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Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Shatters Records at Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Shatters Records at Pikes Peak
© Hyundai

Explore Hyundai’s groundbreaking success at Pikes Peak 2024, setting new records in EV categories and revealing future EV motorsport plans.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N made a notable impression at this year’s Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, achieving remarkable success in both the Electric Modified and Production SUV/Crossover categories. The event also solidified Hyundai’s commitment to introducing special EV models and participating actively in prestigious motorsport competitions.

Hyundai entered the challenging 12.42-mile ascent with two versions of the Ioniq 5 N TA Spec (Time Attack) and one standard production Ioniq 5 N. The TA Spec models, specifically tuned for performance, outpaced their road-going counterpart, with WRC driver Dani Sordo clinching victory in the exhibition class and setting a new Electric Modified class record with a time of 9:30.852. Another TA Spec, driven by Randy Pobst, followed closely with a time of 9:55.551. 

Hyundai Ioniq 5
© Hyundai

Meanwhile, the production-spec Ioniq 5 N, driven by rookie Ron Zaras, set a new record for electric production SUVs/crossovers at Pikes Peak with a time of 10:49.267.

Despite setbacks, including an injury to driver Paul Dallenbach during practice, Hyundai demonstrated strong potential with Dallenbach’s pre-race testing time of 10:33.86, hinting at competitive performance. The overall production SUV record remains with the Lamborghini Urus Performante, clocking 10:32.064 in 2022. 

Hyundai Ioniq 5
© Hyundai

The Ioniq 5 N TA Spec boasts enhancements such as increased power output, specialized shocks, slick tires, and high-performance brakes, underscoring Hyundai’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of EV motorsports.

Looking ahead, Hyundai confirmed plans to introduce more special edition models like the Ioniq 5 N eN1 Cup Car racer, aiming to expand its presence in EV motorsports. Till Wartenberg, Vice President and Head of N Brand and Motorsport at Hyundai Motor Company, emphasized their strategy of using events like Pikes Peak to showcase the superior capabilities of their mass-produced vehicles and to advance automotive technology beyond customer expectations.

Ethan Brown

2024, Jun 24 10:01