Latest news with #SimonLoasby
Auto Car
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Car
Hyundai's going after the BMW M3 with a track-ready super-saloon – and it's being revealed next month
Electric saloon's transformation into a BMW M3 alternative brings twin spoilers and big power boost Open gallery As well as aggressive aero set-up, the new N car swaps a Hyundai badge for model-specific branding Close News Hyundai has confirmed its new Ioniq 6 N performance saloon will be revealed at the Goodwood Festival of Speed next month. The company has also released new images of the hot saloon, showing its twin rear spoilers and a chunky diffuser influenced by the one fitted to the extreme RN22e concept car . Although not fully shown, the front end of the new Ioniq 6 N draws on the sporty new N Line variant of the standard Ioniq 6, which was updated earlier this year. The changes are intended to 'maintain aerodynamic performance while achieving a smoother, more refined silhouette', said Hyundai. Asked what else we can expect, Simon Loasby, vice president of Hyundai styling group, said: 'The huge wing. You've got all those curves on top so we need to counter the lift. "Compared to Ioniq 5 N, we've had the chance to widen the fenders (who doesn't love a wide body?) so it's got even more stance, even more squat and even more cool factory.' Inside, the Ioniq 6 N is expected to adopt key components from the Ioniq 5 N crossover, such as its three-spoke steering wheel with N-specific drive mode buttons, as well as its more supportive front bucket seats. Power is most likely to come from the same 641bhp dual-motor powertrain used by the Ioniq 5 N. This is capable of replicating the power delivery of an internal combustion engine mated to a dual-clutch sequential gearbox, complete with shift paddles for simulated gearchanges. It's possible that Hyundai will boost this set-up for the Ioniq 6 N, but a 0-62mph time of 3.4sec (as with the Ioniq 5 N) would put the saloon on a par with ICE mainstays such as the BMW M3. The Ioniq 5 N also packs an 84.0kWh battery that officially yields a range of 278 miles, although it's likely that the more aerodynamic Ioniq 6 N will boost this nearer to the 300-mile mark. The car is likely to arrive in UK showrooms this winter. Prices are predicted to start at just below £70,000. Join our WhatsApp community and be the first to read about the latest news and reviews wowing the car world. Our community is the best, easiest and most direct place to tap into the minds of Autocar, and if you join you'll also be treated to unique WhatsApp content. You can leave at any time after joining - check our full privacy policy here. Next Prev In partnership with
Auto Express
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
Hyundai Ioniq 9 2025 preview: walkaround, specs, prices and on-sale date
Key specs Fuel type Electric Body style Large SUV Powertrain 110kWh battery, single or dual e-motor Price £65,000-£70,000 (est) This is the Hyundai Ioniq 9: an all-new flagship electric SUV that aims to elevate the brand into uncharted territory. It follows the IONIQ Concept 'SEVEN' from 2021; the name change, we're told, leaves room for range expansion at a later date. The 9's specs are strong: a massive 110kWh battery, an 800-volt electrical architecture and nearly 400 miles of range – even on the fastest Performance AWD model. There's room for seven inside, and a huge boot capable of carrying more than a small van. Advertisement - Article continues below While the car shares its overall design language with the smaller Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6, head of design Simon Loasby sees the Hyundai line-up like a series of chess pieces, whereby each car plays a different role. The 9 is designed to capitalise on the current 'growth opportunity in the three-row SUV segment'. Prices and specs will be revealed in time, but we expect the 9 to start from around £65,000 – on par with the Kia EV9. That's more than for a base-spec Volkswagen ID. Buzz LWB, but significantly less than for a Volvo EX90 – although that's currently offered only in pricey dual-motor guise. The Ioniq 9 has been revealed this week at the Los Angeles Auto Show. It will launch in Korea and the US in the early part of 2025, before arriving in Europe later next year. Model Power 0-62mph Top speed Hyundai Ioniq 9 Long-Range RWD 215bhp 9.4 seconds NA Hyundai Ioniq 9 Long-Range AWD 309bhp 6.8 seconds 124mph Hyundai Ioniq 9 Performance AWD 429bhp 5.3 seconds 124mph The Hyundai Ioniq 9 will be offered with three powertrain options at launch. Entry-level cars will use an efficient, rear-mounted motor with 215bhp – good for a relatively sedate 0-62mph time of 9.4 seconds. This model, Hyundai claims, posts an official range of up to 372 miles. