The NPX1 previews a selection of N Performance Parts that’ll be offered on Hyundai’s EV hot hatch.
Despite only launching its first production car in 2016, Hyundai’s N division has made quite the name for itself in the performance world. Now it’s looking to up the ante, with a concept version of the recently revealed Ioniq 5 N.
Unveiled at Tokyo Auto Salon, the Hyundai NPX1 is a concept model that wears “an array of enhancements by N Performance Parts”, according to Hyundai. Back in 2018, the Korean firm brought the i30 N ‘N Option’ to the Frankfurt Motor Show to highlight the hot hatch’s customisation options. That car featured factory-fitted options, but it’s unclear if the NPX1’s modifications will be offered on existing cars, or only for new orders.
The catalogue of parts featured on the NXP1 includes a carbon front splitter and side skirts. The massive rear diffuser looks influenced by one on the RN22e (the concept preview to the Ioniq 6), and there’s also a large rear spoiler.
To help offset the Ioniq 5 N’s 2,235kg kerbweight, there’s a set of carbon wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero tyres. ‘High-performance’ brake pads have been added to ensure the Ioniq 5 N stops as well as it goes, and lowering springs should help it feel more planted in the bends. The interior features Alcantara upholstery and track-focused racing bucket seats.
The NXP1 makes no changes to the powertrain, but then the Ioniq 5 N certainly isn’t lacking in that department with 448kW (and an extra 30kW available in 10-second bursts) from a dual-motor layout fed by an 84kWh battery. The 0-100km/h sprint is taken care of in 3.4 seconds – just like the standard Ioniq 5 N.
Joon Park, Vice President of Hyundai N said at the reveal: “Not limited to tuning parts, we are also developing software customisation such as sound and vehicle calibration by over the air updates, which will open a completely new category of EV customisation for an exciting future ahead for the tuning community.”
There’s no word yet on how the NXP1’s upgrades will affect the Ioniq 5 N’s base price. Hyundai says the NXP1’s new features are still under development but will be made available for sale later this year.
The NPX1 won’t be the only hot all-electric performance car unveiled at Tokyo Auto Salon, either. Nissan will pull the covers off the Ariya Nismo – an uprated version of its award-winning family SUV.