Hyundai is climbing Pikes Peak with the Ioniq 5 N SUV

Since 1992, Hyundai has been testing its models and technological innovations on the famous Pikes Peak mountain, and in 2024 the Korean manufacturer will again be at the beginning of the “Race to the clouds” with one of its latest creations: SUV Ioniq. 5 N.

Two models will be placed in the electric SUV/Crossover production category, and two chassis will undergo further preparation before the 2024 Nürburgring 24 Hours, which starts on May 30.

The two drivers hired to drive this production Ioniq 5 Ns are Paul Dallenbach and Ron Zaras. Dallenbach is an eleven-time PPIHC winner and set the event record in 1993. Ron Zaras is the newest member of the team. This reporter and former Hoonigan executive was recently selected to cover the story of a sports enthusiast preparing for the challenge of the Pikes Peak race.

The two prepared chassis will be entered by drivers Dani Sordo and Robin Shute. Robin Shute is a four-time overall winner and reigning King of the Mountain at Pikes Peak. As for the Spaniard Dani Sordo, he distinguished himself in the World Rally Championship for Hyundai Motorsport.

Record almost ready to be found

In accordance with the rules of its category, only minor updates were made to the Ioniq 5 N to participate in the event. The driver’s seat was replaced with a Recaro Pro Racer SPA Hans seat, and Sabelt six-point seat belts compatible with the HANS system were installed in the car. Finally the back seats were removed and the roll bar was removed and the fire extinguishing system was connected to the car.

Finally, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N SUV, seen in official photos, will sport a special livery for its appearance at Pikes Peak. The manufacturer notes that “the red color will be replaced by the new and attractive Hyundai N model”.

“We’re returning to the Pikes Peak stronger than ever, with a class-leading electric SUV in the form of the Ioniq 5 N,” says Till Wartenberg, Hyundai’s head of N brand and motorsport. “The production specifications of the Ioniq 5 N will reflect what customers can expect from their vehicles.”

It should be noted that if the production models of the Ioniq 5 N SUV will be able to reach the finish line, Hyundai will leave the peak of the Pikes and the record in the SUV/Crossover electric production category: in fact this has no current, no chronometric. memory.