Radical Hyundai NPX1 Previews Future Ioniq 5 N Tuning Parts

As it is, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is already a rapidly quick performance EV to begin with. Of course, with things as such, it could be made quicker, and angrier. That’s exactly what the Korean automaker’s single-lettered performance arm did with it latest NPX1 concept.

Unveiled at the on-going Tokyo Auto Salon 2024 (TAS 2024) show, the Hyundai NPX1 concept essentially previews upcoming tuning and performance parts the N division will produce the Ioniq 5 N. Though Hyundai released just two snaps of the NPX1, there’s indeed much to garner.

Up front, the Hyundai NPX1 sports a more aggressive front bumper featuring a massive splitter  and aero fins on the trailing edges, both finished in blue.

Clearly, this is a more aggressive-looking car than the base Ioniq 5 N, and this largely stems from its adoption of a revised bumper featuring new air intakes, and a large splitter finished in a blue accent. It also has aerodynamic fins on the trailing edges of the bumper that connects with the front fenders.

Elsewhere, Hyundai also brimmed the NPX1 with carbon side mirrors plus new aerodynamic side skirts, the latter featuring glossy carbon finishing and blue accents. At the rear sits a large and towering rear wing with carbon fibre end plates. Further down sees a new rear bumper with integrated diffuser element.

The NPX1 also sits very low thanks to a set of lowering springs, but it’s the large – presumably – ultra-light alloy wheels shod in sticky Pirelli P Zero performance tyres that really sets this performance concept apart from the regular but also bonkers Ioniq 5 N it underpins. Looking racy is perhaps an understatement here.

At the rear, the NPX1 sports a massive rear wing matched with an aggressive rear bumper with an integrated diffuser assembly.

Though Hyundai didn’t release any images of the cabin, the same can be said about how racy it will be. That’s because the Korean automaker says the innards of the NPX1 will adopt a lot more lightweight carbon fibre parts and panels on top of adopting full racing bucket seats. Simply put, this is the Ioniq 5 that’s built for trackday warriors in mind.

Speaking of which, we’ll also remind you of Hyundai’s plans to kick-start a one-make racing series using the Ioniq 5 N in South Korea. Effectively, the NPX1 gives us a pretty clear idea at how said racing version of the Ioniq 5 N would look like.

Though merely a concept, Hyundai says much of the parts seen in the NPX1 will be developed and marketed as N Performance Parts for the Ioniq 5 N later this year.

Whilst much of the performance bits shown in the Hyundai NPX1 are mere concepts for now, Hyundai confirmed that it will further develop these and have them on sale later this year. Besides performance parts for the Ioniq 5 N, Hyundai also says it will develop similar bits for other N models too.

“Not limited to tuning parts, we are also developing software customisation such as sound and vehicle calibration by OTA updates which will open a completely new category of EV customisation for an exciting future ahead for the tuning community,” adds N Brand Management Group vice president Joon Park.

Closer to home, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N just made its regional ASEAN debut at the Singapore Auto Show 2024. (Image source: TopGear Singapore)

Closer to home, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N just made its regional ASEAN debut across the causeway in the Singapore Motor Show 2024. On show there is a left-hand-drive (LHD) example of the 614 HP performance EV hatch that’s being previewed for the Singapore market.

No prices or launch date were disclosed, but the model is expected to go on sale there soon enough. Could this also be a sign that Malaysia’s next? We’ll reserve judgement on that given how Hyundai’s N performance models weren’t sold in high numbers locally prior.