--- title: "The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N DK Edition Actually Makes A Lot of Sense" date: "2025-01-11" modified: "2025-01-11" authors: - name: "Beverly Braga" job_title: "Weekend Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/beverly-braga" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/the-hyundai-ioniq-5-n-dk-edition-actually-makes-a-lot-of-sense" categories: - "Hyundai News" - "News" - "News by Brand" tags: - "Electric Vehicle" - "Hyundai" - "Ioniq 5 N" - "sports car" - "suv/crossover" --- # The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N DK Edition Actually Makes A Lot of Sense ![]() *Hyundai* Has JDM car culture lost its grip on the Drift King? Japanese racing icon [Keiichi Tsuchiya]() has seemingly shifted alliances in a new collaboration with [Hyundai N](). Announced at this week's Tokyo Auto Salon, the [Ioniq 5 N DK Edition]() is an uncompromising performance hot hatch tuned by the [slideways master]() himself. "The [Ioniq 5 N]() is an exceptionally well-built vehicle," Tsuchiya says in a splashy multi-part docuseries about the vehicle's development. "With each drive, it offered a sense of wonder and excitement… What would it be like to customize the ultimate high-performance [EV]() to match my driving energy?" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QYjUserg_o The [Hyundai Ioniq 5]() entered the market in 2022 to rave reviews. But it wasn't really targeting those into performance EVs. Then, it was handed over to Hyundai N, the company's performance division, and the Ioniq 5 evolved into an electric hot hatch even an enthusiast could love. From [Pikes Peak]() to the [Nürburgring](), the Ioniq 5 N proved it was more than a racer-wannabe. As for the connection with Tsuchiya, that's actually not new. The drifting icon teamed up with [Hyundai]() at the 2023 World Time Attack Challenge, but that was merely to do [demo laps]() in an Ioniq 5 N. This time around, Tsuchiya, who consulted on [*The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift*]() (and had a not-so-subtle character nod in villain "DK" as well as a cameo appearance), tuned an Ioniq 5 N to his personal specs. Should the partnership be a surprise, especially considering Tsuchiya's [racing]() career with Japanese brands? Honestly, no. Yes, the Drift King is a legend for his unique driving ability, which was ultimately responsible for popularizing drifting. But Tsuchiya wasn't necessarily a follow-the-crowd kind of guy when you consider that drifting itself was infinitely so different from other racing that it became its own series. So, why wouldn't a non-traditional pro driver partner with a brand that is different but passionate about building from-the-ground-up, original performance cars? ![]() *Hyundai* ![]() ![]() ![]() There are existing [sports car partnerships](), sure, but the products we're getting are collabs that are a result of shared costs and resources. [Toyota]() and [BMW]() have the Supra-Z4 siblings. Toyota joined [Subaru]() on the less potent but still fun GR86-BRZ small coupes. Who knows what the [Honda-Nissan marriage]() might produce? Hopefully, something interesting like the Z-Leaf mashup. Get weird, guys! And [Mazda](), well, it's [keeping close](), maybe waiting for another "wyd" text from Toyota. The Ioniq 5 N DK Edition is a different beast made for different appetites. To say that any of its N vehicles aren't fun, fast thrill rides is to say you haven't driven one. This special edition Ioniq 5 N is no different, being an in-house developed, character-driven sports EV ready to take on tracks and togues worldwide. "This is exactly the driving feel I want on these mountain roads," Tsuchiya says in [Part 2: The Winding](). And who will argue with the alleged inspiration of *Initial D* hero Takumi? Too bad that, for now, the specially-crafted, carbon fiber-heavy DK Edition will only be available in Japan and South Korea starting this year. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jsS_QIlToQ *Got tips? Send ’em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Born and raised in Hawaii, Beverly has been a prolific and published creative writer since her teens. As a contributor to The Drive, Beverly covers the weekend shift, blogging about all things automotive, mobility, transportation, and topics in-between. Currently a digital nomad, Beverly's only constant is her car, a second-generation Mazdaspeed3. Even though she's never in one place for too long, her hot hatch always feels like home. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()