Hyundai’s electric Ioniq 5 N set to charge up Pikes Peak

Hyundai will charge up Pikes Peak on June 23 with a four-car Ioniq 5 N assault. Two near-stock electric performance SUVs will battle for a production EV record, while the other two – the Time Attack (TA) Spec – target the modified electric SUV/crossover record.

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America’s legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in Colorado Springs boasts a legendary history since the first race in 1916. The brutal 20km course with 156 corners and a 1 500m elevation gain pushes both car and driver to the limit. The gaining altitude would often hamper naturally aspirated motors the further up they went, however, the advent of forced induction helped mitigate some of this performance deficit. Now, in the era of electrification, which has vehicles not flustered by the same altitude sickness as internal combustion-powered alternatives, Hyundai seeks to claim some glory.

The Ioniq 5 N TA Spec is the first to receive a serious makeover. A downforce-generating aero kit with a giant spoiler, side skirts, and fender flares transform the look. Sticky Yokohama slicks wrap 18-inch forged wheels, gripped by a high-performance braking system with six-piston front and four-piston rear callipers.

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The biggest change is under the metal. Hyundai tweaks the powertrain, liberating an extra 37kW from the rear motor in over-boost for a monstrous 500kW total system output. Importantly, core components remain production-spec, showcasing the Ioniq 5 N’s inherent performance potential.

Safety is paramount. All Ioniq 5 N Pikes Peak contenders get a special livery and essential safety equipment. Crucial for EVs – sound. Upgraded 120-decibel external speakers pump in artificial engine noise via Hyundai’s N Active Sound+ system. This not only meets the mandatory EV racing sound regulation but also, according to Hyundai, enhances driver feedback. In addition to the race cars, Hyundai campaigns two production-spec Ioniq 5 Ns for the production EV record, requiring only mandatory safety upgrades like roll cages.

For those who can’t make it to Pikes Peak, Hyundai has partnered with Gran Turismo to bring the ‘Race to the Clouds’ virtually to life in the upcoming GT7. “We are investing in the future of motorsport with our first ever electric Pikes Peak racer and collaboration with Gran Turismo,” says Till Wartenberg, vice president and head of N Brand at Hyundai. “Motorsport passion continues to be at Hyundai N’s core as we move into the future.”

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