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Above this sits the standard all-wheel-drive car. The rear motor is bigger than that at the front, but combined they produce 309bhp – enough for 0-62mph in 6.8 seconds. There's no news of a Hyundai Ioniq 9 N yet; the Performance AWD model will top the range for now. With 429bhp, it'll do 0-62mph in 5.3 seconds. All versions have the same 124mph top speed. Model Battery size Range Efficiency Hyundai Ioniq 9 Long-Range RWD 110.3kWh 372 miles (est) TBC Hyundai Ioniq 9 Long-Range AWD 110.3kWh 346 miles (est) TBC Hyundai Ioniq 9 Performance AWD 110.3kWh 317 miles (est) TBC As mentioned, there will be three distinct models offered at launch, although the chunky 110.3kWh battery is standard across the Ioniq 9 range. That's 10.5kWh bigger than in the mechanically similar Kia EV9, which sits on the same E-GMP platform. Advertisement - Article continues below That, inevitably, benefits range. The base Long-Range RWD car comes with just one motor and is therefore lighter – and posts the longest range at 372 miles. A comparable EV9 Air has an official range of 349 miles. Above the Long-Range RWD sits the Long-Range AWD, which adds an extra motor to the front axle for all-wheel drive and a bit of extra grunt. This version will still do a claimed 346 miles on a charge – equivalent to around 3.1mi/kWh. The range-topper, for now, is the Performance AWD, which with 429bhp doesn't quite offer the performance of its N-badged Ioniq 5 stablemate. Still, with a quoted 317-mile range, the flagship Ioniq 9 should serve those wanting to blend performance with efficiency well. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below As with all (current) Ioniq-badged Hyundais, the 9 uses an 800-volt electrical architecture for lightning-fast charging. The maker doesn't quote a peak charge speed, but we've been told it is 'very similar' to that of the Ioniq 5 and 6 – meaning a 230-240kW maximum. A 10-80 per cent top-up takes 24 minutes on a suitably fast charger. As with the Ioniq 5, charge status is highlighted via a series of green dots on the steering wheel. Hyundai refuses to implement an Audi-style cookie-cutter design language, meaning each of its models looks quite distinct. The Ioniq 9 is the brand's flagship electric SUV, and while it sits on the same E-GMP platform as the Kia EV9, it takes on a much sleeker and slipperier shape. The Hyundai boasts an impressively low drag coefficient of 0.259Cd when fitted with the optional digital door mirrors. Advertisement - Article continues below US cars will get a full-width pixel front lightbar, but apparently European crash-test legislation means UK cars do without. This is a distinctive feature, and it's a shame we miss out – but you still get the pixel-style daytime running lights and separate headlights located underneath. A lot of the tech and sensors are hidden in the black panel just above the numberplate, yet the smoother front end gives it a much less imposing stance compared with its EV9 sibling. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below The smooth surfacing continues down the side, where trim choice will dictate how much black cladding each car gets. Calligraphy is expected to be the top spec (but still to be confirmed), which looks pretty upmarket thanks to the extensive use of body-coloured trim. A selection of alloy wheels will be offered, from 19 to 21 inches. Whereas the EV9 wears its boxy profile with pride, the Ioniq 9 is much sleeker, with a taper towards the rear that Hyundai claims is reminiscent of a boat tail. The back end is almost Volvo-like in its appearance and features more pixel lighting, which curves up and over the top edge of the bootlid. It's a striking look that is sure to turn heads at night. Advertisement - Article continues below The interior is just as fresh and clean as the