Hyundai Ioniq 5 N coming to WTAC with Drift King Keiichi Tsuchiya

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N will make its Australian debut at the World Time Attack Challenge (WTAC) held on September 1-2 at Sydney Motorsport Park.

At the Ioniq 5 N’s helm will be Drift King himself, Keiichi Tsuchiya. Known for his racing antics, iconic Drift Bible video as well as regular appearances in cult Japanese motoring programs Best Motoring and Hot Version, Tsuchiya is a master of the slide.

Tsuchiya is credited with popularising the genre of drifting. Famously, he would end up so far ahead of his rivals that he would slide his racecar through corners to keep the crowd entertained. He went on to found the D1 GP series, cementing his status as the Drift King.

A perfect combination, then, of the perfector of drifting and the first production electric car to be marketed almost entirely on its ability to go around a corner with the rear end hanging out.

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The dual-motor 478kW Hyundai Ioniq 5 is the N performance brand’s first attempt at an electric car.

With eight simulated gear ratios, myriad drive modes, and – of course – the drift button, it sets the blueprint for many vehicles to follow, with the Ioniq 6 sedan expected to be next.

Ahead of its early 2024 release in Australia, the Ioniq 5’s Drift mode will be on full show as Tsuchiya skids it around the Sydney Motorsport Park over the September weekend following its appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July.

“We are excited to partner with World Time Attack Challenge, which will provide the perfect showcase for the immense performance capability of Ioniq 5 N, our first all-electric Hyundai N vehicle,” said Hyundai Australia CEO, Ted Lee.

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For those attending, the Hyundai team will be posted up at the South Circuit/Amaroo pit complex over the WTAC weekend. Expect an Ioniq 5 N to be on display, fan interactions with the Drift King, a sneak preview of the 2024 i30 Sedan N, and a TCR display.

For current N owners, there will be vehicle health checks offered on-site, and a cafe to relax at while watching all the goings on. See below for the Ioniq 5 and Keiichi Tsuchiya’s full weekend schedule.