Hyundai Motor Company proudly announces that their IONIQ 5 N models have successfully completed the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) on June 23, setting new records in the Electric Modified and Production SUV/Crossover categories. This achievement once again underscores the high- performance capabilities of Hyundai’s electric vehicles.
Hyundai participated in this year’s PPIHC with two IONIQ 5 N TA (Time Attack) Specs and one production IONIQ 5 N. Each model tackled the demanding 12.42-mile (20 km) course, ascending over 4,700 feet (1,438 meters) to Pikes Peak’s summit, navigating 156 turns, and enduring unpredictable weather and high-altitude.
The IONIQ 5 N TA Spec, piloted by Hyundai World Rally driver Dani Sordo, completed the race in 09:30.852, securing a victory in the exhibition class. Randy Pobst, driving the second TA Spec, finished in 09:55.551.
Designed to present the production-spec IONIQ 5 N’s strengths with minimal modifications, the IONIQ 5 N TA Spec features minor software tuning to maximize motor output and high-performance parts, including new shock absorbers, motorsport-spec brakes, and slick tires. It retains most of the features available to regular customers in the production IONIQ 5 N.
Ron Zaras, a PPIHC rookie and automotive media personality, drove the IONIQ 5 N production model, finishing with a time of 10:49.267. This performance highlights the model’s capabilities without any modifications.
The impressive performance of the IONIQ 5 N at Pikes Peak underscores Hyundai N’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle (EV) technologies. Hyundai N is dedicated to expanding the potential of high- performance EVs with models like the IONIQ 5 N, IONIQ 5 N eN1 Cup Car, and IONIQ 5 N TA Spec. The brand will continue to introduce special specification models to advance EV motorsports.
“We are absolutely 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. “We plan to continue leveraging exciting motorsports activities such as Pikes Peak to showcase the superior performance of our mass-produced vehicles and develop technology that not only meets customer needs but exceeds their expectations.”
“This year’s Pikes Peak result is a culmination of the efforts of many dedicated individuals at Hyundai N,” said Joon Park, Vice President and Head of N Brand Management Group. “We combined our best minds to create a high-performance EV that didn’t exist before, and today we’ve proven that this technology can compete in the world’s toughest hill climb race.”
Hyundai Motor first entered the PPIHC in 1992 when Rod Millen won the 2-Wheel Drive Showroom Stock division with a time of 13:21.17, driving a Hyundai Scoupe. Another notable achievement came in 2012 when Rhys Millen set a course record of 9:46.164 in a Hyundai Genesis Coupe.