exterior, with a pair of 12-inch screens laid out in what looks like a single curved display. The media and climate controls sit within a separate panel beneath the air vents, with easily accessible rotary dials to tweak the temperature. The materials used feel suitably high end, no matter which of the seven seats you're sitting in. The car features a number of sustainable materials including eco process leather, recycled PET fabric and bio paint. A total of 16 exterior colours will be offered, alongside a selection of six two-tone interior options. The Hyundai Ioniq 9 uses a familiar twin-screen infotainment system running intuitive software found in other Ioniq-badged models. The curved display is made up of two 12-inch screens, is clear and easy to read, and is responsive to the touch. The graphics are perhaps not as crisp as you might hope for a range flagship – this is one area where the Ioniq 9 could benefit from a significant over-the-air (OTA) update. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Specifications haven't yet been confirmed, but you can expect all the usual phone connectivity options including Bluetooth, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus the option of a 14-speaker Bose stereo on top-spec models. There's an AI voice-recognition system and a series of Bluelink connected car services. Occupants in all three rows benefit from high-power 100W USB-C ports. Advertisement - Article continues below Hyundai says it will also incorporate an e-Active Sound Design (e-ASD), which apparently 'outputs the virtual driving sound of an EV using an audio system'. Dimensions Length 5,060mm Width 1,980mm Height 1,790mm Number of seats Seven Boot space 620/1,323 litres (five-seat mode), plus 52/88-litre frunk Looks can be deceptive. To our eyes, the Hyundai Ioniq 9 looks lighter and more compact than the Kia EV9, and yet it's ever so slightly longer – both in the wheelbase (3,130mm) and overall (5,060mm). That makes this a hugely practical car. All seven of the seats are suitable for adults on short journeys, and they'll fold flat to reveal a van-like 1,323 litres of boot space. Hyundai doesn't yet offer a figure with rows two and three folded, but it's reasonable to expect this to exceed 2,000 litres all-in. There's a decent frunk as well – 88 litres in single-motor models, or 52 litres on all-wheel-drive cars. Either way, there is enough space for a charge cable or two. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below As mentioned, the Ioniq 9 is a seven-seater. However, if you want to make the cabin even roomier, you can opt for the six-seat layout, with a totally flat floor and two captain's chairs in the middle row. If you tick the right option boxes, these can swivel 180 degrees to face the rearmost seats, and recline to virtually flat to make those long, laborious motorway journeys a little more relaxing. Advertisement - Article continues below Up front, you get two almost armchair-like seats, with a chunky, sliding Universal Island 2.0 centre console and a completely flat floor. It feels roomy, which is only helped by the minimalist dash layout. Hyundai claims the Ioniq 9 has a 'reinforced body structure' that 'distributes collision energy and maintains structural integrity, even in severe electric vehicle accidents'. Even the third row gets seatbelt pre-tensioners, and there are 10 airbags dotted throughout the cabin 'to further enhance safety'. Advanced safety features include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2, Lane-Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Safe-Exit Warning and Driver-Attention Warning to name a few. We've not yet been offered even indicative pricing for the Hyundai Ioniq 9, but given that the Kia EV9 starts from just under £65,000, we expect its Korean stablemate to sit in a similar ballpark. An all-singing, all-dancing Ioniq 9 Performance AWD in the proposed range-topping Calligraphy spec could feasibly nudge £85,000. While that might sound a lot for an SUV with a Hyundai badge on the boot, it's worth considering that every model offers more than 300 miles of range, plus that all-important 800-volt electrical architecture and ultra-rapid charging capability. Rivals span everything from the aforementioned EV9, to the Volvo EX90 and Volkswagen ID. Buzz LWB. If you don't