Hyundai is preparing for the 102nd Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) scheduled for June 23, 2024, with its newest contender, the IONIQ 5 N. Leading the charge will be two IONIQ 5 N vehicles, each boasting 641 bhp, as it strives to secure the Electric Production SUV/Crossover record. This attempt comes on the heels of Hyundai's prestigious win at the World Car Awards, where the IONIQ 5 N clinched the coveted title of Performance Car of the Year.
Also Read: 2024 World Car Awards Winners Announced: Kia EV9 Is Car Of The Year
Till Wartenberg, head of N Brand and Motorsport said, “Hyundai has a history of proving new technologies and products at Pikes Peak going back to 1992 and the IONIQ 5 N brings that concept to high-performance electric cars. The production-spec IONIQ 5 N will demonstrate what customers can expect from their vehicles.”
The drivers aiming for the Electric Production SUV/Crossover record are Paul Dallenbach, an eleven-time PPIHC winner, and Ron Zaras, a PPIHC rookie and media personality. In addition to the PPIHC, Hyundai will introduce a modified specification IONIQ 5 N to compete before the ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring on May 30. Two additional IONIQ 5 N models will be driven by Dani Sordo and Robin Shute.
Hyundai chose the IONIQ 5 N for its racetrack capabilities, developed and tested at locations such as the Nürburgring Nordschleife. The vehicle features structural enhancements, World Rally Championship-inspired integrated drive axles, and N-tuned brakes, among other mods.
To comply with safety regulations, minor updates were made to the standard IONIQ 5 N, including the installation of a Recaro Pro Racer SPA Hans seat, Sabelt six-point HANS-compatible seat belts, and a roll cage and fire suppression system. The rear seats were removed for weight reduction.
