Hyundai Motor unveiled the IONIQ 5 N TA Spec. Two of these specially equipped models will join two IONIQ 5 N production vehicles as part of an all-electric four-car effort at the 102nd running of America’s legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in Colorado Springs, CO, on June 23, 2024. The team is targeting Electric Production SUV/Crossover and Electric Modified SUV/Crossover records.The 687 PS IONIQ 5 N TA Spec is designed to highlight the production-spec IONIQ 5 N’s strengths without fundamentally altering the car. Notably, the production IONIQ 5 N’s standard high-performance power electric (PE) system is carried over. The IONIQ 5 N TA Spec’s maximum output has been increased through software tuning to maximize performance. This was implemented by increasing the output of the rear motor by 37 horsepower (27 kW).In addition, Hyundai N has chosen to utilize N Active Sound+ with modified speakers (over 120 dB) to both enhance feedback for the driver and replace sirens typical of electric Pikes Peak race cars.To adapt the car for Pikes Peak, new shock absorbers, motorsport-spec brakes, 18-inch Yokohama ADVAN 005 slick tires, and a unique high-downforce aerodynamic package have been specially applied. Additional safety enhancements include a Recaro Pro Racer SPA Hans seat, Sabelt six-point Hans safety harness, a PPIHC specification roll cage and an EV fire suppression system.At PPIHC, the two IONIQ 5 N and two IONIQ 5 N TA Spec entrants will make the grueling ascent along a twisting 12.42-mile (20 km) course that climbs over 4,700 feet (1,438 meters) to the summit of Pikes Peak. They will face 156 turns, rapidly changing weather and high-altitude conditions that can affect both drivers and vehicles.The IONIQ 5 N TA Spec models — wrapped in a special ‘N’ design livery — will be driven by Robin Shute, a four-time overall winner at Pikes Peak and current ‘King of the Mountain’ title holder, and Dani Sordo, a Spanish World Rally Championship driver for Hyundai Motorsport. The IONIQ 5 N production models — wrapped in a special N performance color livery — will be driven by Paul Dallenbach, 11-time PPIHC winner and three-time ‘King of the Mountain,’ and Ron Zaras, a PPIHC rookie and automotive media personality.Hyundai Motor first competed in the PPIHC in 1992. Rod Millen won the 2-Wheel Drive Showroom Stock division with a time of 13:21.17, driving a Hyundai Scoupe equipped with the company’s then-new turbocharged dual overhead camshaft Alpha engine. Another highlight of Hyundai’s history at Pikes Peak came in 2012 when the brand set a course record of 9:46.164 with a Hyundai Genesis Coupe driven by Rhys Millen.

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