The Hyundai IONIQ 6 N Turns it Up to 11
About this episode
Hyundai's Ioniq 6N is set to elevate the performance EV landscape with significant upgrades over its predecessor, the 5N. Featuring a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system that delivers a combined 601 horsepower, plus a temporary boost to 641 with N-grin boost, the 6N promises thrilling driving experiences. The episode dives into its aerodynamic design, advanced suspension, and innovative tech like simulated gear shifts and customizable performance sounds. Insights from Hyundai's Mike Evanov reveal how the 6N aims to enhance both daily driving and track performance, making it a standout in the EV market.
Hyundai has made it official- the IONIQ 6 N is coming to the North American market in late spring / early summer of 2026. Is it one better than the legendary 5N? There's certainly reason to believe that. 6N gets upgraded performance electronics and a new suspension for a lower center of gravity. Plus it's more aerodynamic. Tom Voelk travels to Hyundai Design North America in Irvine, CA to talk to Hyundai's Michael Evanoff to discover what's different when it comes to the high-performance IONIQ 6N.
Hyundai provided travel to California for this video.
Hyundai Ioniq 6N
"A bonus, chilling in the design courtyard, was the Ioniq 6N."
The Hyundai Ioniq 6N is a sportier version of the Ioniq 6 electric car. It has upgrades that make it faster and more fun to drive.
The Hyundai Ioniq 6N is a performance-oriented variant of the Ioniq 6 electric sedan. It features enhancements that improve its performance and driving dynamics, making it more appealing to enthusiasts.
mid-cycle refresh
"All sixes get a mid-cycle refresh with redone faces and lamps, but the 6N gets serious performance upgrades."
A mid-cycle refresh is when a car gets updated while it's still being made, usually to improve its look or add new features. It's like giving the car a makeover without changing it completely.
A mid-cycle refresh refers to updates made to a vehicle model during its production cycle, typically involving design changes, feature updates, and performance enhancements. This helps keep the model competitive without a complete redesign.
Hyundai 5N
"that's great news for enthusiasts, because when I drove the 5N at Laguna Seca, it was seriously one of the best things I've ever done behind the wheel of an automobile."
The Hyundai 5N is a sportier version of the Ioniq 5, which is an electric SUV. It has more power and better performance than the regular Ioniq 5.
The Hyundai 5N is a performance variant of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 electric crossover, designed to offer enhanced driving dynamics and power compared to the standard model.
suspension upgrades
"Upgraded cooling for the batteries and motors, aero tweaks, plus performance tires, suspension and brake upgrades."
Suspension upgrades are improvements made to a car's system that helps it ride smoothly and handle better on the road. This can make the car feel more stable and comfortable.
Suspension upgrades involve enhancing a vehicle's suspension system to improve handling, ride quality, and stability. This can include changes to springs, shock absorbers, and sway bars.
brake upgrades
"Upgraded cooling for the batteries and motors, aero tweaks, plus performance tires, suspension and brake upgrades."
Brake upgrades are improvements to a car's brakes that help it stop faster and more safely. They make the brakes work better, especially when driving fast.
Brake upgrades refer to enhancements made to a vehicle's braking system, which can improve stopping power and reduce brake fade during high-performance driving. This may include better brake pads, rotors, and calipers.
aero tweaks
"Upgraded cooling for the batteries and motors, aero tweaks, plus performance tires, suspension and brake upgrades."
Aero tweaks are changes made to a car's shape to help it move through the air more easily. This can make the car faster and use less energy.
Aero tweaks refer to modifications made to a vehicle's body to improve its aerodynamics, which can enhance performance and fuel efficiency. These changes often involve altering the shape or adding components like spoilers and diffusers.
performance tires
"Upgraded cooling for the batteries and motors, aero tweaks, plus performance tires, suspension and brake upgrades."
Performance tires are tires made to help cars handle better and go faster. They grip the road more than regular tires, making them great for sporty driving.
Performance tires are specially designed tires that provide better grip, handling, and responsiveness compared to standard tires. They are often used in sports cars and performance vehicles to enhance driving dynamics.
N-E shift
"There are switchable performance tones and simulated gear shifts called N-E shift."
N-E shift is a feature in some electric cars that makes it feel like you're changing gears, similar to regular cars. It adds sounds and sensations to make driving more fun.
