We’re never far from Nurburgring news, and it's indicative of the current climate that the focus is now very much on EVs. Following Porsche’s confirmation of an upcoming Taycan that’s capable of an astonishing 7:07, sportauto is the first media to take a Hyundai Ioniq 5 N to the Nordschleife - and record a 7:45.59 lap.
Which is not hanging around, no sirree. It’s faster than a host of old sportauto laps, for starters, including the Ferrari 599 GTB, 996 GT2 and original Gallardo Superleggera. It’s within a couple of seconds of more recent runs, too, including Porsche’s pre-production Taycan Turbo (7:42.34), the outgoing AMG C63 coupe (7:44.13 with sportauto) and the previous M2 CS (7:42.99, on a Cup 2 tyre). The Hyundai was using the Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyre and the Sprint mode for the drivetrain, with a bucket seat and harnesses fitted.
It’s an intriguing watch, that’s for sure. The speed is never in doubt, of course, the superbike-style hum a cool accompaniment to acceleration that goes all the way to 159mph on the run to Schwedenkreuz. Which is quick by any measure. There’s plenty of traction and more than 1g often being pulled on the brakes, too. But it’s a busy lap, too, with the driver having to make corrections at parts of the lap (and parts of some corners) you wouldn’t normally expect. Perhaps an indication that two tonnes can only be hidden for so long. Still, it’s an impressive and a handy counterpoint to the argument that EVs don’t really require much driving.
Speaking of which, Hyundai has another EV now on sale that’ll test your car control: a radio-controlled version of its N Vision 74 concept car - complete with the ability to drift. There looks to be plenty of steering angle to spare your blushes, at least, and lots of fun to be had in a 1:10 scale model that looks almost as good as the real thing. For the moment, sadly, the N Vision 74 RC car is limited to sales in South Korea; on Hyundai’s website it’s there, ready to order - one way to brighten up January - at 498,000 won, or £293 currently. So maybe not one for January. It’s not all bad news, though, as the video description states that availability will be ‘expanded to other markets in the future’. So that’s Christmas 2024 sorted. And then the real thing for 2025, please…