need seven seats, models such as the Mercedes EQE and BMW iX might also be worth considering. Find a car with the experts All-new Hyundai Elexio: Bizarre design, huge 435-mile electric range The Elexio is Hyundai's latest all-electric SUV, but this one has been designed exclusively for China Best electric car deals: today's top discounts and incentives on new EVs Making the switch to an EV? These car brands have an offer (or two) for you Best cars & vans 28 Apr 2025 What is Hyundai N? Past, present and future of the Korean performance brand We follow Hyundai's N brand from Namyang to the Nurburgring Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond These are the most important new cars headed our way, from brands including Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more Best cars & vans 8 Apr 2025 It's only a matter of time before Jaguar Land Rover builds a factory in the USA It's only a matter of time before Jaguar Land Rover builds a factory in the USA Mike Rutherford thinks Jaguar's 'Reimagine' strategy will result in the company exploring further opportunities in the USA Labour hints at major luxury car tax U-turn to boost EV sales Labour hints at major luxury car tax U-turn to boost EV sales Is pressure from retailers and car makers finally cutting through with ministers? Car Deal of the Day: Ford Explorer gives you practicality, style and EV power for £228 a month Car Deal of the Day: Ford Explorer gives you practicality, style and EV power for £228 a month Family-friendly SUV is arguably Ford's best electric car, and great value, too. It's our Deal of the Day for 24 May
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Hyundai goes after Renault 5 Turbo with wild Insteroid concept
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Worried that the electric future of the car will be a boring and predictable one? Well fear not, because Hyundai just revealed a wild electric car concept, complete with drift mode, called the Insteroid. Even the name is a sign of intent. Hyundai has taken the Inster, a small, pleasant and affordable EV, then bought it a gym membership and, well, you can see where the Insteroid name might have come from. A million miles from its humble city car origin story, the Insteroid is a pumped-up rally racer with humongous box-style wheel arches, a chiseled front splitter and a massive rear wing stuck to the roof. I suspect it goes to the same gym as Dom Toretto and its favourite video game franchise is Need for Speed. Underground 2 soundtrack intensifies. The Insteroid feels like Hyundai's answer to the equally bombastic Renault 5 Turbo 3E, but whereas that slice of French lunacy is almost ready for production, the Hyundai is described as a 'dream car concept aiming to challenge conventions and create excitement.' At least for now. Given Hyundai has already shocked the EV performance car world once, with the Ioniq 5 N and its clever augmented gearbox, a toned-down version of the Insteroid might not be entirely out of the equation. Designed to 'captivate a new generation of drivers,' the Hyundai Insteroid is a 'celebration of pure joy,' says Simon Loasby, the British head of Hyundai Design Centre. 'It's not just about how it looks, but also how it sounds and how it makes you feel,' he added. 'From its bold visual language to the immersive sound experience, it's a concept that invites everyone to dream a little louder and smile a little longer.' The stripped-out, two-seat interior is equally unhinged, thanks to the full roll cage, oversized rally-style handbrake, door pulls in place of handles, and pair of huge subwoofers mounted where the rear seats used to be. It's mad, it reminds me of the Max Power era, and I am absolutely here for it. Performance? Well, sadly this is where the madness stops. Hyundai hasn't said how the Insteroid might be powered, or how quick it could be. It's a design concept, after all. Hyundai has at least suggested the Insteroid would have a 'drift mode' and a unique sound, so I'm guessing there'd be more under the bonnet than the regular Inster's 115 bhp electric motor. A modified version of the Ioniq 5 N's dual-motor platform would be perfect, of course, or perhaps even a pair of in-wheel motors housed by those box arches, just like the Renault 5 Turbo 3E. Come on, Hyundai. You know you want to.
