Hyundai IONIQ 5 N Dominates Pikes Peak with Record-Breaking Performance
Hyundai Motor Company announced today its IONIQ 5 N models have shattered records at the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) on June 23, leading the Electric Modified and Production SUV/Crossover categories. This achievement underscores the company's ongoing commitment to high-performance EVs.
This year, Hyundai entered two IONIQ 5 N TA (Time Attack) Specs and one production IONIQ 5 N at the PPIHC. The trio mastered a daunting 12.42-mile (20 km) ascent, climbing over 4,700 feet (1,438 meters) to the Pikes Peak summit. The route challenged the drivers and vehicles with 156 turns, fluctuating weather, and high-altitude conditions.
Hyundai World Rally driver Dani Sordo steered the IONIQ 5 N TA Spec to a winning time of 09:30.852 in the exhibition class. Randy Pobst followed closely in another TA Spec, completing the climb in 09:55.551.
The IONIQ 5 N TA Spec showcases the production model's capabilities with minimal modifications. It features slight software adjustments for increased motor output and upgrades like new shock absorbers, motorsport-specific brakes, and slick tires, maintaining much of the production model's original setup.
PPIHC newcomer and automotive media figure Ron Zaras piloted the production IONIQ 5 N, clocking in at 10:49.267. His drive highlighted the model's superior capabilities in its standard form.
"We are absolutely thrilled to set a new record at Pikes Peak and excel overall," said Till Wartenberg, Vice President and Head of N Brand and Motorsport at Hyundai Motor Company. "We aim to continue harnessing high-profile motorsports events like Pikes Peak to demonstrate our mass-produced vehicles' top performance and develop technology that surpasses customer expectations."
Hyundai N's success at Pikes Peak demonstrates its relentless drive to push the boundaries of EV technology and performance. The division is dedicated to evolving high-performance EVs through production models and special variants like the IONIQ 5 N eN1 Cup Car and IONIQ 5 N TA Spec.
"This year's Pikes Peak achievement reflects the vision and hard work of countless individuals at Hyundai N," said Joon Park, Vice President and Head of N Brand Management Group. "We've pooled our greatest minds to forge a groundbreaking high-performance EV, proving competitive even in the world's most challenging hill climb."
Hyundai's history at PPIHC began in 1992 when Rod Millen clinched the 2-Wheel Drive Showroom Stock division in a Hyundai Scoupe with a time of 13:21.17. Another landmark moment occurred in 2012 when Rhys Millen set a course record of 9:46.164 in a Hyundai Genesis Coupe.
