Hyundai Ioniq 5 N gets ‘Drift King’ treatment ahead of 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon
Hyundai has created a special ‘Drift King’ edition of the Ioniq 5 N in conjunction with famed Japanese professional racing driver, Keiichi Tsuchiya.
Alongside his two class wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Tsuchiya earned the nickname of ‘Drift King’ thanks to his drifting skills and involvement in the Initial D manga and anime series. This has led to the creation of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N ‘DK (Drift King) Edition’.
The South Korean manufacturer shared an early glimpse of the car in a short video ahead of a full unveiling at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2025 on Friday 10 January.
It has not announced any upgrades to the Ioniq 5 DK Edition’s chassis or all-wheel drive powertrain but it is thought that the Drift King’s involvement in the DK Edition’s development will lead to enhancements in the driver assistance settings, which currently include 10 levels and a “Pro” mode aimed at spirited driving.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N already comes with an ‘N Drift Optimiser’ mode that balances the car while powersliding by managing the power distribution between the four wheels. It also features twin motors producing 641bhp and 546lb ft of torque, delivering a 0-62mph time of 3.4 seconds.
Thanks to the teaser video – featuring a cameo by Tsuchiya himself, no less – the biggest difference between the DK Edition and the regular Hyundai Ioniq 5 N appears to be purely aesthetic.
A huge rear spoiler straddles the car’s 1.94 metre width, while newly-extended gloss black side skirts, a new front splitter, and matching wheels differentiate the DK Edition from the standard car. When paired with the white paint job, the overall black and white finish is more than a nod to the Toyota AE86 – or Toyota Trueno Sprinter Trueno in JDM speak – that starred in Initial D.
Meanwhile, N Performance-branded dark green brake callipers are matched with lower side skirt elements, and DK Edition logos can be found on the C-pillars and tailgate. Hyundai has not revealed any visuals of the car’s interior, but it is anticipated that the DK Edition will bring bespoke elements to the regular Ioniq 5 N’s cabin.
