Hyundai Motor Company has once again proven its prowess in the electric vehicle sector with a stunning performance at the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on June 23. Competing with two IONIQ 5 N TA, Time Attack, Specs and one production IONIQ 5 N, Hyundai set new records in the Electric Modified and Production SUV/Crossover categories. This achievement underscores Hyundai's commitment to delivering high-performance EVs that exceed expectations.
The PPIHC is one of the most challenging races in the world, with a 12.42-mile (20 km) course that ascends over 4,700 feet (1,438 meters) to the summit of Pikes Peak. The course features 156 turns and presents unpredictable weather and high-altitude conditions that test both drivers and vehicles to their limits. Hyundai's IONIQ 5 N models faced these challenges head-on and emerged victorious.
Hyundai World Rally driver Dani Sordo piloted the IONIQ 5 N TA Spec to a winning time of 09:30.852 in the exhibition class. Randy Pobst, driving the second TA Spec, finished with a time of 09:55.551. These times are remarkable, considering the IONIQ 5 N TA Spec models are designed to highlight the strengths of the production-spec IONIQ 5 N with minimal modifications. The enhancements included minor software tuning to increase maximum motor output, new shock absorbers, motorsport-spec brakes, and slick tires. Despite these upgrades, the TA Spec retains the core attributes of the production IONIQ 5 N, showcasing Hyundai's ability to deliver high performance in a consumer-ready vehicle.
Ron Zaras, a PPIHC rookie and automotive media personality, drove the production IONIQ 5 N and completed the race in 10:49.267. This impressive time demonstrated the model's leading capabilities without any modifications, further proving that Hyundai's production EVs can compete in one of the world's toughest hill climb races. Zaras’s performance highlighted the IONIQ 5 N's reliability and performance in extreme conditions.
Till Wartenberg, Vice President and Head of N Brand and Motorsport at Hyundai Motor Company, expressed his excitement over the new record and emphasized Hyundai's ongoing commitment to leveraging motorsport events like Pikes Peak to demonstrate the superior performance of their mass-produced vehicles. Wartenberg highlighted Hyundai's goal to continuously exceed customer expectations through advanced technology and high-performance capabilities.
The IONIQ 5 N's success at Pikes Peak is a testament to Hyundai N's dedication to pushing the boundaries of high-performance EVs. The company plans to expand its EV motorsport offerings with variants like the IONIQ 5 N eN1 Cup Car and IONIQ 5 N TA Spec, further broadening the horizons of electric vehicle racing. This commitment to innovation and excellence ensures that Hyundai N will continue to be a leader in the high-performance EV market.
Joon Park, Vice President and Head of N Brand Management Group, praised the collective effort behind Hyundai's success at Pikes Peak. He noted that the achievement was the result of innovative thinking and dedication to creating a new kind of high-performance EV capable of competing in the most challenging conditions. Park's statement highlights the collaborative effort and forward-thinking mindset that drives Hyundai N’s continuous innovation.
Hyundai's history at Pikes Peak dates back to 1992 when Rod Millen won the 2-Wheel Drive Showroom Stock division in a Hyundai Scoupe with a time of 13:21.17. Another milestone was in 2012 when Rhys Millen set a course record of 9:46.164 in a Hyundai Genesis Coupe. These historic achievements laid the foundation for Hyundai's current successes in EV motorsport and paved the way for the record-breaking performance of the IONIQ 5 N models.
Initially, Hyundai planned to compete with four vehicles at Pikes Peak. However, Paul Dallenbach, who was set to drive an IONIQ 5 N production car, was unable to participate due to injuries sustained during a practice run. In pre-race testing, Dallenbach had achieved a certified course time of 10:33.86, indicating the vehicle's strong potential. Despite this setback, Hyundai's three participating vehicles showcased their exceptional capabilities and set new records, reinforcing Hyundai's status as a leader in the high-performance EV market.
