The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, a high-performance electric vehicle, has been chosen for the prestigious 2024 Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems award. This recognition highlights the IONIQ 5 N’s exceptional powertrain, which is powered by Hyundai’s cutting-edge Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). This platform enables dual motors, spacious interiors, and optimized performance, all enhanced by the addition of N technologies.
The Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems competition focuses on identifying vehicles that showcase innovative powertrain advancements, whether they’re entirely new or significantly improved, with a special emphasis on factors like range, fuel economy, and advanced technologies.
Hyundai has consistently impressed in this competition, having earned a total of 17 Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems recognitions since the awards’ inception in 1995.
Ricky Lao, director of product planning at Hyundai Motor North America, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “The 2024 IONIQ 5 N has surpassed all internal expectations for Hyundai’s first electric performance vehicle.” He emphasized the vehicle’s ability to provide both an eco-friendly daily driving experience and exciting performance attributes derived from motorsport-bred technologies. These features position the IONIQ 5 N as a strong contender in the competitive EV market.
The IONIQ 5 N’s impressive performance hasn’t gone unnoticed. Bob Gritzinger, Wards Editor-in-Chief and judge, remarked, “What’s not to love? This is a stellar example of what an engineering team can do with a battery-electric vehicle when given carte blanche to make it look, feel, sound, and perform like its internal-combustion brethren. It may be simulated, but the ICE sounds, power delivery, dual-clutch-transmission-like ‘shifts’, and related tachometer readings provide such visceral performance feedback that it’s an absolute joy to drive.”
Judge Christie Schweinsberg shared her equally enthusiastic experience, saying, “Holy cow – the G forces on my body! Yowza! Crazy! I felt like I was getting a facelift.”
The evaluation process for the 2024 Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems took place during the summer of 2024. Judges assessed nominated vehicles during their daily driving, focusing on powertrain performance and enhancements. While there is no price cap, overall value is considered.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems competition, a platform designed to acknowledge exceptional powertrain achievements and spotlight the teams behind them.
This year, 34 nominees vied for the prestigious award. To be eligible, propulsion systems must be either entirely new or significantly updated, and previous year’s winners are also considered.
Drew Winter, a Wards contributor and judge, commented on the IONIQ 5 N’s appeal, saying, “The IONIQ 5 N creates engaging new driving experiences for performance enthusiasts of all stripes. In addition to its thrilling EV thrust, the car can convincingly emulate the sounds and haptic feedback from internal-combustion-engine rpm and mechanical gear shifts. The feedback isn’t just for show like we see in many EVs. It clearly is designed to give serious drivers familiar audio and physical cues for high performance driving.”
The 2024 Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems awards ceremony will take place on October 10, 2024, at The Battery Show in Detroit, Michigan.
WardsAuto, a leading provider of automotive editorial, insights, and analysis, has served the industry for over 90 years. This Southfield, Michigan-based Informa Tech business offers a forward-looking perspective on all facets of the automotive industry, from technological advancements to manufacturing and sales.
Hyundai Motor America provides US consumers with a comprehensive lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles. The company is dedicated to supporting Hyundai Motor Company’s vision of “Progress for Humanity.” Hyundai’s significant US operations include its North American headquarters in California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembly plant, the upcoming Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (under development in Georgia), and several state-of-the-art research and development facilities.
Together with Hyundai’s 835 independent dealers, these operations contribute significantly to the US economy, generating $20.1 billion annually and supporting 190,000 jobs, according to a recent economic impact report.
