- Hyundai revealed the menacing Ioniq 5 N NPX1 concept at the Tokyo Auto Salon.
- The concept is fitted with an extreme aero kit, lightweight carbon wheels, and high-performance brake pads.
- The automaker will offer these add-ons for the Ioniq 5 N electric SUV later this year through its N Performance Parts division.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has racked up accolades since debuting for 2022, winning Car and Driver‘s EV of the Year award and appearing twice on the 10Best list. But the retro-futuristic Hyundai isn’t done grabbing headlines yet, with the sporty N model set to be one of the most exciting EVs of 2024. Now Hyundai is hinting at future upgrades for the Ioniq 5 N with the NPX1 concept, revealed at the Tokyo Auto Salon with an array of performance upgrades.
The Ioniq 5 N NPX1 looks truly sinister with its blacked-out appearance and aggressive aerodynamics. The concept is a glimpse into the catalog of accessories that Hyundai plans to offer for the sporty electric crossover from its N Performance Parts division, which started in 2019 and has supplied extras for the company’s gas-powered N vehicles like the Elantra N.
The NPX1 is fitted with an host of upgrades. The entire front bumper is redesigned with unique air intakes and a mean-looking carbon-fiber front splitter with vanes that extend further up the front wheel arches than on the standard car. The side skirts have also been restyled while the grippy Pirelli P Zero tires now wrap around lightweight hybrid carbon wheels. The NPX1 is also said to be fitted with high-performance brake pads and lowering springs for a more assertive stance.
Moving around back, your eyes are immediately drawn to the tremendous rear wing sprouting from the roof. Combined with the large and boxy rear diffuser, the Ioniq 5 N NPX1 looks ready for the track. While no photos of the cabin were published, Hyundai says there are racing bucket seats and plenty of Alcantara upholstery.
The prototype parts seen here will continue to be honed before they go on sale this year as the automaker looks to make N Performance Parts available on all N-badged vehicles. Hyundai also plans on offering software customizations that include “sound and vehicle calibration” via over-the-air updates. Hyundai has yet to reveal what these parts may cost and how many of them will be available to U.S. customers when the Ioniq 5 N goes on sale this spring.
Caleb Miller began blogging about cars at 13 years old, and he realized his dream of writing for a car magazine after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University and joining the Car and Driver team. He loves quirky and obscure autos, aiming to one day own something bizarre like a Nissan S-Cargo, and is an avid motorsports fan.