A new record for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb was set in June by Hyundai in the modified electric SUV or crossover class.
The car setting the record was the Ioniq 5 N, now available at your Hyundai dealer. Driving the Ioniq 5 N TA Spec model was Hyundai World Rally Driver Dani Sordo.
Time Attack Special Mods Power the Ioniq 5 N
Leading the way for the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N are the mods for the TA Spec version or the Time Attack Special. The record time was 9:30.852. A second Ioniq 5 N TA Spec managed a time of 9:55.551. Peak power coming from the TA Spec version rates at 677 horsepower, up from the stock 641 horsepower. Hyundai revealed that this was achieved only by modifying the rear motor’s software.
The Ioniq 5 model in question was a dual-motor AWD version. A few other modifications were made as well. One mod was a high-downforce package, which was mainly used to deal with the thinner air at the 14,115-foot summit on Pikes Peak. Other mods include upgraded dampers and brakes, Yokohama ADVAN 005 slick tires, and an upgraded sound generator.
Production Model Also Entered
A production model of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N was also entered into the competition. This version only included specific safety mods mandated by the Pikes Peak race rules. It achieved a time of 10:49.267, which is only a few seconds off the record for all production SUVs. Hyundai planned to enter a second production model in the race, but it was damaged during practice.
Compared to cars with internal combustion engines, EV models are less affected by the thin air on Pikes Peak. However, the rapid climb requires a massive amount of energy in a short time, which can cause EV batteries to overheat. Despite that, an EV model currently holds the overall record for the climb. It was set back in 2018 with a Volkswagen ID.R Time Attack Special.
This year, the overall winner was a Ford F-150 Lightning SuperTruck Time Attack Special. The truck sported 1,600 horsepower and set a time of 8:53.533. This is even more impressive when you find out that the truck stopped during the race and had to be restarted.
New Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Rolls Into Dealerships
With cars like the Ioniq 5 N at your Hyundai dealer, the automotive future is anything but boring. The Ioniq 5 N is unlike any EV currently on sale. It’s born to delight sports car fans, despite being an EV. Hyundai has even programmed the e-Shift software in the car to feel like a gas-powered car sporting an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
It might seem trite, but it adds to the fun. The Ioniq 5 N sports a noise apparatus that makes it sound more like an Elantra N than an EV. This is achieved with speakers placed under the hood and there’s even a simulated exhaust note. For the Pikes Peak race, the upgraded sound is necessary, otherwise, EVs have to include warning sirens.
Although Hyundai calls the Ioniq N a crossover, it looks more like a hot hatch with low ground clearance and a shorter overall length.
This post may contain affiliate links. Meaning a commission is given should you decide to make a purchase through these links, at no cost to you. All products shown are researched and tested to give an accurate review for you.
