Keiichi Tsuchiya To Pilot Hyundai Ioniq 5 N - World Time Attack Challenge, Australia

Hyundai's high-performance IONIQ 5 N is poised to make its debut appearance in Australia at the World Time Attack Challenge (WTAC), piloted by the renowned "Drift King" Keiichi Tsuchiya from Japan.  Keiichi would be performing a series of demonstration laps over the event's two-day span.

Keiichi Tsuchiya to those who don’t know is widely recognized for sparking and popularising the art of drifting worldwide. He gained stardom in the late-1970s for a video showcasing his adept drifting skills in a Toyota AE86.

Tsuchiya's iconic "Drift King" title was solidified as he entertained the crowd with exhilarating drifts during the final lap of the All Japan Touring Car Championship in the 1980s. He went on to establish the D1 Grand Prix, the pioneering professional drift series.

As for the IONIQ 5 N, it features the N Drift Optimiser function, designed to sustain drift angles and provide a "Drift King" experience to every driver. Furthermore, being the very first in the N vehicle line-up, the IONIQ 5 N would be categorised as a driver-centric high-performance EVs, combining new technologies and elevated track capabilities.

The IONIQ 5 N would also sport three N performance modes:

• Corner Rascal: Strengthened body and chassis enhance torsional rigidity and direct steering response, enabling rally-inspired dual-motor AWD cornering.
• Racetrack Capability: Up to 478 kW power output with engaged N Grin Boost, extended endurance with leading thermal management, and regenerative braking.
• Everyday Sports Car: N e-shift and N Active Sound + deliver an electrifying sports car experience with tactile sensations and immersive audio.

The IONIQ 5 N which is developed on the E-GMP platform with all-wheel drive technology via a dual electric motors setup delivering a combined 478 kW power output when N Grin Boost is activated making it a perfect WRC-inspired candidate.

Moreover, the IONIQ 5 N’s performance-focused hardware encompasses electronically-controlled suspension, an electronic limited slip rear differential (e-LSD) and custom 21-inch forged aluminium wheels wrapped in Pirelli P-Zero tires. It would also feature a swift-ratio steering rack and N-tuned brakes with rotors measuring 400mm upfront and four-piston monobloc callipers.

Externally, the IONIQ 5 N would feature air curtain and air flap apertures, a lip spoiler, and the EV N-exclusive 'Luminous Orange' lower highlight on its side skirts, rear spoiler, rear diffuser and air outlet.

The IONIQ 5 is expected to enter the Australia market later this year, with initial deliveries anticipated in early 2024. Having heard, read and seen everything on the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, we do hope Hyundai Malaysia would introduce this to the niche bunch of Malaysian consumer who would love to enter the world of electrified performance.