From Media Test Drive to Launch Event: Our PR Team Introduces Hyundai’s High-Performance EV “IONIQ 5 N” from the World’s Third-Largest Automaker

I’m Yamaguchi from the Public Relations Division, Social Relations Department 3.

When you think of automobile manufacturers, what comes to mind?

SUNNY SIDE UP handled the PR for the media test drive and launch event of the “IONIQ 5 N” (IONIQ 5 N), a new model from Hyundai, the world’s third-largest automaker by sales volume. Our PR team will introduce how it went!

Media Test Drive Event

At the media test drive held at Sodegaura Circuit Way in Chiba Prefecture in April, automotive media representatives received an explanation of the “IONIQ 5 N”—which launched in June—from the N brand development team, and then experienced its performance firsthand on the circuit and through drift driving.

The name “IONIQ 5 N” is a combination of ION and UNIQUE, while the “N” comes from Hyundai’s development bases in Namyang, South Korea, and the Nürburgring in Germany.

Journalists who experienced the IONIQ 5 N firsthand expressed their surprise at the sound and driving feel, which rivals gasoline vehicles despite being electric, with comments like “Even though it’s an EV, I’d still go to a gas station!” and “It makes you think there’s an engine in there!”

During the break after the test drive, journalists with extensive experience driving various vehicles had the opportunity to share their impressions and opinions with the IONIQ 5 N development team. It was impressive to see the passionate discussions about the future of Hyundai vehicles under development, drawing out ideals and opinions.

Hyundai’s PR Team Experiences the IONIQ 5 N!

This was my first time driving a high-performance EV, and it was a continuous series of surprises and excitement.

The sensation of quietly accelerating without engine noise felt like riding a vehicle from the future. Yet with N Active Sound+, simulated engine sounds resonate inside the cabin, giving you the feeling of driving a combustion engine vehicle.

When slowing down, you can experience the sensation of downshifting like in a combustion engine car. Press the “N” button on the steering wheel to activate “N Grin Boost,” which increases power for 10 seconds for rapid acceleration—driving performance you wouldn’t expect from an electric vehicle.

The stability was remarkable, allowing confident driving even above 200 km/h, demonstrating technological advancement. The participating journalists also drove with great enjoyment, truly showcasing its capabilities as “an EV that makes driving fun.”

The IONIQ 5 N, which allows you to switch between multiple modes at the press of a button, makes daily driving enjoyable while balancing environmental consideration with high performance—truly a symbol of the next generation.

We encourage everyone to experience it at a test drive event.

Hyundai N Day | IONIQ 5 N Japan Premiere

At the media launch event held at Hyundai Customer Experience Center Yokohama in June, Hyundai Mobility Japan CEO Cho Won-sang, N Brand Business Strategy Team’s Jayson Park, and Senior Product Specialist Ken Sato took the stage to explain N’s initiatives since the “Rally Japan 2023” debut in fall 2023, the N brand overview, and details of the IONIQ 5 N.

Regarding future initiatives, AUTOBACS SEVEN President and CEO Yugo Horii also took the stage.

President Horii announced new initiatives at AUTOBACS SEVEN, where customers can receive delivery and after-sales service for Hyundai vehicles, which are only available for purchase online. He revealed that N Performance Parts, part of the N Motorsports initiatives, will be available through AUTOBACS stores starting fall 2024.

A collaboration event with Ghost in the Shell SAC_2045, a landmark cyberpunk work from Japan, was also held!

At the newly renovated SHIBUYA TSUTAYA 1F in April, the IONIQ 5 N | Ghost in the Shell SAC_2045 collaboration event was held through June 22.

The event featured displays of the IONIQ 5 N and a life-size Tachikoma, screening of dynamic collaboration videos on three large screens, and driving simulation games, offering immersive experiences in the worlds of N and Ghost in the Shell that thrilled not only Japanese visitors but also international tourists!

By holding a public preview on the same day as the media preview, media representatives also had time to enjoy the simulation games. The media who attended appeared to experience and enjoy “the world of Ghost in the Shell.”

Please continue to watch Hyundai as we prepare various initiatives going forward!

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