Hyundai Motor Company has introduced its first high-performance electric vehicle (EV), the IONIQ 5 N, to the world of esports with a digital debut at the Gran Turismo (GT) World Series 2024 World Finals. The prestigious tournament took place in Amsterdam, Netherlands, from December 7 to 8, showcasing Hyundai’s groundbreaking EV technology to a global audience.
The IONIQ 5 N participated in the Qualifying Time Trial session of the Nations Cup World Final, ahead of its official inclusion in the Gran Turismo 7 video game through the January 2025 update. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the GT World Series, a renowned global racing simulation championship now in its seventh year. As Hyundai N’s first high-performance EV, the IONIQ 5 N embodies the company’s electrification strategy, the “Hyundai Way,” which emphasizes flexible and innovative approaches to electrification.
The vehicle’s technical specifications highlight Hyundai’s commitment to performance and innovation. Powered by advanced electrification technology, the IONIQ 5 N features a high-performance four-wheel-drive system delivering a maximum output of 478 kW (650 horsepower in N Grin Boost mode) and a peak torque of 770 Nm. These impressive capabilities stem from its front and rear motors, supported by an 84 kWh high-output battery and an EV-specific thermal management control system designed to maintain consistent performance during demanding conditions.
To further engage the esports and gaming communities, Hyundai offered the in-game IONIQ 5 N as a special reward during the World Finals as part of the “Viewers Gift” campaign. This initiative allowed players to secure the in-game vehicle by participating in the campaign through the World Map of Gran Turismo. Although the reward will officially become available after the January update, the campaign created a sense of anticipation and excitement among fans.
Joon Park, Vice President of the N Brand Management Group at Hyundai, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration with Gran Turismo. “During the announcement of our partnership with Gran Turismo at the Nürburgring 24 race in May, we introduced the IONIQ 5 N TA Spec, which later set a modified production electric SUV record at Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in July this year,” Park said. “We are thrilled that the Hyundai N brand and IONIQ 5 N are now part of the Gran Turismo World Series. This is an excellent starting point for our collaboration with Polyphony Digital, the developer of Gran Turismo. Together, we aim to develop various Hyundai N models for Gran Turismo 7, enabling more people to experience Hyundai N’s high performance in the virtual space.”
The collaboration also drew praise from Kazunori Yamauchi, the producer of the Gran Turismo series. “We are excited to release the IONIQ 5 N in Gran Turismo 7,” Yamauchi remarked. “Hyundai’s N brand has achieved remarkable success in motorsports this year, including victories in the TCR class at the Nürburgring 24 Hours, the TCR World Tour drivers’ title, and record-breaking performances at Pikes Peak. These accomplishments, combined with a WRC drivers’ championship, showcase the exceptional capabilities of Hyundai’s N brand. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Hyundai in the esports sector.”
The IONIQ 5 N’s digital debut aligns with a broader trend of automakers leveraging esports and gaming platforms to reach younger, tech-savvy audiences. By integrating the vehicle into Gran Turismo 7, Hyundai not only underscores its commitment to cutting-edge technology but also creates an interactive experience that allows players to engage with the brand’s high-performance EVs in a virtual environment. This innovative approach bridges the gap between real-world automotive engineering and virtual racing, appealing to both motorsport enthusiasts and casual gamers.
As the esports and gaming industries continue to grow, partnerships like the one between Hyundai and Gran Turismo are becoming increasingly significant. They offer automotive brands an opportunity to showcase their technological advancements and connect with a global audience in a dynamic and immersive way. With the IONIQ 5 N’s entry into the digital racing world, Hyundai demonstrates its forward-thinking strategy and reinforces its position as a leader in the EV market.
