Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
While some internet commenters may still talk about Hyundai as if it were stuck in the late ’90s, anyone who has driven one of the company’s modern vehicles understands just how dramatically the brand has evolved.
That improvement is even more noticeable with Hyundai’s electric lineup, especially the Ioniq 5 N, which, according to the Australian publication Drive, left a surprisingly strong impression on Porsche’s team.
In an interview, Frank Moser, Porsche’s VP overseeing both the 718 and 911 ranges, described the Ioniq 5 N as an “eye-opening” vehicle for the company.
Moser reportedly spent significant time behind the wheel and came away particularly impressed with the artificial gear shifts and the synthesized exhaust sound. “We learnt a lot from that [Ioniq 5 N],” Moser said. “I drove it several times. They made it really, really good.”
And Moser wasn’t the only Porsche leader to walk away surprised. In the same conversation, he mentioned that Andreas Preuninger, the head of Porsche’s GT and RS division, also ended up appreciating the car, even after showing some initial skepticism.
“Come on, I’m going to pick you up in the Ioniq 5 N,” Moser recalled telling Preuninger. “I pressed the button [N Grin Boost], and he was ‘Wow’. They did something which was impressive.”
Moser not only enjoyed his time in the Ioniq 5 N but also reportedly remarked, “This is the way,” when asked whether Porsche had taken cues from Hyundai’s approach. His only stipulation was that drivers should have the freedom to toggle such features on or off, rather than being forced to use them.
Porsche continues to keep details about the forthcoming 718 EV tightly under wraps, but Moser’s remarks strongly indicate that the next-generation model will incorporate both a simulated exhaust and an artificial transmission experience.
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