Al Bawaba
07-04-2025
- Automotive
- Al Bawaba
Hyundai Motor Unveils the new IONIQ 6 and IONIQ 6 N Line Under ‘Pure Flow, Refined' Concept
Hyundai Motor Company unveiled its newly designed IONIQ 6 and IONIQ 6 N Line today at the Seoul Mobility Show 2025 in Korea, setting a new standard for electrified streamliners. Building on the design spirit of the original, multi-award-winning IONIQ 6 launched in 2022, the facelifted model features more refined curves and enhanced proportions for a sleek and beautifully balanced silhouette. 'IONIQ 6 has evolved from a single Electrified Streamliner into a lineup, each model expressing its own character while staying true to one refined vision,' said Simon Loasby, Senior Vice President and Head of Hyundai Design Center. 'Under the evolved design concept of 'Pure Flow, Refined', we've enhanced every line and detail to make IONIQ 6 simpler and more progressive.' 'Pure Flow, Refined' design concept With the new IONIQ 6, Hyundai Motor is emphasizing the identity of electrified streamliners, focusing on connecting the body flow more precisely and naturally based on the evolved concept of 'Pure flow, Refined'. The new vehicle's elevated hood and extended shape, combined with a shark-nose design, create a sleek profile that appears to slice through the air. The black garnish on the lower body extends to the doors, emphasizing the IONIQ 6's streamlined body. The previous-generation vehicle's prominent spoiler has been removed, with the new IONIQ 6 featuring an extended ducktail spoiler to maintain aerodynamic performance while achieving a smoother, more refined silhouette. The car's front and rear design details have been refined for a modern and high-tech appearance, featuring separate slim DRLs and main lamps. Horizontal design elements create a wider stance, while the rear bumper design complements the front with modern chrome garnish. The design of the new IONIQ 6's interior maintains the 'Mindful Cocoon' concept, with a greater focus on a more comfortable and intuitive user experience. Inside, the new IONIQ 6 features a redesigned steering wheel and enhanced door trim materials for a more premium feel. The center console layout has been refined for improved functionality, and the climate control display has been enlarged to enhance ease of use. N Line model brings bold and aggressive styling Unveiled alongside the new IONIQ 6, the IONIQ 6 N Line variant inherits the design DNA of the RN22e Rolling Lab released in 2022, adding a distinctly bold touch. To highlight the N Line model's dynamic and aggressive design, the front and rear wing-shaped bumpers feature enhanced details and a more sculptural form. This wing-inspired bumper design, along with a side sill emphasized by a single line, gives the electrified streamliner a visually lower stance. Additionally, the extensive use of black color at the rear, drawn from the RN22e's design, contributes to the IONIQ 6 N Line's sporty proportions. The two-dimensional Parametric Pixel lamp design further emphasizes a digital aesthetic. IONIQ 6 N to be unveiled in July this year Hyundai Motor also teased the forthcoming IONIQ 6 N during its Seoul Mobility Show presentation, hinting at the arrival of a true high-performance electrified streamliner in the future. *Specifications mentioned above are based on the Korean-market model. Features, technology and claimed figures may differ depending on the market.
Al Bawaba
06-04-2025
- Automotive
- Al Bawaba
Rev Up with INSTEROID: Hyundai Motor's Gaming-Inspired Concept Car Debuts in Seoul
Hyundai Motor Company continues to push the boundaries of automotive design with the unveiling of its visionary design concept car, INSTEROID, today in Seoul, Korea. INSTEROID embodies Hyundai Motor's bold approach, merging gaming influences with extensive customization to captivate a new generation of drivers. Link to INSTEROID unveiling video Based on the successful Hyundai INSTER electric sub-compact urban SUV, which launched last year and quickly became a global hit, INSTEROID takes the concept of sporty design and user experience to new heights. INSTER's acclaim, including its selection as a top three finalist for the 2025 World Car of the Year award, sets a solid foundation for this radical 'What if?' project. Crafted in secrecy by Hyundai Motor's European design team, INSTEROID is a true concept car. Its name cleverly fuses the playful essence of 'INSTER' with the dynamic energy of 'STEROID', reflecting its spirited nature and muscular look. Much like the off-road-inspired INSTER CROSS derivate shown at INSTER's debut in 2024, INSTEROID is another step in the hot-selling production model's journey. Its mission is clear: to challenge conventions, create emotions and redefine what a sporty EV can be. 