Hyundai Motor America has revealed two modified cars for the Optima Batteries “2018 Search for the Ultimate Street Car” annual event, and while one is an expected base car for mods, the other is a unique choice. The two cars are the Veloster N and the Ioniq Electric.
“The vehicles are modified in a way that mirrors a typical enthusiast – gripper tyres and suspension, increased power, etc; and then tested in this severe environment. This is one way we ensure our vehicle will exceed our customers’ expectations,” said Joshua Vedder, senior group manager at HMA’s customer connect department.
Hyundai’s EV returns to defend its 2017 National Championship in the new GTE class. Entering its first full year of competition, the Veloster N is challenging the top GTC class competitors. Hyundai is hoping to qualify for the Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational with the two entries.
The Veloster N is powered by a 2.0 litre turbo-four with 275 hp and 353 Nm, enhanced here by the Remus Powerizer (mapping), Responder (improved throttle response) and cat-back active exhaust; prototype cold air intake and high capacity charge-air cooler.
For brakes, they’ve fitted a Wilwood Endurance race spec system consisting of forged narrow Superlite radial-mount calipers (six-piston front, four-piston rear), GT 72 curved vane rotors, forged aluminium big brake dynamic hat and BP20 compound pads. The three-door coupe sits on 30 mm H&R lowering springs and 19-inch BBS LM-R wheels with 245/35 Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R tyres.
The Veloster N also gets Pierce Motorsports strut brace and subframe supports, prototype adjustable sway bars (23 mm front, 22 mm rear) and front camber bolts. An AEM CD-5 digital dash and CAN network adapter, and Racelogic Video VBOX HD2 have been fitted for data acquisition.
Inside, you’ll find a Recaro Profi SPG XL seats with Sparco Enduro six-point harness, all protected by a removable cage from Pierce Motorsports. The second-gen Veloster is a sporty little looker, especially in N form, and the only exterior add-on parts you see here are the custom APR front splitter and side skirts.
As for the Ioniq Electric racecar, Hyundai borrowed a higher powered e-motor from the newer Kona Electric, and the result is 204 PS and 395 Nm of immediate torque. That’s a big jump from the standard Ioniq EV’s 120 PS/295 Nm, and performance is up too – 0-96 km/h (0-60 mph) takes just 5.8 seconds and 0-160 km/h (0-100 mph) is done in 15.7 seconds. Top speed is 185 km/h.
The racing EV is fitted with torque map/rate tuning for improved launch and limit driving control, improved power electronics cooling with upgraded radiator and electric water pumps, enhanced battery cooling with higher air flow fans and dedicated air conditioning ducting, and a water cooled AC condenser for improved battery cooling while stationary. There’s also a Drexler limited slip differential and 7.05 gear ratio.
It’s strange to see an EV sitting on lowered springs and TE37s, but the Ioniq’s “normal car looks” lends itself well to mods. It also gets a Wilwood performance brake package. The revised front end reminds me of the Subaru BRZ.
Looks like the “sports and performance” virus has really hit Hyundai hard. Car guys, like what you see?
GALLERY: Hyundai Veloster N
GALLERY: Hyundai Ioniq Electric
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(Like) Hyundai Ioniq and Hyundai Veloster N
(Dislike) Donkey Design for Honda Insight Hybrid and Ugly Honda Civic Type-R Design
Honda CR-Z Hybrid owners can migrate to this Hyundai Ioniq N which is a bigger car with four doors and can seat five. It has performance too.
after the mods, the ioniq can only achieve 185 kmph?
that’s really disappointing.
When would you actually exceed 185kmph? The acceleration is impressive, and practical.
electric car will always have low top speed. the most powerful tesla can go from 0-100 in 2.5 seconds, but it cant exceed 250 kmph
All fully electric cars have low top speeds as of now. But EV is good at acceleration.
It’s a Hyundai. Nobody cares!