Hyundai is set to electrify this year’s Pikes Peak Hill Climb with a fleet of four IONIQ 5 Ns, two of which are Time Attack (TA) models boasting significant upgrades over their showroom counterparts. The South Korean automaker aims to set a new record in the modified electric SUV crossover category with these specially equipped vehicles.
The IONIQ 5 N TA models stand out with their aggressive aerodynamics, including a massive spoiler, side sills, and fender flares. They ride on 18-inch forged wheels wrapped in Yokohama slicks and feature six-piston front brakes and four-piston rear clamps. The suspension has been enhanced with three-way adjustable dampers, and both ride height and camber can be fine-tuned for optimal performance.
Under the hood, Hyundai has dialed up the power by retuning the EV powertrain to extract an additional 37 horsepower from the rear motor in overboost mode, bringing the total output to 678 horsepower. Despite these enhancements, the components remain production-spec, as found in the standard IONIQ 5 N.
All IONIQ 5 Ns participating at Pikes Peak will sport a special wrap and are equipped with the necessary safety gear, including upgraded external speakers capable of producing 120 dB of sound. This feature not only meets the safety requirements for EVs to emit sound while racing but also provides enhanced driver feedback.
In addition to the race-prepped models, Hyundai will enter two production-spec IONIQ 5 Ns in the event, targeting a production EV record. The only modifications to these vehicles are safety-related, including roll cages and other competition gear.
Hyundai is also collaborating with the Gran Turismo franchise to bring the Hill Climb action to GT7, with more details on this partnership to be revealed later. “We are investing in the future of Motorsport with our first-ever electric Pikes Peak racer and collaboration with Gran Turismo,” said Till Wartenberg, Vice President and Head of N Brand at Hyundai Motorsport. “Passion continues to be at Hyundai’s core as we move into the future.
