Hyundai Motor Company announced today that its IONIQ 5 N models achieved record-breaking performances at the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC). Competing in both the Electric Modified and Production SUV/Crossover categories, the IONIQ 5 N models exceeded expectations, highlighting Hyundai’s prowess in high-performance electric vehicles (EVs).
The Hyundai team entered two IONIQ 5 N Time Attack (TA) Specs and one production IONIQ 5 N in the grueling 12.42-mile (20 km) race, which features a climb of over 4,700 feet (1,438 meters) and 156 challenging turns. The course’s high-altitude conditions and unpredictable weather tested both drivers and vehicles.
Hyundai World Rally driver Dani Sordo piloted the IONIQ 5 N TA Spec to victory in the exhibition class with a time of 09:30.852. The second TA Spec, driven by Randy Pobst, finished at 09:55.551. The IONIQ 5 N TA Spec models were designed to showcase the production-spec IONIQ 5 N’s capabilities with minor modifications, including software tuning to enhance motor output, motorsport-spec brakes, new shock absorbers, and slick tires.
In a notable performance, Ron Zaras, a PPIHC rookie and automotive media personality, drove the production IONIQ 5 N to a time of 10:49.267, demonstrating the model’s superior performance without any modifications.
“We are absolutely thrilled to set a new record at Pikes Peak and our performance overall. 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,” said Till Wartenberg, Vice President and Head of N Brand and Motorsport at Hyundai Motor Company.
The IONIQ 5 N’s impressive run at Pikes Peak underscores Hyundai N’s commitment to advancing high-performance EV technology. Hyundai N plans to expand its EV motorsports presence with special specification models like the IONIQ 5 N eN1 Cup Car and additional TA Specs.
“This year’s Pikes Peak result is a culmination of a dream dreamt by so many people behind the scenes at Hyundai N. 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,” stated Joon Park, Vice President and Head of N Brand Management Group.
Hyundai Motor’s history at Pikes Peak dates back to 1992, with Rod Millen winning the 2-Wheel Drive Showroom Stock division in a Hyundai Scoupe. In 2012, Rhys Millen set a course record of 9:46.164 in a Hyundai Genesis Coupe, marking another significant achievement.
The IONIQ 5 N’s latest success at Pikes Peak solidifies Hyundai’s position as a leader in high-performance EV technology, setting new benchmarks and pushing the boundaries of what electric vehicles can achieve in motorsports.
