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

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. 

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. 

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.