20/07/2025

theSunday Special XVI ON SUNDAY JULY 20, 2025

Future of high-performance EVs Hyundai unveils Ioniq 6 N at Goodwood

HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY has revealed its latest performance electric vehicle, the Ioniq 6 N, at the renowned Goodwood Festival of Speed in West Sussex, England. This marks the company’s second high performance EV and a bold continuation of its N sub-brand’s evolution into the electri fied era. Positioned as a potent alternative in an increasingly competitive EV market, the Ioniq 6 N arrives at a time when global elec tric vehicle sales have begun to show signs of slowing. Nonetheless, Hyundai is aiming to reig nite enthusiasm with a model that blends performance, practicality, and a more accessible price point, although pricing and availability details remain undisclosed. The Ioniq 6 N is equipped with dual electric motors producing 601hp and 740Nm of torque. When activated, the N Grin Boost function delivers a tempo rary increase in output to 641hp and 770Nm of torque for a burst of acceleration over 10 seconds. Thanks to N Launch Control, this power propels the car from 0 to 100kph

fenders, while a swan-neck rear wing not only contributes to the car’s dynamic styling but also generates added aerodynamic downforce. Inside, Hyundai has integrated an upgraded N e-Shift system that replicates gear changes to heighten the tactile and auditory driving experience. Range figures for the car are based on Europe’s WLTP standards, with an esti mated maximum distance of 468km per charge. This is powered by the same 84.0 kWh battery as found in the Ioniq 5 N, which offers a slightly shorter range of up to 356km in some markets. Hyundai will offer the new high-per formance EV in a variety of finishes, includ ing Performance Blue Pearl, Abyss Black Pearl, Serenity White Pearl, Nocturne Gray Metallic, Nocturne Gray Matte, and Gravity Gold Matte. A global catalogue of N performance parts will also be made available, enabling customers to personalise their vehicles to their taste. Although the company has not con firmed the official launch date or pricing, the Ioniq 6 N stands as a striking demon stration of Hyundai’s ambitions in the performance EV segment. p g between 3,000 and 6,000rpm. These enhancements propel the Vantage S from 0 to 100kph in just 3.4 seconds. Acceleration to 200kph takes a mere 10.1 seconds, while the car retains its formidable 325kph top speed. The improvements go beyond raw numbers. Engineers at Aston Martin have meticulously calibrated the throt tle response and pedal weight to mirror the distinct character of the “S” badge. Each of the vehicle’s drive modes has been specifically tuned to optimise har mony between the powertrain and driver input, resulting in a more tactile and connected driving experience. Launch Control has also been refined for sharper responsiveness off the line. Externally, the Vantage S showcases a series of purposeful design elements that match its dynamic capabilities. A new centrally mounted bonnet blade – available in gloss black or 2×2 Twill Carbon Fibre – not only intensifies the car’s road presence but also improves heat extraction from the V8’s “hot-V” configuration. At the rear, a full-width decklid spoiler dramatically increases down force by 44kg at maximum speed, con tributing to a total of 111kg of downforce when combined with the new front air dam and underbody enhancements. This aerodynamic tuning shifts downforce balance towards the front axle for more aggressive turn-in and sustained grip through corners. Inside the cabin, the Vantage S receives a unique “Accelerate” interior as standard. Combining Alcantara and leather, it features satin carbon fibre trim inlays, offering both visual impact and modest weight savings.

in just 3.2 seconds, with a maximum speed of 257kph. Engineered for performance, the chassis and suspension have been comprehensively reworked. Hyundai has introduced newly developed stroke-sensing electronically controlled dampers, allowing the car to dynamically adapt its damping force according to road and driving conditions.

To further elevate driving enjoyment, systems such as N Drift Optimiser and N Torque Distribution are included, enhanc ing stability and cornering control for both spirited drives and track days. Braking performance is delivered via a robust setup, featuring 15.7-inch front and 14.1-inch rear discs paired with four-piston and single-piston callipers, respectively. The car rides on 20-inch wheels wrapped in specially devel oped 275/35R20 Pirelli P Zero 5 tyres. Its wid

ened stance is accentuated by f l ared

Third-generation CX-5 unveiled MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION has officially revealed the third-generation Mazda CX-5 through its European sub sidiary, Mazda Motor Europe, setting the stage for the next evolution of the brand’s most popular crossover SUV.

Aston Martin unleash Vantage S ASTON MARTIN has raised the bar once again in the high-performance sports car segment with the debut of the Vantage S, a model designed to represent the most exhilarating expres sion of the marque’s iconic front-engine sports car line-up. Taking the foundation laid by the cur rent Vantage, the new Vantage S intro duces enhanced performance, refined dynamics, and bespoke styling features that set a fresh benchmark for the British manufacturer. Following the success of the recently introduced DBX S, the arrival of the Vantage S marks a continuation of

deliver a safer and more supportive driv ing experience in a variety of scenarios. The third-generation CX-5 is powered by the e-Skyactiv G 2.5 engine, paired with Mazda’s M Hybrid technology for improved fuel efficiency and lower emis sions. This powertrain is mated to a Skyactiv Drive six-speed automatic transmission, delivering smooth and responsive per formance. The suspension system features a MacPherson strut layout at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear, designed to provide balance, agility, and ride com f o r t

The new model is expected to reach European showrooms by the end of 2025, with global rollouts planned throughout 2026. Since its original debut in 2012, the CX-5 has played a pivotal role in defining Mazda’s design and engineering direction. It was the first vehicle to fully embrace the company’s now-signature “Kodo – Soul of Motion” design language, paired with the innovative Skyactiv technology platform. Over the years, the CX-5 has achieved global sales surpassing 4.5 million units, becoming a corner

Aston Martin’s tra dition of adding the “S” desig nation to its most focused

stone of Mazda’s interna tional success across more than 100 coun tries and regions. The all-new CX-5 builds upon the legacy of its predecessors while introducing a suite of enhance ments aimed at deepen ing the emotional connection between vehicle and driver. Inside, the CX-5 introduces

and perform a n c e - enhanced models. This con vention, initi

ated with the unveiling of the Vanquish S at the 2004 Paris

Motor Show, later extended to the V8 and V12 Vantage S models, which cap tured acclaim in 2011 and 2013 respec tively. The new Vantage S carries this legacy forward with renewed intensity. The driving force behind the Vantage S is an upgraded iteration of Aston Martin’s 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged engine. Output has been increased to 680PS at 6,000rpm, with an impres sive 800Nm of torque available

a next-generation Human Machine Interface (HMI), which has been redes igned to provide more intuitive interac tion for all occupants. Connectivity has also been elevated with the addition of new apps and digital features, offering seamless integration with modern lifestyles. Furthermore, the vehicle’s Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (Adas) have been updated to

across various driving conditions. With a seating capacity for five pas sengers, the new CX-5 retains a strong family-oriented focus while reinforcing its dynamic appeal. Measuring 4,690mm in length, 1,860mm in width, and 1,695mm in height, which is slightly bigger than the Proton X70, the redesigned CX-5 main tains a well-proportioned stance.