IONIQ 5 N Insider.

A behind-the-scenes look at the Track Experience with the IONIQ 5 N.

Get behind the wheel with Ricardo, one of the driving forces behind Hyundai Driving Experience and Hyundai’s motorsport engagement. Having travelled to nearly all the Hyundai Track Experiences in 2024, he has been at the heart of the action, witnessing the excitement of participants firsthand.

In this interview, he shares his perspective on the groundbreaking IONIQ 5 N and the energy that makes HDX events unforgettable. From coordinating world-class track days to ensuring every detail of the program runs smoothly.

Buckle up as he takes us behind the scenes of a dynamic journey!

Hi Ricardo, thanks for making time for us today. Can you introduce yourself and your role in Hyundai’s Driving Experience program?

I'm Ricardo – Project Manager for Driving Experience & Motorsport, and I’m responsible for overseeing various aspects of Hyundai’s Driving Experience (HDX) program, which includes coordinating events at world-class tracks and ensuring the smooth operation of our driving experiences. My role spans track management, vehicle coordination, and providing participants with a memorable and safe experience while showcasing the performance of our Hyundai vehicles, especially the IONIQ 5 N. It's incredibly rewarding to see the excitement and joy it brings to participants, especially when they push the limits of our cars on these iconic tracks.

You’ve had the chance to visit some of the world’s most iconic tracks this year. Which tracks did you experience, and which ones left the strongest impression on you, and why?

This year, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing some incredible tracks like the Nürburgring, Tianjin, Monza, Assen, and Sonoma. Each one is unique in its own way, but I think the Nürburgring left the strongest impression. It’s legendary not just for its history but for its challenging corners and elevation changes. The IONIQ 5 N really shone there, giving me a real sense of the car’s performance capabilities. However, Monza's fast straights and high-speed corners were also a thrill, showing how well the IONIQ 5 N handles under intense conditions. V1 Circuit was also particularly impressive. The track's design and the combination of technical sections with fast straights really allowed the IONIQ 5 N to showcase its agility and speed. The layout reminded me of a mix between modern and traditional circuit elements.

From all the tracks you’ve been to, how does each track highlight a unique strength of the IONIQ 5 N? What makes it truly shine on each one?

At Nürburgring and V1 Tianjin, the IONIQ 5 N’s handling and stability through tight corners truly stood out. The technical corners and rapid transitions really allowed the car's N Torque Distribution to shine, helping it handle tight turns with precision. At Monza, its raw power and speed were remarkable, especially in the high-speed sections where the car's agility at full throttle impressed me. Sonoma was great for showcasing the car’s braking and performance under pressure, while Assen highlighted its versatility, effortlessly transitioning between technical corners and faster sections.

On the track, when the IONIQ 5 N was pushed to its limits, was there any “wow” moment that impressed you the most? We’d love to hear the story!

One of the most unforgettable "wow" moments happened when I had the chance to experience the Tianjin V1 Circuit with one of our instructors, pushing the IONIQ 5 N to its limits in full race mode. The car's instant power, speed, and agility, despite weighing a little over 2 tons, were absolutely mind-blowing. For example, we were flying toward a hairpin, and the car’s braking system worked incredibly well, bringing the speed down while keeping the car stable. Without losing a beat, we immediately pushed the car back into full acceleration, and the speed shot up again, propelling us into the next section of the track where the car slid sideways through consecutive curves with perfect control and precision. The IONIQ 5 N’s handling and performance in those moments were absolutely remarkable, making it clear just how capable this car is on the track.

N Torque Distribution looks like a game-changer. From your perspective, how have you seen it help drivers handle tough corners?

N Torque Distribution has been a revelation, particularly during tight, technical corners. It intelligently distributes power to the rear wheels, ensuring the car maintains optimal grip and stability. I’ve seen drivers take corners with more confidence and less understeer, allowing for smoother transitions and quicker lap times. It really brings out the best in the car’s handling capabilities.

The 800V battery system offers ultra-fast charging—10% to 80% in just 18 minutes. How did this technology hold up during intense track use?

The 800V system was a game-changer. During our track days, we often pushed the cars to their limits, and the ability to rapidly recharge meant we had more time on track and less time waiting. The technology held up extremely well, ensuring that the performance of the car never dipped, even during prolonged track use. It’s a great example of how Hyundai is pushing the boundaries of EV performance.

The IONIQ 5 N’s N Grin Boost mode packs a punch with up to 478 kW (641hp/650 PS). What’s it like to unleash that extra power, and how does it take the driving experience to the next level?

The N Grin Boost is nothing short of exhilarating. When you press that button and feel the surge of power, it’s like the car comes alive. It’s an immediate boost in acceleration, and you can feel the car’s potential at its peak. It takes the driving experience to another level because you’re not just driving – you’re engaged in a full-on performance experience, with the car giving you more than you expect at every turn.

