"Racing Through the Rocky Mountains to Compete in Performance"…Hyundai Motor Achieves Mass-Produced EV Top Record

Hyundai Motor Company announced on the 24th that it set the fastest production electric vehicle record at the 'Pikes Peak International Hill Climb' held in Colorado, USA, on the 23rd (local time).

Known as the "Race Above the Clouds," the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb began in 1916 and is the second oldest motorsport event in the United States. The competition showcases vehicle performance as participants ascend and descend the Pikes Peak summit in the Rocky Mountains.

The race starts at an altitude of 2,862 meters and finishes at 4,302 meters, covering a total uphill distance of 19.99 km. With 156 winding corners, it is a highly challenging course that requires not only vehicle performance but also durability and stability to complete.

Driving the 'Ioniq 5 N TA (Time Attack) Spec' at the 'Pikes Peak Hill Climb' in the United States
[Photo by Hyundai Motor Company]

Hyundai Motor Company participated in the exhibition category of this event using the high-performance electric vehicle 'Ioniq 5 N,' entering both modified and unmodified production electric SUV/crossover vehicles.

First, Hyundai showcased the 'Ioniq 5 N TA (Time Attack) Spec' vehicle, a modified car based on the Ioniq 5 N, optimized for the demanding race. The Ioniq 5 N TA Spec features the same high-capacity battery and high-output motor system as the standard production vehicle, with software modifications increasing output to a maximum of 687 horsepower. Additionally, it is equipped with motorsport-specific packages such as shock absorbers, 18-inch slick tires, and enhanced aerodynamic design, providing an environment where drivers can race faster and more safely.

Hyundai Motor's World Rally Team driver Dani Sordo and MotorTrend journalist Randy Pobst, who has extensive experience participating in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, competed as drivers of the Ioniq 5 N TA Spec. In its debut, the Ioniq 5 N TA Spec successfully completed the race with a time of 9 minutes 30.852 seconds, breaking the previous fastest record for a modified production electric sedan of 9 minutes 54.901 seconds. The Ioniq 5 N TA Spec not only took first place in the exhibition category but also ranked third overall.

Additionally, the unmodified 'Ioniq 5 N' participated with automotive influencer Ron Zaras as the driver, crossing the finish line with a time of 10 minutes 49.267 seconds, surpassing the previous unmodified production electric sedan record of 11 minutes 2.801 seconds. Hyundai succeeded in setting the fastest production electric vehicle record at this notoriously difficult event.

A Hyundai official stated, "We have once again proven the powerful performance of the Ioniq 5 N, which maximizes driving performance by integrating Hyundai's advanced electrification technology. We will continue to promote the N brand's technological capabilities through various motorsport activities and introduce vehicles that meet customer demands through technological development."