler.
Down the side, the Elantra N’s profile is defined by its fastback silhouette, side skirts and gloss-black 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped with 245/35R19 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. Finally, the pert rear end gets full-width LED taillights, large twin exhaust pipes, and a small rear wing to help with rear stability at high speeds.
The Elantra N is now available for P2,738,000.
Ferocious EV performance
Meanwhile, the IONIQ 5 N takes the regular IONIQ 5 and cranks it up to 11.
The EV’s crisp and futuristic styling cues, such as the rectangular LED daytime running lights, electrically retractable door handles and full-width LED taillights, have been made more aggressive. The enormous lower bumper includes additional cooling vents and active air flaps, while the 21-inch alloy wheels are wrapped with bespoke Pirelli PZero tires.
All these are meant to rein in the tower of power from its 84-kWh lithium-ion battery and dual electric motors. These put out 600 horsepower and 740 Newton-meters of torque through all four wheels.
And if you use the N Grin Boost mode, the output temporarily jumps to 641 horsepower and 770 Newton-meters, providing a 0 to 100 km/h time of a supercar-level 3.4 seconds using the N Launch Control. Top speed is set to 260 km/h.
The IONIQ 5 N also comes standard with an electronic limited slip differential, adaptive dampers, and the N Drift Optimizer that help this EV corner with lightning speed, whether you want to do it smoothly or completely sideways.
Other performance add-ons include the N Light Sport bucket seats and the N-Tuned high-performance brakes with N Brake Regen for maximum stopping power and battery recharging. The IONIQ 5 N can also charge from 10 to 80 percent in 18 minutes using a fast charger and has a claimed maximum range of 476 kilometers.
The IONIQ 5 N is available for P4,250,000.
The 2024 Manila International Auto Show runs from April 4 to 7 at the World Trade Center and the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
