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Hardcore Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Time Attack poised for race to the clouds
10/06/2024
Hyundai’s multi-award-winning electric hot hatch gets a bespoke Pikes Peak spinoff with more power and extreme aero. Can it master all 156 turns to become king of the hill?
Spiraling over 14,000 feet into the clouds, Pikes Peak hill climb in Colorado is one of the most demanding (and dangerous) races on the planet. For over 100 years daring racers have hurled themselves up the sinuous asphalt pass in all manner of highly-specialised and extremely potent racing machines.
Aside from the obvious gradient each car has to overcome, internal combustion-powered machines must also battle against the decreasing air density at altitude. With some estimates suggesting naturally aspirated ICE cars lose as much as 30% of their horsepower by the time they reach the start line, manufactures must compensate by endowing their challengers with enormous power figures at sea level.
Electric cars, however, face no such problem. Looking to capitalise on this clear advantage over fossil fuels, Hyundai is tackling the climb in a bespoke version of its most powerful EV: the Ioniq 5 N.
Image credit: Hyundai
To prepare for the arduous ascent, Hyundai first tweaked the Ioniq Time Attack’s software to bump the output of the rear motor up by 37 bhp. While that extra oomph will definitely be utilised, the handling modifications will likely shed the most seconds.
A ‘unique high-downforce aerodynamic package’ helps to force the Ioniq racer into the tarmac through the fastest sections, with new shock-absorbers and slick Yokohama ADVAN 005 tyres enhancing mechanical grip through the hairpins.
To ensure the TA has every chance of lifting the trophy, both examples will be piloted by expert drivers. Four-time Pikes Peak winner Robin Shute certainly has form, but Daniel Sordo — a decorated World Rally Championship driver — also knows a thing or two about getting the most from a car on challenging terrain.
Both drivers should have the confidence to go flat out, as new race spec 6-pot brakes wipe off excess velocity with ease. Should anything go awry, an array of safety devices including a ‘Recaro Pro Racer SPA Hans seat, Sabelt six-point Hans safety harness, a PPIHC specification roll cage, and an EV fire suppression system’ offer total peace of mind.
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Image credit: Hyundai
Reinforcing how capable the standard Ioniq 5 N is, Hyundai will also run two stock examples up the hill in pursuit of the EV production record. According to Till Wartenberg, Head of N Brand and Motorsport, “Hyundai has a history of proving new technologies and products at Pikes Peak going all the way back to 1992.” Adding, “The production spec IONIQ 5 N will demonstrate what customers can expect from their vehicles.”
We’re excited to see how Hyundai’s EVs fare at the 102nd round of the Pikes Peak International Hillclimb on June the 23rd, 2024. Do you think they’ll take the title?
Hero image: Hyundai