Famous driver Keiichi Tsuchiya teams up with Hyundai N to develop the Ioniq 5 N DK Edition.
Keiichi Tsuchiya, the Japanese drifting legend, surprises the automotive world by collaborating with Hyundai N to create the Ioniq 5 N DK Edition, an electric car designed to perform some tricks on the track.
A drift king serving electric vehicles
Keiichi Tsuchiya, known as the Drift King, is no longer simply associated with traditional Japanese racing cars. During the Tokyo Auto Salon (January 10 to 12), he unveiled his latest project: the Ioniq 5 N DK Editionthe result of close collaboration with Hyundai N. For many, seeing Tsuchiya partner with a non-Japanese brand and an electric vehicle is a cold shower. Still, it seems like this transition is very much on the pilot’s mind. “The Ioniq 5 N is an exceptionally well-built vehicle”explains Tsuchiya in a documentary devoted to the development of the car. This statement might seem trivial, but coming from the drifting icon, it is a testimony of excellence, Hyundai’s electric car can only be flattered.
This is not the first time that Hyundai N has ventured into the realm of performance vehicles. The Ioniq 5 N has already proven itself on prestigious circuits such as Pikes Peak and the Nürburgring. But this special edition, cooked by Tsuchiya, promises to take the driving experience even further. The partnership between Tsuchiya and Hyundai N, although surprising at first glance, finds its justification in the driver’s driving philosophy. Known for his love of unconventional racing, Tsuchiya has always sought to stray off the beaten path. Drifting, a discipline that he widely popularized, is proof of this. So why not apply that same passion to an electric car that defies convention?
Ioniq 5 N DK Edition: a vehicle for purists
The Ioniq 5 N DK Edition is nothing like the classic collaborations we see between major manufacturers. Unlike typical joint ventures like the Toyota Supra and BMW Z4, or the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86, this project is unique in its approach and objectives. Here, Hyundai N was not content with sharing resources, but allowed Tsuchiya to model the vehicle according to his requirements, creating a car truly designed for sports enthusiasts.
“That’s exactly the driving feeling I’m looking for on these mountain roads”says Tsuchiya. This statement makes sense when you take a closer look at the Ioniq 5 N DK Edition.
According to the manufacturer, the improvements improve stability, handling and stopping power. However, the powertrain remains unchanged. The DK Edition, with its carbon fiber exterior and optimized performance, seems destined to become a collector’s item. Unfortunately, for now, this special edition will only be available in Japan and South Korea. But that doesn’t stop the rest of the world from admiring what Hyundai is capable of after creating a surprise with the Ioniq 5 N. The partnership between Tsuchiya and Hyundai N could well redefine the contours of JDM culture as we know it. By embracing electrification without denying performance and the spirit of competition, Tsuchiya opens a new path for future gliding vehicles. This project, beyond its technical scope, symbolizes a break with traditions while remaining faithful to the essence of driving in drift mode.
Source: www.autoplus.fr
