The Northern Rivers Times
40
November 30, 2023
MOTORING NEWS
Exploring the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N: A Fresh Perspective and Review Get ready, Australia! The game-changing arrival is near, setting new benchmarks in tech and performance that stand unmatched. Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 N appears to have defied convention, creating an electric vehicle that ignites the passion of petrolheads. This spirited electric marvel boasts staggering speed coupled with a soul-stirring engine note, delivering an exhilarating experience. Uncharacteristically for a 2.2-tonne EV, it surges through gear shifts and carves corners with a finesse that defies its weight. Till Wartenberg, head of Hyundai’s performance N brand, articulates the essence succinctly as we take the electrified N for a spin at South Korea’s F1 circuit and then onto winding back roads. To earn its N badge, the retro-styled Ioniq 5 needed to excel on the racetrack while remaining practical for everyday use. A challenge indeed, considering EVs are often synonymous with a lack of auditory appeal and emotional connection. Hyundai took a leap into the future, blending cutting-edge electronics with clever manipulations to fashion a hyper-hatch that tantalizes the senses. The vehicle is equipped with eight internal and
two external speakers, orchestrating an orchestra of virtual sounds synched to RPM, speed, and torque data. While modes like the supersonic jet or high-pitched EV might feel reminiscent of video games, one mode remarkably mirrors the growl of a four-cylinder petrol race car. The authenticity of these sounds, including popping backfires upon throttle lift-off, is astonishing. The illusion extends further with the N e-Shift feature, simulating gear changes akin to a dual-clutch transmission and even mimicking an 8000rpm rev limiter with throttle blips on downshifts. While contrived, these elements
seamlessly from track 0-100km/h in a blistering beast to comfortable road In eco mode, it’s 3.4 seconds cruiser. eerily quiet, boasting enrich the driving engagement in a way unseen in other EVs. Under the hood lies the most powerful Hyundai ever built, sporting dual motors generating a combined 448kW and 740Nm. An additional ‘N Grin Mode’ temporarily boosts power by 30kW and 30Nm for ten seconds, catapulting the car from 0-100km/h in a blistering 3.4 seconds and topping out at 260km/h. Despite this astounding performance, the Ioniq 5 N addresses concerns regarding an EV’s track longevity. Clever cooling systems, advanced battery thermal management,
and an ‘endurance’ mode ensure sustained performance, promising two laps (42km) at the Nürburgring without a drop in prowess. The vehicle offers configurable torque distribution, a drift mode, adjustable damping, and an electronic limited-slip differential, demanding an in-depth dive into settings reminiscent of a teenage gamer’s obsession. While this level of customization might overwhelm traditional performance drivers, it amplifies the car’s addictiveness. Impressively, the Ioniq 5 N transitions
a smart suspension that cushions the ride despite 21-inch forged aluminium wheels and high-performance Pirelli tires. It comfortably accommodates five passengers, presenting twin 12.3-inch screens and ample storage, albeit with some interior materials feeling less premium than its price suggests. Speaking of price, the Ioniq 5 N, priced at about $120,000 drive-away, positions itself as the priciest Hyundai to date, albeit a steal compared to luxury performance cars. Hyundai’s safety features and a five-year warranty,
even for non-timed track use, add value. Additionally, the vehicleto-load feature allows the car to serve as a power source, enhancing its practicality. Beyond its rapid acceleration, the Ioniq 5 N’s fast-charging capability, recharging from 10-80% in just 18 minutes, solidifies its position as a frontrunner in the electric performance segment. In summary, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N breaks barriers, delivering an electric performance car that enthrals with its engaging driving dynamics and addictive thrills. Specifications: • Price: About $120,000 drive-away • Power: Dual electric motors, 448kW and 740Nm • Warranty/Service: Five years/unlimited km, Capped service price not available • Safety: Eight airbags, auto emergency braking, radar cruise, lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear crosstraffic alert, 360-degree camera • Range: 448km • Luggage: 527 litres • Spare: Repair kit
2024 Toyota Camry Unveiled: Embracing Hybrid Power Across the Board The curtains have been drawn on the new-generation 2024 Toyota Camry, making its grand debut in the US with an exclusive hybrid powertrain and a groundbreaking optional all-wheel-drive system for the first time in its storied lineage. Scheduled for an Australian release in the latter part of the upcoming year, this latest iteration of the Camry, an emblematic presence in Toyota’s lineup since its inception in 1982, bears a striking resemblance to its predecessor. The ninth-generation XV80series Camry inherits the TNGA-K platform from its forerunner, albeit sporting a more assertive front-end design reminiscent of the Prius, accentuated by harmonizing tail-lights. Despite these aesthetic
updates, much of the defining body contours and character lines of the current Camry have been retained. However, it’s a different story within the vehicle. The interior has undergone a significant transformation, adopting a new rectangular theme to replace the outgoing model’s curved lines. This redesign appears to liberate additional cabin space, enhancing the overall ambience. Notably, Toyota has
seamlessly integrated their next-generation wide-screen infotainment interface into the dash, aligning it with the digital instrument cluster and situated above a simplified center stack and rectangular console. Fresh seating arrangements, updated connectivity services, wireless smartphone mirroring, charging capabilities, and an expanded array of USB ports (including both USB-A and USB-C) further enrich the interior
experience. The North American market will offer four distinct model grades: LE, XLE, SE, and XSE. The latter two, with a more sporty inclination, differentiate themselves from the former pair with designs that boast aggressive air ducts, functional front canards, a rear diffuser, and a rear lip spoiler. The flagship XSE takes it a step further, sporting a unique body-colored ‘sports’ grille. Under the bonnet
of every variant lies a newly-crafted 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric hybrid powertrain, replacing the absence of a V6 option this time around, even in the US market. This powertrain is projected to deliver an “estimated” 168kW in front-wheeldrive guise and 173kW in all-wheel-drive configuration. While the AWD offering will come at an undisclosed premium across the US lineup, it’s unlikely that Australia will see
the introduction of all-wheel-drive versions, considering the existing all-hybrid front-drive Camry lineup, excluding the entry-level Ascent. Toyota USA promises a refined suspension setup aimed at delivering sharper dynamics and improved ride comfort across the board. However, the SE and XSE variants will sport their own bespoke ‘sport-tuned’ suspension, aligning perfectly with their more athletic persona.
