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Hyundai Opens Pre-Orders For IONIQ 5 N DK Edition: A Track-Ready EV Built For Performance

Developed In Collaboration With Legendary Racer Keiichi “Drift King” Tsuchiya, This Ultra-Exclusive EV—Limited To Just 50 Units

Michael Phoon

February 14, 2025 | Updated 05:39, February 14, 2025

3 min read

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Hyundai Motor Company is accepting pre-orders for its highly exclusive version of its high-performance electric vehicle (EV): the IONIQ 5 N DK Edition. This special model, developed in partnership with legendary Japanese racing driver Keiichi Tsuchiya – famously known as the “Drift King” – shows a unique fusion of electric power and track-focused performance modifications.

A Collaboration with the “Drift King”

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Hyundai IONIQ 5 N DK Edition (Image: Hyundai)

The DK Edition, which was first unveiled at last month’s Tokyo Auto Salon 2025, will be limited to just 50 units, making it one of the most exclusive EVs ever produced. Particularly, the EV model stands out for its focus on track performance and drifting capability, challenging the conventional perception of EVs as primarily practical transportation.

Aerodynamic and Mechanical Enhancements

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Hyundai IONIQ 5 N DK Edition (Image: Hyundai)

In detail, the DK Edition’s performance upgrades are a comprehensive package of aerodynamic and mechanical modifications. The vehicle features a striking carbon fiber rear wing and matching diffuser, complemented by side skirts and a front splitter, all crafted from the same lightweight material. These aerodynamic elements aren’t merely cosmetic – they generate an additional 205 lbs of downforce at 87 mph, enhancing the vehicle’s high-speed stability.

The engineering team has paid particular attention to the vehicle’s handling characteristics, implementing several crucial modifications. The model sits 0.6 inches lower than the standard IONIQ 5 N, thanks to a new set of lowering springs that have been specifically engineered to work in harmony with the vehicle’s electronic suspension system. The wheel and brake package is equally impressive, featuring 21-inch forged aluminum wheels that not only increase the track width for better stability but also reduce unsprung weight by approximately 24 pounds.

Advanced Braking for High-Performance

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Hyundai IONIQ 5 N DK Edition (Image: Hyundai)

Notably, the most technically advanced aspect of the DK Edition is its braking system. The vehicle employs a sophisticated 6-piston monoblock brake system with calipers crafted from duralumin – a lightweight aluminum alloy typically reserved for aerospace applications. This system offers a remarkable 54 percent increase in the pad contact area, significantly improving both stopping power and brake longevity during intense driving sessions.

Moreover, the vehicle retains the standard IONIQ 5 N’s exceptional powertrain, capable of producing up to 641 horsepower when utilizing the N Grin Boost feature. The sophisticated all-wheel-drive system allows for variable power distribution between the front and rear axles and includes a dedicated drift mode – a feature that seems particularly appropriate given the vehicle’s development partnership with the Drift King himself.

Hyundai’s decision to develop this vehicle on Japanese circuits, with input from one of Japan’s most respected racing drivers, indicates the company’s dedication to creating a genuine performance vehicle rather than simply a marketing exercise. The testing and development process focused on optimizing the performance package through real-world evaluation of components from various manufacturers.

Availability and Future Prospects

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Hyundai IONIQ 5 N DK Edition (Image: Hyundai)

While the announcement has generated considerable excitement among performance enthusiasts, the DK Edition will initially be available only in Japan and Korea through Hyundai’s N Performance Shop, the company’s dedicated online platform for N brand tuning products. Pricing details have not yet been announced but will be revealed closer to the vehicle’s 2025 launch date.

With the arrival of the IONIQ 5 N DK Edition, this limited-edition model shows that the transition to electric power does not necessarily mean the end of enthusiast-focused vehicles. Instead, it suggests a future where traditional performance car attributes can be successfully merged with electric powertrains to create vehicles that appeal to both environmental consciousness and driving enthusiasm.

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