While everyone is copying Hyundai’s virtual gear shift, introduced in the IONIQ 5 N, the company is already working on the next big thing.
Hyundai plans fun new features for upcoming N EVs
Who knew fake gear shifting and artificial sounds would be such a hit? After launching the IONIQ 5 N in 2023, Hyundai’s first electric sports car, instantly became a hit, winning over journalists with its “electrifying” performance.
The IONIQ 5 N packs up to 641 hp and 568 lb-ft of instant torque when N Grin Boost is active, a feature that unlocks the full vehicle’s performance for a 10-second power boost.
What really caught most people’s attention wasn’t the instant acceleration — it was just how fun the vehicle was to drive.
Hyundai introduced several new features in the IONIQ 5 N, including N e-Shift, a virtual gear shift, and N Active Sound+ system. Together, the system mimics an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, with simulated engine noise and gear shifting during acceleration and deceleration.
While it seemed like a gimmick at first, given that the silent, smooth drive is a huge advantage of EVs, several automakers, including Porsche and BMW, are planning to introduce similar features in upcoming models.
While others are copying Hyundai, the company plans to stay one step ahead. According to Manfred Harrer, head of Hyundai Motor’s R&D division, the automaker has a few ideas that will “bring in the next level” for its upcoming electric N cars.
“We are leading – we are not following – on this technology,” Manfred told Autocar, regarding the Virtual Gear Shift system.
Hyundai plans to continue developing the system further, adding new features to make it even more immersive.
“In the next generation of these cars, I want to make it even more realistic. I want to enhance it further,” he added.
While Manfred is keeping most details a secret for now, he did hint that “idling, exhaust backfiring,” and “vibration in the car” could take the system to the next level in terms of driver engagement.
Hyundai’s N performance division is more concerned with how fun the vehicle is to drive, rather than focusing solely on performance.
It’s “all about the experience,” Manfred said. He added, “A lot of people say it’s fake, but people like it, so there is some beauty – and why not play around with it?”
The next Hyundai N EVs will also ride on a new “IMA” platform, Manfred said, which will replace the current E-GMP in the next few years.
“E-GMP was introduced in 2021, and we’ll go through a normal life cycle, and the next one is already in development,” according to Manfred.
The new platform will serve as the basis for “enhanced N cars,” and will still offer 800V technology for faster charging and improved efficiency, according to Hyundai’s R&D boss.
While it won’t be a revolution, like the E-GMP, the IMA will offer “incremental improvements on thermal management, on the overall efficiency of the car, on the cost, on the integration,” Manfred told Autocar.
Hyundai now sells two electric N vehicles, the IONIQ 5 N and IONIQ 6 N. What’s the next EV to get the N treatment? The IONIQ 9? IONIQ 3?
What features would you like to see Hyundai introduce or drop with the upcoming N EVs? Drop us a comment below and let us know your thoughts.
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