Hyundai IONIQ 5 N Sets Sights on Pikes Peak Glory

This June 23, the electrifying hum of high-performance will grace the 102nd Pikes Peak International Hill Climb as Hyundai revs up to make automotive history. At this legendary race, which has tested the mettle of motorsport’s finest since 1916, Hyundai will unleash two formidable entries from its stable: the IONIQ 5 N, aiming to reset the Electric Production SUV/Crossover record. With 471 kW under the hood, these vehicles represent the pinnacle of Hyundai’s electric innovation.

Legacy Meets FutureThe IONIQ 5 N is more than just a car, it’s a testament to Hyundai’s enduring commitment to breakthroughs in the auto industry. “Returning to the mountain stronger than ever,” as Till Wartenberg, head of N Brand and Motorsport at Hyundai, puts it, the company’s journey at Pikes Peak began in 1992. This year, the high-performance electric SUV is not just competing, it’s showcasing the peak of what customers can expect from future electric vehicles.

Meet the DriversTaking the wheel of these electric beasts are Paul Dallenbach and Ron Zaras—names that resonate with racing aficionados. Dallenbach, a Pikes Peak titan with eleven victories and a record-breaking run in 1993, pairs with Zaras, a rookie at PPIHC but a seasoned enthusiast of rally racing. Their unique blend of experience and fresh enthusiasm is poised to make a powerful statement on the ascent.

Technological Tour de Force

Hyundai’s commitment to excellence is embodied in the IONIQ 5 N’s rigorous design and development. Perfected on the punishing curves of the Nürburgring, this model features race-bred technologies like World Rally Championship-inspired axles, advanced thermal management, and N-tuned brakes that promise unmatched performance. Safety isn’t overlooked either, with the race versions sporting specialized seats, six-point harnesses, and comprehensive safety modifications to meet stringent racing standards.

A Prelude to Further Triumphs

In addition to the record-seeking SUVs, Hyundai’s presence at PPIHC will also preview a modified IONIQ 5 N that will later compete at the ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring. Driven by motorsport luminaries Dani Sordo and Robin Shute, this iteration further underscores Hyundai’s ambition across varied racing disciplines.

Hyundai’s Racing Green

While the IONIQ 5 N will initially sport a striking red, plans are already afoot to introduce a vibrant new livery that reflects Hyundai’s dynamic N brand. This visual transformation is set to mirror the technological evolution underpinning Hyundai’s journey from racetrack to roadway.

As the sun rises on Pikes Peak this June, Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 N isn’t just chasing a record, it’s redefining the future of electric mobility against the backdrop of one of motorsport’s most storied venues. Watch as history ascends the mountain, one electric surge at a time.

Pikes Peak International Hill ClimbFirst staged in 1916, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is the second oldest race in America.  The invitation-only event, often referred to as The Race to the Clouds, is held annually near the end of June on Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain, near Colorado Springs, Colorado. The famous 20 km course consists of 156 turns, boasts an elevation gain of 1 440 m, and reaches a finish line at 4 302 m above sea level.

The PPIHC’s six race divisions feature a wide variety of vehicles – from production-based Time Attack challengers to purpose-built Open Wheel racers and state-of-the-art Unlimited vehicles. The current race record was set in 2018 by Romain Dumas and Volkswagen in the all-electric I.D. R Pikes Peak – 07:57.148.

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