Hyundai has always had a knack for pulling a proverbial rabbit out of its hat when it comes to special edition models with the Ioniq 5 proving to be a bountiful hat to pull from. The N model was supposed to push the Ioniq 5 to its dynamic limits but what if you’re a drifter who prefers the art of sliding to the act of posting raw 0 to 60 times? Hyundai thinks it has the answer with the all-new Ioniq 5 N DK Edition.
DK Edition unlocks the N’s full drifting potential
The DK portion of its moniker comes from its inspiration with the model being developed with input from legendary drifter Keiichi Tsuchiya a man who helped make drifting into a formal sport thus earning his moniker the Drift King. Some of his magic is pretty evident when you look at the details that make the DK Edition stand out with this model getting a new front splitter, side skirts, and a new wing with all of these items being made out of lightweight carbon fiber.
The interior also gets changes but Hyundai didn’t release any detailed information about that side of things, and instead preferred to focus on the performance upgrades the DK has with all models getting six-piston monoblock calipers with special brake pads that cover 54% more surface area than before. Lower springs and a new 21-inch wheel design with a sawtooth grip feature that helps the rims grip the tires when the car is sliding around.
“The IONIQ 5 N DK Edition was directly evaluated and developed by Keiichi Tsuchiya, a living legend in motorsports,” says Park Jun-woo, head of Hyundai’s N division. “Through the parts package that combines his driving know-how and Hyundai Motor Company’s technological prowess, we will be able to provide a special experience to customers who enjoy driving and love high-performance cars.”
International markets only for now
Hyundai says it plans to release the DK Edition Ioniq 5 N in Korea and Japan in the first half of this year. Hyundai didn’t reveal if it intends to bring the model to the U.S. market but look for more details about that to emerge in the near future. In the meantime, Hyundai will focus on other vehicle markets including the softroader market with Hyundai recently confirming the Ioniq 5 XRT will be coming to the U.S. market very soon.
“I have experienced the Ioniq 5 N many times and have been surprised and delighted every time, and I met Hyundai N to tune the best high-performance electric vehicle to my style,” Tsuchiya said in a statement. “I hope you will experience another level of enjoyment with the Ioniq 5 N through the DK Edition, which was completed with Keiichi Tsuchiya’s sensibility and Hyundai N’s technological prowess.”
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.