Hyundai’s latest special edition EV has the signature of legendary drifter Keiichi Tsuchiya from Japan
January 10, 2025 at 12:27
- Hyundai has collaborated with drifter Keiichi Tsuchiya for a special edition of the Ioniq 5 N.
- The Ioniq 5 N DK Edition benefits from chassis upgrades and a more aggressive aero kit.
- The “high-performance parts package” will become available in the first half of 2025.
Hyundai is taking its electric performance game to the next level with a special-edition Ioniq 5 N that’s been fine-tuned in collaboration with none other than Keiichi Tsuchiya, the Japanese drift legend famously known as the “Drift King.” Debuting at the TTokyo Auto Salon, the Ioniq 5 N DK Edition is set to launch in select markets around the world during the first half of 2025.
The DK Edition is pitched as a “high-performance parts package” that transforms the already-impressive Ioniq 5 N into a car designed to capture the driving spirit of Tsuchiya himself. Hyundai says the tweaks were aimed at delivering “greater performance on public roads and circuits,” and Tsuchiya has personally pushed the model’s drifting capabilities to their limits on the track.
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Visually, the special edition is distinguished by a sharper carbon fiber bodykit. It sports a sharper, more aggressive carbon fiber body kit, including a splitter, side skirts, diffuser extensions, and a roof-mounted gooseneck rear wing. Hyundai claims that the DK Edition parts aren’t just for show, as they deliver an additional 93 kg (205 lbs) of downforce at 140 km/h (87 mph).
The display model shown at the Tokyo Auto Salon is finished in a matte white paint, complemented by dark glossy accents and subtle green highlights. Signature “DK Edition” badges grace the C-pillars and tailgate, but the real standout lies in the forged 21-inch wheels. These lightweight rims cut 10.6 kg (23 lbs) of unsprung weight, giving the EV a handling edge.
Chassis Tweaks Fit for a Drift King
Beyond the aesthetic upgrades, Hyundai N engineers partnered with Tsuchiya to fine-tune the chassis. While the team tested multiple suspension setups, they ultimately stuck with the electronically-controlled dampers from the base Ioniq 5 N, which Tsuchiya himself deemed unbeatable. However, they did lower the car by 15 mm (0.6 inches) using H&R springs, giving it a lower center of gravity for improved handling.
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To back up its newfound aggression, the DK Edition also features upgraded stopping power. Six-piston monoblock brake calipers made from high-strength duralumin are paired with larger, heat-resistant brake pads, boasting a 54% increase in surface area. These enhancements ensure the brakes can withstand the rigors of track use while offering consistent, reliable performance (Tesla Model 3 Performance, Hyundai is looking at you).
Unchanged Power, But Sharper Purpose
Underneath all the flashy upgrades, the Ioniq 5 N DK Edition retains the same monstrous powertrain as the standard model. Dual electric motors churn out an impressive 641 hp (478 kW / 650 PS), while features like N Torque Distribution and the N Drift Optimizer make it easier to unleash tire-shredding powerslides on the track.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N DK Edition is not just a one-off special, as the company will make it available for sale. The rollout will kick off in the Korean and Japanese markets in the first half of 2025, with Hyundai hinting at “further market expansion planned” down the road.
