√Hyundai Ioniq 5 N NPX1 concept debuts go-fast electric parts for Australia

Performance parts and software upgrades for the Hyundai electric hatch will be in showrooms later in 2024.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N NPX1 has been revealed at Tokyo Auto Salon showcasing a range of performance parts Australian customers will soon be able to buy for the car maker’s ‘N’ performance cars.

The NPX1 concept is based on the high-performance version of the Ioniq 5 electric hatchback, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, delivering 478kW/770Nm and a 0-100km/h claim of 3.4 seconds.

The sinister black NPX1 concept was used to show off the new ‘N Performance Parts’ product line from ‘N’ division, Hyundai’s high performance and motor racing department.

Hyundai’s announcement said the parts will be offered across the N line-up when they go on sale later in 2024, but Australian details on which parts and precise timings are yet to be confirmed.

“We’re looking at every component on the NPX1 for the Ioniq 5 N in Australia,” a Hyundai Australia spokesperson told Drive.

“We don’t have full details yet, but if customers can buy parts for their i30 N, for example, that give it some of the Ioniq 5 N’s look, then that’s got to be a good thing.”

The N Performance Parts include a number of lightweight body additions improving aerodynamics, with a carbon-fibre ‘splitter’ on the lower part of the front bumper, side skirts, a rear bumper diffuser and hatch-mounted rear spoiler.

It also has lighter ‘hybrid carbon’ wheels and uses high-performance brake pads while running lower to the ground thanks to sports suspension.

Cabin upgrades include racing bucket seats trimmed in Alcantara material.

Vice President of N Brand Joon Park suggested the N Performance Parts line will also include more than traditional physical add-ons.

“We are also developing software customisation such as sound and vehicle calibration by OTA [Over-the-Air] updates which will open a completely new category of EV [Electric Vehicle] customisation,” Park said.

Hyundai confirmed in December 2023 it will create the Ioniq 5 eN1 Cup Car for its one-make racing series, expected to be revealed in February 2024.

The new parts fitted to the concept car show what the racing version may include but are somewhat toned down compared to the images shown with the Ioniq 5 eN1 Cup Car’s announcement.

Hyundai’s N division has run a one-make racing series for several years, but so far has used petrol-powered cars such as the Veloster N and the Avante 1, based upon the Elantra N (the overseas name for the i30 N Sedan sold in Australia).

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 eN1 Cup Car is the brand’s first electric racer for its one-make series.