Hyundai has given the Ioniq 5 N the ‘GT3 RS’ treatment

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N hasn’t been around long – in fact, it’s yet to reach the UK – but that hasn’t stopped the N division from modifying and tinkering with its first electric performance car. Meet the NPX1: a more extreme, bewinged Ioniq 5 N that previews a host of N Performance upgrades that will be offered to customers later this year.

The NPX1 isn’t a standalone model – rather, it’s been built to showcase what to expect from Hyundai’s tuning parts division, which will eventually expand to cater for all N cars. The components fitted to the NPX1 aren’t final production items, but they do provide a glimpse of what to expect for the Ioniq 5 N. 

The most obvious upgrade is a comprehensive new aero package, which has shades of touring car inspiration. The kit comprises a new front bumper, spitter, side sills and an enormous rear diffuser, which works with a swan-neck rear wing. Each component is made from carbonfibre – along with the NPX1’s N Performance wheels – while the interior shows off forthcoming alcantara trim and bucket seat options.

Customers will also be able to specify lowering springs and performance brake pads from the N Performance catalogue, and there will be further scope to tune the Ioniq 5 N’s driving character through over-the-air updates in the future; Hyundai is developing unique sound and driving profiles to offer software-level customisation. 

Hyundai hasn’t disclosed whether the N Performance upgrades will extend to the Ioniq 5 N’s dual-motor powertrain, but this would be unlikely given that it already generates 641bhp with carefully tuned performance and heat management for extended track use. 

As of now, it’s unclear exactly what form the N Performance department will take. There’s a possibility that the parts will be factory-fitted options to be specified from new, but Hyundai may also offer the upgrades through official dealers, making them available to existing owners.