Hyundai Will Take on Pikes Peak With the Ioniq 5 N TA

As Hyundai gears up for a shot at a fourth straight TCR class victory at the Nürburgring 24 Hours, the brand already has its sights set on next month’s Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. On Friday, the automaker announced a slate of four racers heading to the hill, including two new Hyundai Ioniq 5 TA EVs. Here’s everything you need to know about the EV racer and all of the modifications made by Hyundai in preparation for their run to the clouds.

Hyundai is no stranger to success at Pikes Peak, with driver Rod Millen securing the brand a class win at their first entry back in 1992 behind the wheel of a modified Scoupe. More recently, Rhys Millen set a then-course-record run of 9:46.164 behind the wheel of a Hyundai Genesis Coupe in 2012. There won’t be any heavily turbocharged machines from Hyundai at this year’s event, however; the brand aims to show off their latest EV performer in the Ioniq 5 N instead. Two stock examples of the EV will be driven by Ron Zaras of Hoonigan fame, as well as eleven-time champion and three-time ‘King of the Mountain Paul Dallenbach.

In addition to the stock units, Hyundai will also debut its all-new Ioniq 5 N TA racer in Colorado. The “TA” moniker stands for Time Attack, and that’s a fairly good indicator of the brand’s approach to the upgrades. The cars retain the same powertrain hardware as the production car, including the same 84.0kWh battery pack. Some software adjustments have unlocked more performance from the powertrain, with an additional 37 horsepower running through the rear motor. Total output is now up to 678 hp, which the car should maintain without relying on thinner air towards the top of the hill. A set of motorsports shock absorbers will put that power to the ground, while new 18-inch racing wheels come wrapped in Yokohama ADVAN 005 slicks.

Behind the wheel and tire combo sits an upgraded set of racing brakes, with six-piston calipers up front and four-piston units out back. The bodywork of the car has also been entirely reworked for a massive increase in downforce, with wider fenders and huge wings hanging off either fascia. Inside you’ll find the requisite safety equipment for a race like this, including Recaro Pro Racer SPA seat with Hans integration, a Sabelt six-point safety harness, a PPIHC-specific roll cage, and a fire suppression system tailored for electric vehicles. The team will also forgo the traditional EV alarm required by the organizers for their N Active Sound+ system, which has been modified to run at up to 120 dB.

Four-time champion and reigning King of the Mountain Robin Shute will be joined by Spanish WRC driver Dani Sordo in wheeling the TAs. Shute's wins all came at the hands of a Wolf prototype, while Sordo typically drives a Hyundai i20 N in his part-time WRC schedule.

Hyundai is targeting the Electric Production SUV/Crossover and Electric Modified SUV/Crossover records with their slate of Ioniq 5 N racers. The production record is currently held by a Lamborghini Urus, although the value of that time is suspect since it was set outside of hill climb competition. The 102nd running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb will take place in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on June 23.

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