Hyundai Motor Company’s first high-performance electric vehicle (EV), the IONIQ 5 N, made a thrilling digital debut at the Gran Turismo (GT) World Series 2024 World Finals Esports tournament. The event took place in Amsterdam, Netherlands, from December 7 to 8, marking a significant moment for both Hyundai and the world of virtual motorsports.
The IONIQ 5 N participated in the GT World Series’ Qualifying Time Trial session of the Nations Cup World Final. This debut precedes its official inclusion in Gran Turismo 7, scheduled for the January 2025 update. Now in its seventh year, the GT World Series is the pinnacle of virtual racing championships, and the IONIQ 5 N’s appearance underscores Hyundai’s dedication to merging advanced technology with the excitement of esports.
A New Chapter in Hyundai’s Electrification Journey
As Hyundai’s first high-performance EV under the N brand, the IONIQ 5 N symbolizes the company’s commitment to its electrification strategy, coined the ‘Hyundai Way.’ This initiative emphasizes flexibility and innovation in electric mobility, a vision brought to life in the IONIQ 5 N.
The car’s cutting-edge technology ensures it delivers exhilarating driving performance. Its high-performance four-wheel drive system offers a staggering maximum output of 478 kW (650 horsepower) and a maximum torque of 770 Nm, both achieved using its N Grin Boost mode. To maintain this performance under demanding conditions, the vehicle is equipped with an 84 kWh high-output battery and an advanced EV-specific thermal management control system. This combination ensures consistent, high-level performance whether on the road or in virtual racing environments.
Engaging Players with Exclusive Rewards
The excitement surrounding the IONIQ 5 N extended to players of Gran Turismo 7 through an exclusive campaign. As part of the Viewers Gift campaign, players tuning in to the Nations Cup World Final via the World Map in Gran Turismo could secure the in-game IONIQ 5 N as a special reward. Although the vehicle will only be available in-game after the January 2025 update, this initiative added an interactive dimension to the World Finals, connecting Hyundai fans and gaming enthusiasts worldwide.
Pioneering Collaboration in Esports
Hyundai’s collaboration with Polyphony Digital, the developer of Gran Turismo, has been a strategic move to highlight the brand’s capabilities in both real-world and virtual racing. Reflecting on this partnership, Joon Park, Vice President of N Brand Management Group, expressed his enthusiasm:
During the announcement of our collaboration with Gran Turismo at the Nürburgring 24 race in May, we unveiled the IONIQ 5 N TA Spec. It later set a modified production electric SUV record at Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in July this year. We are delighted that the Hyundai N brand and IONIQ 5 N feature in the Gran Turismo World Series. This is an excellent starting point for our collaboration, and we plan to develop various Hyundai N models in Gran Turismo 7 to enable more people to experience the high performance of Hyundai N in the virtual space.
This collaboration reflects Hyundai’s vision to transcend traditional automotive boundaries, integrating the excitement of real-world motorsports with the limitless possibilities of virtual racing.
Recognition from Gran Turismo
Kazunori Yamauchi, the creator of the Gran Turismo series, welcomed the IONIQ 5 N to the game with high praise for Hyundai’s achievements.
We are pleased to release the IONIQ 5 N to Gran Turismo 7. Hyundai’s N brand has achieved remarkable success in motorsports this year, including its TCR class victory at the Nürburgring 24 Hours, securing the TCR World Tour drivers’ title, setting consecutive new records at Pikes Peak, and a WRC drivers’ championship. We look forward to future collaborations between Gran Turismo and Hyundai in the esports sector.
Blending Innovation, Performance, and Esports
The IONIQ 5 N’s digital debut at the GT World Series 2024 World Finals represents a convergence of cutting-edge automotive engineering and the burgeoning world of esports. With its outstanding specifications, innovative design, and a focus on performance, the IONIQ 5 N is poised to captivate both real-world drivers and gaming enthusiasts.
As Hyundai and Gran Turismo deepen their partnership, the IONIQ 5 N paves the way for a series of exciting developments in virtual racing, bringing the thrill of Hyundai N’s high-performance vehicles to a global audience.
