Summary
– Ioniq 5 N set a record at Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in June 27, 2024
– The car, fully electric, was built in just six months with the help of pro drivers
– Hyundai took aggressive steps to enter the race with the Ioniq 5 N despite limited prep time
– The car was optimized and had some development crammed into it to tackle the hill climb
– The Ioniq 5 N raced and shattered a record set by a Tesla with zero battery management, showing the potential of EVs at Pikes Peak
Article
In just six months of development and with the help of professional drivers, a modified Hyundai Ioniq 5 N set a new record at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. The car, built in a short timeframe, was driven by Dani Sordo, Randy Pobst, and Ron Zaras in an attempt to break the modified EV record. Three cars were entered in the race, with the goal of maximizing their chances at hill climb glory. Preparation was crucial as competitors only have one shot at an official run up the mountain, and the race day record is highly coveted. The Hyundai team, despite only having six months to prepare, was determined to make an impact at the historic race.
Traditional automakers who enter Pikes Peak typically spend years and invest millions of dollars in developing custom race cars for the event. However, Hyundai took an aggressive approach by hiring Bryan Herta Autosport to handle the project and keeping the modifications relatively simple. The Ioniq 5 N TA Spec cars had 40 more horsepower than stock, bringing the total to 680 hp. Aftermarket partners were utilized to create parts on short notice, including an aerodynamics package designed to improve performance during the climb. Despite the rushed timeline, testing showed promising results, with the cars performing well and showing potential for a quick run up the mountain.
On race day, one of the production-spec Ioniq 5 Ns was written off in a crash during private testing, while another driver backed out just days before the event. Randy Pobst, a Pikes Peak veteran and previous record holder in a modified Tesla Model S, stepped in to replace the missing driver. With weather conditions favoring record-setting runs, the Hyundai team took to the mountain with confidence. Dani Sordo, with minimal practice and a car built in just six months, set a blazing time of 9:30.852, beating the Tesla record by 25 seconds and showcasing the capabilities of the Ioniq 5 N TA Spec. Electric vehicles emerged as the standout performers at the event, solidifying their place as formidable contenders in motorsports.
The success of Hyundai and other automakers at Pikes Peak highlights the advancements in electric vehicle technology and their ability to compete with traditional internal combustion cars. The Ioniq 5 N TA Spec demonstrated exceptional cooling capabilities and performance, outclassing even the most well-developed gas-powered vehicles. While Hyundai’s achievement at Pikes Peak was remarkable, there is uncertainty about their return to the event in the future. With the potential for further development and improvements, it would be a shame for Hyundai to not capitalize on their success and continue to push the boundaries of what electric vehicles can achieve in motorsport. The electric vehicle revolution at Pikes Peak marks a significant milestone in the industry and showcases the future potential of eco-friendly racing technology.
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