Hyundai Completes Pikes Peak with 3 Ioniq 5 Ns! Demonstrating the Potential of High-Performance EVs with Amazing Records

On June 23, 2024, Hyundai Motor Company announced that three Ioniq 5 N models successfully completed the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC), setting new records in the Electric Modified Vehicle category and the Crossover SUV Production category. Hyundai's first participation in PPIHC was in 1992, when Rod Millen won the 2WD Showroom Stock class driving a "Hyundai Scoupe." In 2012, Rhys Millen set a course record with a "Hyundai Genesis Coupe."

Two Ioniq 5 N TA (Time Attack) Spec models and one production Ioniq 5 N competed in the 2024 PPIHC. All three models tackled the challenging 12.42-mile (20km) climb to the summit of Pikes Peak, facing 156 turns, unpredictable weather, and the unique conditions of high altitude. The Ioniq 5 N TA Spec driven by Dani Sordo, a Hyundai World Rally Championship driver, finished in 9 minutes 30.852 seconds, winning its exhibition class. Randy Pobst's TA Spec completed the race in 9 minutes 55.551 seconds.

The Ioniq 5 N TA Spec is designed to highlight the strengths of the Ioniq 5 N production model without major modifications. Aside from minor software tuning to maximize the motor's output, and a few performance-oriented part changes, such as new shock absorbers, motorsport-spec brakes, and slick tires, the TA Spec is largely identical to the Ioniq 5 N production model available to consumers. The Ioniq 5 N production model was driven by automotive media personality, Ron Zalar, making his first PPIHC appearance and finishing in 10 minutes 49.267 seconds. This model demonstrated its top-tier performance capabilities without any modifications.

“This year’s Pikes Peak result is a culmination of what many people at Hyundai N have dreamed of behind the scenes,” said Joon Park, Vice President and Head of N Brand Management Group. “We have poured our hearts and minds into creating a high-performance EV like no other. And today, we have proven that this technology can be victorious on the world's most challenging hill climb race.”

“We are incredibly proud to achieve record-breaking results at Pikes Peak and have a strong overall outcome,” said Till Wartenberg, Vice President and Head of N Brand & Motorsport at Hyundai. “We will continue to showcase the superior performance of our production vehicles through exciting motorsports like Pikes Peak, while concurrently developing technology that not only meets but exceeds our customers’ expectations.”

Hyundai N is committed to expanding the possibilities of high-performance EVs through models such as the production Ioniq 5 N, as well as the "Ioniq 5 N eN1 Cup Car" and "Ioniq 5 N TA Spec." Hyundai N plans to continue releasing special specification vehicles to further expand the base of EV motorsports.