Hyundai Motor Company’s IONIQ 5 N models successfully completed the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) in Colorado in the United States of America at the end of June, setting a record for the Electric Modified and Production SUV/Crossover categories. Hyundai Motor competed in this year’s Hill Climb with two IONIQ 5 N TA (Time Attack) Specs and one production IONIQ 5 N. 

All three models conquered the challenging, winding 20km-course that ascends over 1 438m to the summit of Pikes Peak, facing 156 turns, unpredictable weather and high-altitude conditions that can affect both drivers and vehicles.

The IONIQ 5 N TA Spec, driven by Hyundai World Rally driver Dani Sordo, finished the race in 09:30.852, and won the exhibition class. The second TA Spec, driven by Randy Pobst, finished the race in 09:55.551.

The IONIQ 5 N TA Spec is designed to highlight the production-spec IONIQ 5 N’s strengths without significant modifications. Other than minor software tuning to increase the maximum output of the rear motor by 27kW, and some high-performance part changes, including new shock absorbers, motorsport-spec brakes and 18-inch Yokohama ADVAN A005 slick tyres, the TA Spec retains most of what production IONIQ 5 N offers to regular customers.

The IONIQ 5 N production model was driven by Ron Zaras, a Pikes Peak rookie and automotive media personality. Zaras finished in 10:49.267, showing the model’s leading capabilities without modifications.

“We are thrilled to set a new record at Pikes Peak and our performance overall,” said Till Wartenberg, vice president and head of N Brand and Motorsport at Hyundai Motor Company. “Going forward, we plan to continue leveraging exciting motorsports activities such as Pikes Peak to showcase the superior performance of our mass-produced vehicles, and continue to develop technology that not only meets customer needs, but exceeds their expectations.”

IONIQ 5 N’s outstanding run at Pikes Peak underlines the Hyundai N’s dedication to continuously challenging its electric vehicle (EV) technologies to advance its performance capabilities. Hyundai N is committed to expanding the possibilities of high-performance EVs, not only with the production IONIQ 5 N, but also with variants such as the IONIQ 5 N eN1 Cup Car and IONIQ 5 N TA Spec. Hyundai N will continue to launch special specification models to broaden the horizon of EV motorsports.

“This year’s Pikes Peak result is a culmination of a dream of so many people behind the scenes at Hyundai N”, said Joon Park, Vice President and Head of N Brand Management Group. “We put all our best minds together to create a type of high-performance EV that didn’t exist before, and today we confirm that this technology can be competitive, even in the toughest hill climb race in the world.”

Hyundai Motor first competed in the Pikes Peak Hill Climb in 1992. Rod Millen won the 2-Wheel Drive Showroom Stock division with a time of 13:21.17, driving a Hyundai Scoupe. 

Another significant moment in Hyundai’s Pikes Peak history was in 2012 when a Hyundai Genesis Coupe, driven by Rhys Millen, set a course record of 9:46.164.

Hyundai Motor originally planned to compete with four vehicles (two IONIQ 5 N TA Spec and two IONIQ 5 N production models). However, Paul Dallenbach, who was expected to drive an IONIQ 5 N production car, was not able to participate in the race due to injuries sustained during a practice run. In pre-race testing, Dallenbach achieved a certified course time of 10:33:86.