N-E shift refers to a feature in some electric vehicles that simulates gear shifts and performance tones, providing a more engaging driving experience. This technology aims to mimic the feel of traditional gas-powered vehicles.
downshifting blips
"Downshifting blips, that's awesome."
Downshifting blips are quick revs of the engine that happen when you shift to a lower gear. They help the car feel smoother and more responsive when changing gears.
Downshifting blips are brief revs of the engine that occur when a driver downshifts, helping to match the engine speed with the lower gear. This technique enhances smoothness and performance during gear changes.
electric vehicle
"Well, turn off the features, the electric ends offer choice."
An electric vehicle is a car that runs on electricity instead of gas. They are better for the environment and can save money on fuel.
An electric vehicle (EV) is a car that is powered entirely by electricity, using batteries instead of gasoline or diesel. EVs are known for being environmentally friendly and often have lower operating costs.
aerodynamic
"6N has more potential as a driver's vehicle, for starters it's lower to the ground and more aerodynamic than the 5's hatchback-y SUV form factor."
Aerodynamic means how well a car can move through the air. Cars that are shaped better can go faster and use less energy.
Aerodynamic refers to the way a vehicle's shape affects its ability to move through the air. A more aerodynamic design reduces drag, which can improve fuel efficiency and performance.
dual-motor all-wheel-drive system
"It is obviously a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system that can split between all front, all rear in between 50-50..."
A dual-motor all-wheel-drive system means the car has two motors that power both the front and back wheels. This helps the car grip the road better and drive more smoothly, especially in bad weather.
A dual-motor all-wheel-drive system uses two electric motors, one for the front wheels and one for the rear, allowing for better traction and performance by distributing power to all wheels as needed. This setup enhances handling and stability, especially in varying driving conditions.
N-grin boost
"5N, but then there's also what we call N-grin boost, which is like an over-boost feature, like a push-to-pass."
N-grin boost is a feature that gives a car extra power for a short time, making it faster when needed, like in a race. It's similar to a special button that helps you speed up quickly.
N-grin boost is an over-boost feature that temporarily increases the vehicle's power output, similar to a push-to-pass function in racing. This allows for a short burst of additional horsepower to enhance performance during critical moments.
kilowatt-hour battery
"The battery is 84 kilowatt-hour battery, up a little bit from prior."
A kilowatt-hour battery is a way to measure how much energy an electric car can hold. An 84 kWh battery means the car can store a lot of energy, which helps it go further before needing to be charged.
A kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery measures the energy capacity of electric vehicles. An 84 kWh battery indicates the amount of energy the battery can store, impacting the vehicle's range and performance.
20-inch wheel
"It is a 20-inch wheel, but it's a 9.5-inch wide wheel, and those are wrapped in 275 35 Pirelli P05s."
A 20-inch wheel is how big the wheel is on a car. Bigger wheels can help the car grip the road better and look more stylish.
A 20-inch wheel refers to the diameter of the wheel, which affects the vehicle's handling, ride comfort, and aesthetics. Wider wheels can improve traction and stability.
Pirelli
"those are wrapped in 275 35 Pirelli P05s."
Pirelli is a brand that makes tires for cars. They are known for making really good tires that help cars perform well, especially in racing.
Pirelli is an Italian tire manufacturer known for producing high-performance tires for various vehicles, including sports cars and motorcycles. Their tires are often used in racing and performance applications.
regenerative braking
"Obviously, with electric vehicles, you get a lot of benefit from regenerative braking."
Regenerative braking is a system in electric cars that helps save energy when you slow down. It takes some of the energy used to stop the car and sends it back to the battery, helping the car go further.
Regenerative braking is a technology used in electric vehicles that captures energy normally lost during braking and converts it back into usable energy to recharge the battery. This process improves efficiency and extends the vehicle's range.
mechanical brakes
"We still have mechanical brakes, 15.7 inches or 400 millimeters in the front, huge rotors,"
Mechanical brakes are the parts of a car that help it slow down or stop. They work by using physical parts to create friction, which helps the car stop safely.
Mechanical brakes are a type of braking system that uses physical components to create friction and slow down or stop a vehicle. They are typically found in performance cars and can provide better control and response compared to other types of brakes.
four piston calipers
"four piston calipers up front as well, two-piece rotor design."
