Hyundai Wants Future Electric N Cars To Feel Even More Like Gas Powered Performance Cars
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Hyundai is not backing away from fake engine sounds and simulated gear shifts in its performance EVs. In fact, the company wants to take the idea even further.
According to comments from Hyundai’s global head of research and development, Manfred Harrer, the next generation of Hyundai N electric cars could deliver an even more realistic driving experience by adding features commonly associated with traditional internal combustion vehicles.
Hyundai Plans To Enhance The Electric N Experience
The current Hyundai Ioniq 5 N has already gained attention for its simulated engine sounds, virtual gear shifts, and rev limiter effects. While some enthusiasts initially questioned the idea, many drivers have praised how much fun the system adds behind the wheel.
Now Hyundai appears ready to build on that success.
Speaking about future N models, Harrer said Hyundai is leading this technology rather than following competitors. He explained that the company’s goal is to make the next generation of electric N cars feel even more realistic and engaging.
According to the report, Hyundai is exploring several ideas, including:
- Simulated idling behavior
- Virtual backfiring exhaust sounds
- Additional cabin vibrations
- Enhanced engine-like feedback for drivers
The focus is not necessarily on fooling people into thinking the car has a gasoline engine. Instead, Hyundai wants to create a more entertaining and emotional driving experience.
Hyundai Says Fun Matters More Than Being Serious
Harrer made it clear that Hyundai N has a different philosophy from some traditional performance brands.
According to him, the N division is focused on delivering driving enjoyment rather than chasing ultimate racetrack numbers. He acknowledged that some people call these features fake, but he also pointed out that many drivers genuinely enjoy them.
His view is simple: if people like the experience, why not continue developing it?
That mindset has helped Hyundai N build a strong reputation among enthusiasts in recent years. Models like the Ioniq 5 N have shown that electric performance cars can still be entertaining, even without the sounds and characteristics of a traditional combustion engine.
Next Generation N Cars Will Use Hyundai's New IMA Platform
Future Hyundai N electric vehicles will be built on the company’s upcoming Integrated Modular Architecture (IMA).
The new platform is expected to replace Hyundai’s current E-GMP architecture, which underpins models such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and Hyundai Ioniq 6 N.
While Hyundai has not announced an official launch timeline for IMA, Harrer revealed some important details about the platform.
Expected Benefits Of The IMA Platform
| Feature | Expected Improvement |
|---|---|
| Charging Technology | Next generation 800 volt architecture |
| Charging Speed | Faster charging capability |
| Thermal Management | Improved battery cooling and efficiency |
| Performance Potential | Better foundation for future N models |
Harrer described the upcoming platform as a major evolution rather than a complete revolution.
Why Hyundai Is Taking This Approach
One of the biggest challenges for performance EVs is maintaining the emotional connection that many enthusiasts enjoy in gasoline powered sports cars.
Traditional performance cars communicate with drivers through:
- Engine sound
- Gear changes
- Vibrations
- Exhaust notes
- Mechanical feedback
Electric vehicles naturally remove many of these sensations. Hyundai believes adding digital versions of those experiences can make performance EVs more engaging without affecting their electric nature.
The company has already received positive feedback on the Ioniq 5 N’s simulated driving features, which likely explains why engineers are continuing to develop the technology.
Final Thoughts
Hyundai’s performance division appears committed to making future electric N cars more entertaining rather than less. Features such as simulated idling, backfires, and cabin vibrations may sound unusual, but they align with Hyundai’s goal of creating EVs that prioritize fun and driver engagement.
With the upcoming IMA platform and next generation 800 volt technology on the way, Hyundai’s future N models could offer faster charging, improved performance, and an even more immersive driving experience.
Sources and References
- Car and Driver
Original report covering Hyundai’s plans for future N electric performance cars. - Hyundai N Worldwide
Official Hyundai N performance division website with product and technology information. - Hyundai USA
Official Hyundai website for the United States market. - Hyundai Canada
Official Hyundai Canada website with model specifications and EV information. - Hyundai Australia
Official Hyundai Australia website covering local Hyundai models and technologies. - Autocar UK
Automotive publication that reported comments from Hyundai R&D chief Manfred Harrer. - InsideEVs
Covers electric vehicle technology, performance EVs, and industry developments. - MotorTrend
Trusted automotive publication with reviews and EV performance coverage. - Road & Track
Performance-focused automotive publication covering enthusiast vehicles and technology.
Hyundai Future Electric N Cars FAQ
Will future Hyundai N electric cars feel more like gasoline performance cars?
Yes. Hyundai says its next generation N electric vehicles will offer a more realistic driving experience by adding features inspired by traditional gasoline performance cars, including simulated engine behavior and enhanced driver feedback.
What new features could future Hyundai N EVs include?
Hyundai is exploring simulated idling, virtual backfiring exhaust sounds, additional cabin vibrations, and more engine-like feedback to make its electric performance cars feel more engaging.
Why is Hyundai adding fake engine sounds and virtual gear shifts?
According to Hyundai, the goal is not to fool drivers into thinking the car has an engine. Instead, the company wants to create a more entertaining and emotional driving experience.
Which Hyundai model already uses these performance EV features?
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N already features simulated engine sounds, virtual gear shifts, and a rev limiter effect that mimics the experience of driving a high performance gasoline vehicle.
What is Hyundai's new IMA platform?
IMA stands for Integrated Modular Architecture. It is Hyundai's upcoming EV platform that will eventually replace the current E-GMP architecture used by vehicles such as the Ioniq 5 N and Ioniq 6 N.
What benefits will the IMA platform provide?
The new platform is expected to offer next generation 800 volt technology, faster charging speeds, improved thermal management, and a stronger foundation for future Hyundai N performance EVs.
Will Hyundai's future N electric cars focus on track performance?
Hyundai says the N division focuses more on driving enjoyment and engagement than simply chasing lap times. The brand wants its cars to be fun and entertaining for everyday drivers.
When will Hyundai launch EVs based on the IMA platform?
Hyundai has not announced an official launch timeline for the Integrated Modular Architecture platform. However, development work is already underway.
What makes electric performance cars different from gasoline sports cars?
Electric vehicles naturally lack traditional engine sounds, exhaust notes, and mechanical vibrations. Hyundai believes digital versions of these experiences can help maintain the emotional connection drivers enjoy in performance cars.