The IONIQ 5 N doesn’t just drive; it performs with soundscapes like Ignition, Supersonic, and Evolution in N Active Sound+. Which one is your personal favorite on the track, and why?

My favorite soundscape is definitely Ignition. There's something incredibly satisfying about the way it complements the car's performance on the track. The growl and intensity of Ignition really enhances the driving experience, making it feel like you're in a high-performance sports car. What's amazing is that after just two minutes of driving, you completely forget you're in an electric car—the sound is so well simulated that it creates a truly visceral, performance-car-like atmosphere. It really amplifies the excitement, making the IONIQ 5 N feel even more engaging at the limits.

What’s a feature or quirk of the IONIQ 5 N that most people wouldn’t notice until they’re on a track?

One feature of the IONIQ 5 N that most people wouldn’t notice until they’re on the track is the N Torque Distribution system. It’s incredibly subtle but makes a huge difference when navigating tight corners. The system’s ability to seamlessly distribute torque between the front and rear wheels gives the car a level of stability and control that’s difficult to appreciate until you’re really pushing the car through challenging turns. It’s like the car is reading the track and adjusting accordingly, which makes it feel effortlessly balanced even in the most demanding sections.

EVs are known for their instant torque. How does the IONIQ 5 N redefine the track driving experience compared to traditional combustion engine cars?

The instant torque of the IONIQ 5 N completely transforms the driving experience. In a traditional combustion engine car, you’re used to waiting for the engine to rev and build power. In the IONIQ 5 N, that torque is available immediately, which makes acceleration smooth and effortless. On the track, it means you can focus more on the lines and less on shifting gears, allowing for a more fluid and engaging driving experience.

Which track this year made you feel like you were starring in your own racing movie?

Definitely the Nürburgring. It has that cinematic quality, with its dramatic turns and the iconic atmosphere. It felt like a scene from a racing film every time I hit the gas.

If you could rename Nordschleife’s “Green Hell” based on your IONIQ 5 N experience, what would you call it?

I’d call it “Electric Thrill.” The IONIQ 5 N really changed how I experienced the track, and the car’s performance made every lap an electrifying adventure.

If the IONIQ 5 N had a theme song for the track experience, what would it be?

It would definitely be something energetic and fast-paced—probably a mix of electronic beats and rock, something like “We Are the Champions” by Queen for its triumphant feel, combined with something more modern and electric, like “Titanium” by David Guetta. It just fits the power and spirit of the IONIQ 5 N.

If you could create a dream track for the IONIQ 5 N, combining elements of the tracks you’ve visited this year, what would it look like?

My dream track for the IONIQ 5 N would combine elements from Sonoma Raceway, Nordschleife, and Tianjin V1 Circuit. It would start with a wide, flowing section like Sonoma’s, allowing the IONIQ 5 N to show off its agility and acceleration. Then, we’d have a more technical section inspired by Nordschleife’s tight corners and elevation changes, testing the car's balance and precision. Finally, I’d add a series of high-speed straights and sweeping curves like those on the Tianjin V1 Circuit, where the car’s power could be fully unleashed. The ideal track would be a true test of both speed and handling, giving the IONIQ 5 N a chance to shine in every aspect.

If you could sum up the 2024 track season with the IONIQ 5 N in one sentence, what would it be?

“2024 was the year the IONIQ 5 N proved that electric power can absolutely compete with the most iconic combustion-engined race cars.”

Thank you so much, Ricardo, for taking us on this journey with the IONIQ 5 N! One last thing—what’s your advice or message for someone planning to attend a Hyundai Driving Experience event in 2025? What should they absolutely not miss?

My advice for anyone planning to attend a Hyundai Driving Experience event in 2025 is to come with an open mind and a readiness to fully immerse yourself in the experience. Not only will you get to drive some incredible cars like the IONIQ 5 N, but you'll also enjoy amazing hospitality areas, top-notch hotels, and a team dedicated to delivering an exceptional experience. The instructors are world-class, and the attention to detail in every aspect—from the cars to the overall experience—is truly remarkable. Every part of the event, big or small, is designed to ensure you have the best time possible, so don’t miss out on any part of the experience!

As we wrap up our conversation with Ricardo, it’s clear that 2024 was an unforgettable year on the track – from the thrill of driving the IONIQ 5 N to the electrifying energy of HDX events. Looking ahead, the 2025 track season promises even more excitement. Tickets will go on sale at the beginning of the year, so mark your calendars and get ready for another season of high-performance thrills!

Follow us on Instagram for all the latest updates and the official ticket launch date.

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