A New Challenger at Pikes Peak

Every year, drivers and automakers face off in the grueling 13-mile Pikes Peak International Hill Climb near Colorado Springs. With 156 turns and an elevation climb of nearly 5,000 feet, this race is a true test of engineering prowess. Traditionally, combustion engines dominated the event, but recent years have seen electric vehicles (EVs) rise to the challenge, showcasing their powerful electric powertrains.

Hyundai’s Entry: The Ioniq 5 N

This year, the spotlight is on Hyundai’s high-performance Ioniq 5 N. Unlike Ford’s heavily modified F-150 Lightning Supertruck, Hyundai’s approach includes two versions: a heavily modified Ioniq 5 N TA Spec and a near-stock Ioniq 5 N. Both versions retain the core components of the production car, making their performance even more impressive.

Minimal Modifications, Maximum Impact

The nearly stock Ioniq 5 N used in the climb is similar to what you’d find at a dealership. Minor modifications include a roll cage, a stripped interior, and weight reduction to meet race regulations. However, the dashboard, driver display, suspension, drivetrain, and tires remain factory-standard. Jun Mo Le from Hyundai explained, “The main purpose of the production unit is to showcase the performance and potential of the car as in production condition. So we did no hardware change, just a little bit of software tweak.”

Future Implications for Owners

These minor software tweaks could potentially be applied to stock Ioniq 5 N vehicles in the future, enhancing their performance without any hardware changes. This possibility adds excitement for current and prospective Ioniq 5 N owners.

Randy Pobst Takes the Wheel

Renowned driver Randy Pobst will be driving the more heavily modified Ioniq 5 N TA Spec for Hyundai. Pobst previously drove a Tesla Model S Plaid at Pikes Peak, where he faced thermal limits causing the car to overheat and de-rate after three minutes. In contrast, the Ioniq 5 N TA Spec can maintain full power for the entire climb, showcasing a significant improvement in performance.

Key Upgrades and Aerodynamic Enhancements

While the TA Spec car uses the same battery, body, motors, and cooling system as the stock version, it features upgraded brakes and suspension. Visually, the most noticeable changes are in the aero package, essential for maintaining performance at high elevations with lower air density. As Kyle from Out of Spec notes, “You need big ‘wangs,’ not just wings, but ‘wangs.’”

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N TA Spec’s performance at Pikes Peak highlights the potential of EVs in extreme racing conditions, setting new benchmarks and challenging the dominance of traditional combustion engines.

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