Four piston calipers are parts of the braking system that help squeeze the brake pads against the rotors to stop the car. Having four pistons means they can apply more pressure, which helps the car stop better.
Four piston calipers are a type of brake caliper that uses four pistons to apply pressure to the brake pads. This design allows for more even pressure distribution and improved braking performance, especially in high-performance vehicles.
coefficient of drag
"Coefficient of drag is .27. The base car is about .22."
The coefficient of drag is a number that shows how easily air flows around a car. A lower number means the car is more streamlined and can move through the air better, which helps it use less fuel.
The coefficient of drag is a numerical value that represents how aerodynamic a vehicle is. A lower coefficient indicates less air resistance, which can improve fuel efficiency and performance.
rear spoiler
"Moving to the rear, the obviously element is the rear spoiler with a swan neck design."
A rear spoiler is a part at the back of a car that helps it stay stable when driving fast. It helps air flow better around the car, which can make it handle better.
A rear spoiler is an aerodynamic device mounted on the back of a vehicle to improve stability and reduce drag at high speeds. It helps to manage airflow over the car, enhancing performance and handling.
downforce
"It's about 220 pounds of downforce at top speed. You'll also see unique rear fascia back here, kind of a diffuser elements underneath."
Downforce is the force that pushes a car down onto the road, helping it grip better and stay stable when driving fast. It's important for sports cars and race cars to handle well.
Downforce is a aerodynamic force that pushes a car down towards the road, increasing traction and stability at high speeds. It is crucial for performance vehicles, especially in racing, as it helps maintain control during cornering.
diffuser
"You'll also see unique rear fascia back here, kind of a diffuser elements underneath. Talk a little bit about the suspension."
A diffuser is a part of a car that helps air flow better underneath it. This helps the car stick to the ground better when going fast, making it safer and more stable.
A diffuser is a component of a car's aerodynamics that helps manage airflow under the vehicle. It works by expanding the airflow, which reduces pressure and increases downforce, improving stability at high speeds.
Hyundai Ioniq 5N
"...t about the suspension. It has been updated from IONIQ 5N. The geometry has been altered and changed."
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a new type of car that runs on electricity instead of gasoline, making it better for the environment. It has a cool, futuristic look and lots of space inside, which makes it a great choice for families or anyone who wants a stylish ride. The talk about its suspension means they are making changes to help it drive smoother and handle better on the road.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is an all-electric compact SUV that has gained attention for its modern design, spacious interior, and advanced technology features. It represents Hyundai's commitment to electric mobility and showcases the brand's innovative approach to sustainable transportation. The mention of its updated suspension geometry indicates ongoing improvements to enhance driving dynamics and comfort.
roll center
"The geometry of the suspension components, where they meet, is kind of called the roll center."
The roll center is a point in the car's suspension that helps determine how the car leans when going around corners. It affects how well the car handles and feels during turns.
The roll center is a point in a vehicle's suspension geometry that influences how the car behaves during cornering. It affects body roll and handling characteristics, playing a critical role in vehicle dynamics.
dampeners
"...that combined with the dampeners, basically electronically controlled, but they now feature an integrated stroke sensor."
Dampeners are parts of the car's suspension that help smooth out the ride by controlling how the springs move. They make the car feel more comfortable and stable.
Dampeners, or dampers, are components of a vehicle's suspension system that control the movement of the springs. They help to absorb shocks and vibrations, improving ride quality and handling.
ride height sensor
"...an integrated stroke sensor. And that combined with a ride height sensor front and rear basically adds to a little bit more refined ride quality..."
A ride height sensor checks how high the car is off the ground. It helps the car adjust its suspension to make the ride smoother and better for different situations.
A ride height sensor measures the distance between the vehicle's body and the ground. This information helps adjust the suspension for optimal performance and comfort based on the load and driving conditions.
N-grind boost
"...you've got your N1 and N2 buttons, your N-grind boost, that 40 horsepower increase I talked about."
N-grind boost is a feature that gives extra power to the car, making it faster. It's like a turbo boost that helps you speed up quickly when you need it.
N-grind boost refers to a performance enhancement feature that increases horsepower, often used in high-performance vehicles. It allows drivers to access additional power for improved acceleration and driving dynamics.
Request an Explanation
Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.
Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.
Want to learn more?
Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.
Help improve this episode
See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark. Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.