Imagine an electric car that is not only fast in silence, but also roars, vibrates, and shifts gears artificially โ just like the popular petrol sports cars. That is the new direction of Hyundai N, the performance brand now boldly taking a different approach: acknowledging that simulation can be a value, not a weakness.
According to the president of R&D at Hyundai in an exclusive interview with *Car and Driver*, the mission of the next generation of N electric cars is to 'simulate it better.' In other words, Hyundai wants drivers to feel the emotions of driving a conventional engine car โ the sound of the engine, the shift jolt, and the progressive acceleration โ even on a battery platform. This is not a new concept; the Ioniq 5 N launched in 2024 already features a Virtual Engine Sound System (VESS) and N e-shift that simulate an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. However, the president of R&D said that the upcoming version will take this simulation to an even more extreme level.
More Dumb, More Real: The Extreme N Philosophy
The 'N' philosophy has always prioritized pure driving fun, even willing to accept weaknesses for character. The first generation of N electric cars, such as the Ioniq 5 N, have already proven this approach: the large battery weight is balanced with instant torque and a convincing gear simulation. However, the N team wants to go further. 'We want it to be more dumb โ in a good way,' said the president of R&D while smiling. 'An N car should make you smile, even if it means it's not technically perfect.'
From a specification standpoint, technical details remain confidential. However, based on the direction, the upcoming N electric model may have more aggressive software to generate digital V8 or V6 engine sounds, vibration systems on the pedals and seats, and driving modes that offer increasingly fierce 'engine roar' as acceleration is pressed. Hyundai is also reportedly considering algorithms that adjust the sound based on speed, motor load, and battery temperature โ similar to real engines that sound different when cold or hot.
From Track to Road: The Challenge of Engineering Emotion
Creating a convincing 'simulation' is no easy task. Unlike petrol engines that naturally produce sound and vibration, electric motors are quiet and linear. Hyundai needs to design every aspect of the experience from scratch โ from mapping torque that mimics the power curve of a turbo engine, to simulated gear shifts that can be felt on the steering wheel and seats. N engineers also need to ensure that this simulation does not interfere with safety or energy efficiency. Moreover, some question: is this just gimmickry? However, the widespread praise for the Ioniq 5 N shows that drivers are willing to accept a 'fake car' if it provides genuine excitement.
This approach also has implications for weight and price. Components such as external speakers, vibration modules, and advanced software will certainly add cost. However, Hyundai seems willing to sacrifice โ because for them, N is about personality, not just 0-100 km/h numbers.
Impact on the Nusantara Market: Are Performance Enthusiasts Ready?
In Malaysia, Indonesia, and other regional countries, the culture of performance cars remains strong, with many loyal fans of internal combustion engines. However, the electric vehicle market in ASEAN is growing rapidly. Hyundai has already launched the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 here, but the N model has not yet been officially introduced. If this realistic Hyundai N electric arrives, it could serve as a bridge allowing enthusiasts to transition to EVs without losing their identity.
The price has not been announced, but considering the Ioniq 5 N is sold for around USD 65,000 in the United States (approximately RM 300,000), the upcoming model may be more expensive. However, if it successfully digitally replicates the experience of the Subaru WRX or Honda Civic Type R while offering faster EV acceleration, it will surely shake up the local performance car market. Furthermore, EV incentives in some ASEAN countries such as tax exemptions and toll exemptions could make it more attractive.
The Future of Performance Is Synthetic
Hyundai N dares to acknowledge that electric cars cannot be like petrol cars, but they can create a 'synthetic' version that is equally entertaining. This 'more dumb and more realistic' philosophy may seem ironic, but it reflects a deep understanding of what enthusiasts want: excitement, challenge, and sound. Whether you accept this concept or not, Hyundai is paving a path that may be followed by other performance brands. For enthusiasts in Nusantara who are starting to look at EVs, one question arises: are you ready for the best 'fake driving' experience?