Hyundai competes on Pikes Peak with IONIQ 5 N, HYUNDAI Motor Deutschland GmbH, Story

• Hyundai aims for a special record in the famous mountain climbing in Colorado
• Except for the modifications to the safety regulations, the IONIQ 5 N remains standard
• The all-electric high-performance model competes in the “Series Electric SUV/Crossover” class

After the launch of the new IONIQ 5 N (electricity consumption in kWh/100 km: combined 21.2; CO₂-Employment in g/km: combined 0, CO₂-Class: A), the high-performance electric model from Hyundai can prove itself in the 102nd edition of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC). On June 23, two 650 hp (with N Grin Boost) IONIQ 5 Ns will be chasing that record in the category of conventional SUVs and crossovers with an electric drive. Both cars are part of the group of four IONIQ 5 Ns that the South Korean manufacturer is competing with in the Pikes Peak Race.

“We return to the mountain stronger than we left it: with the best electric crossover in the form of the IONIQ 5 N,” says Till Wartenberg, Vice President N Brand & Motorsport Hyundai Motor Company. “Hyundai has a long history of testing new technologies and products at Pikes Peak, dating back to 1992. The IONIQ 5 N now carries this expertise into a high-performance electric vehicle. Our flagship IONIQ 5 N will demonstrate at Pikes Peak the quality that customers expect. Ours can expect.

From enthusiast to rally driver
Paul Dallenbach and Ron Zaras will be the drivers of the IONIQ 5 Ns. Dallenbach is an eleven-time winner of Pikes Peak, having already set the overall record in 1993. Zaras is participating in the famous mountain race for the first time and is therefore the youngest member of the team. Zaras, a prominent American media personality and former senior vice president of Hoonigan’s, also covers the race from the perspective of a racer preparing for the big challenge of climbing the 4,302-meter Pikes Peak. .

“As a lifelong summit enthusiast, I have always wanted to participate in the Pikes Peak International Mountain Climb,” said Ron Zaras. “I’ve been wanting this ever since I saw the movie ‘Climb Dance’ on a bad 56 kbit/s internet connection. The short documentaries set a record for the legendary Ari Vatanen at the time. “Competing here for the first time, with the new IONIQ 5 N and with the support of the great Hyundai team – that’s an incredible honor for me,” said Zaras. “I’m excited at the prospect of being able to share my journey from young viewer to first-timer with people – as difficult as it may be.”

Fitness ahead of the race
Just before the ADAC Ravenol 24h Nürburgring race, Hyundai will present another revised variant of the IONIQ 5 N, which will also compete in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. The two additional IONIQ 5 Ns are driven by Robin Shute and Dani Sordo. Shute is a four-time overall winner at Pikes Peak. Since he won 2023, he is the reigning “King of the Mountain”. Dani Sordo is a long-time Hyundai driver active in the FIA ​​World Rally Championship (WRC).

Hyundai has decided to race the IONIQ 5 N for a class record for the fastest electric SUV/crossover to show off the track capabilities of the high-performance N. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N has been tested in exceptional temperatures and in extreme locations and developed and specially prepared for the Nürburgring Nordschleife. The aim of the measures was to further improve driving dynamics on the circuit. This goal is achieved through structural reinforcement, WRC-inspired integrated axles, revised fuel management and brakes designed according to N cars. At 0.6 g, the braking force of the IONIQ 5 N is greater than any other competitor.

Thanks to the demanding IONIQ 5 N standard testing process, only minor modifications had to be made to the vehicles used at Pikes Peak to meet current safety regulations. The driver’s seat was replaced by a Recaro Pro Racer SPA HANS. The seat belts are compatible with the six-point HANS system from Sabelt. The rear seat was removed in favor of a roll cage and automatic ignition system.

Other than that, there are no modifications: the IONIQ 5 N that competes in Pikes Peak is just the regular IONIQ 5 N. Only the color will change before the competition: the red color should give way to a new, interesting painting that you will use. cannot be ignored.

Usage and production details:
Electricity consumption in kWh/100 km for Hyundai IONIQ 5 N: combined 21.2; Co₂-Employment in g/km: combined 0, CO₂– Class: A

Uses mentioned by CO₂– The emission values ​​were determined according to the established WLTP measurement procedure.