'INSTEROID is a celebration of pure fun – a journey where we explored new ways to ignite emotion and imagination in every detail," said Simon Loasby, Senior Vice President and Head of Hyundai Design Center. "It's not just about how it looks, but also how it sounds and how makes you feel. From its bold visual language to the immersive sound experience, it's a concept that invites everyone to dream a little louder and smile a little longer.' More than just a car, INSTEROID represents a limitless vision of automotive innovation and imagination. It is engaging users on new levels of interaction through shape, light and sound. 'INSTEROID represents a modern take on the idea of a dream car. It is designed to inspire and create enthusiasm,' said Eduardo Ramírez, Chief Designer at Hyundai Design Europe. 'This project allowed us to fully embrace unrestrained creativity, drawing inspiration from video games to create an emotional and engaging vision of Hyundai's brand.' Gamified design concept boasts sporty styling and eco-conscious materials INSTEROID takes the INSTER production model to the next level with sporty, gaming-inspired features that include an extended, widened body, track-optimized wheels, and a prominent wing spoiler, diffuser and wheel arch air vents delivering advanced aerodynamics. Inside, the cockpit offers a stripped-down layout, with bucket seats, a roll cage and a specialized instrument cluster creating an immersive driving experience. Every element is fully adjustable, reflecting the user-centered spirit of a garage-built machine true to the motto: 'Build it, play it, break it, repeat.' Adding to its multisensory experience, INSTEROID produces a unique sound signature, leaving an unforgettable impression. Building upon INSTER's charismatic design, INSTEROID aims to transform the driving experience with its Drift Mode, promising competitive thrills paired with light-hearted driving enjoyment. Playful details, such as the integrated Beat House sound system and Message Grid, enable personalized interactions, further enhancing driver engagement. Located throughout the design, the Boost icon represents multiple unique personas, reinforcing the deep emotional connection between car and driver. To optimize performance and reduce overall weight, lightweight lattice structures are seamlessly integrated. The striking exterior, finished in soft white shade, is punctuated by a single bold orange highlight – an unmistakable visual statement. Completing the vision, a reflective race suit with prominent INSTEROID lettering captures the fusion of car culture and youthful expression. INSTEROID also embodies Hyundai Motor's commitment to sustainability by pioneering innovative approaches to eco-conscious materials. The interior showcases 3D knit fabric crafted from recycled yarns, using a single-piece, made-to-measure process. INSTEROID generates buzz on the way to Seoul Mobility Show Hyundai Motor unveiled INSTEROID during a launch event for media and content creators at the Peaches D8NE(Dowon) cultural and retail space in Seoul's Seongsu neighborhood, culminating with a private 'Night Garage Party' on April 1. The exhibition space also featured INSTER and the rugged, outdoor-focused INSTER CROSS, allowing for discussions with product and design specialists. A dedicated space was established at the event venue, allowing visitors to experience a variety of games featuring INSTEROID. One of these games, developed by Hyundai Motor, is a time attack-style challenge where players collect 'steroid' items in INSTER, enabling the car to evolve into INSTEROID. This game is set to be unveiled to the public in April via a URL, eliminating the need for app downloads. Additionally, Hyundai Motor revealed the INSTEROID Kart, which will be released later as a powerful tool in 'Kartrider Rush+.' This collaboration reflects Hyundai Motor's growing partnerships in the gaming industry. Following successful ventures with platforms like Roblox and ZEPETO, this initiative aims to connect with younger audiences through authentic engagement. The concept car will be showcased from April 3 to April 13 at the Seoul Mobility Show, offering the public a chance to experience this innovative concept firsthand. Serving as a halo model for the INSTER lineup, INSTEROID is set to make a lasting impression at major auto events in key markets such as Korea and Europe, delivering a refreshed brand image while further boosting consumer interest in INSTER. Hyundai INSTER has experienced high demand globally since its launch last year and continues to resonate with customers worldwide. Initially introduced in Korea and Europe, Hyundai Motor will further expand the rollout in 2025 to select markets across the Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Central and South America regions. For more information on INSTER, visit: Global Press Release INSTER Product Highlights
