Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Sets a Record on a Real Gran Turismo Circuit
This page is translated from the original post "Hyundai Ioniq 5 N bat un record sur un vrai circuit de Gran Turismo" in French.
- 22/02/2025 10:37
Reality has joined the virtual world on the Japanese circuit of Tsukuba where the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N designed for Pikes Peak set a new lap record.
On February 15, 2025, Hyundai continued its tour of racing landmarks by establishing the best lap time for an electric car during the motorsport event ‘Attack Tsukuba 2025’ in Japan.
Held at the famous Tsukuba circuit, located in Ibaraki Prefecture, this compact and technical track tests the capabilities of competing cars. Hyundai N entered the IONIQ 5 N TA Spec, driven by the renowned Nobuteru Taniguchi. “It was an honor to drive the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N TA Spec at the Attack Tsukuba 2025 and to shatter my previous EV record,” said Taniguchi. “The car offers excellent braking and impeccable handling. Despite its power, the control remains remarkable, with excellent stability and smooth corner exit. I was able to push its limits with complete confidence.”
A model built for competition
The IONIQ 5 N TA Spec, an optimized version of the award-winning IONIQ 5 N, has already made a name for itself by winning the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb 2024 (PPIHC) in the modified production electric SUV category, setting a new record.
This car is designed to demonstrate the performance of the standard model, with minimal modifications. It retains the original power electronics, while its software has been optimized to boost its maximum power to 687 hp, an increase of 37 horses on the rear motor compared to the production model.
Key improvements for the track
The IONIQ 5 N TA Spec benefits from several competition-specific upgrades:
- N Active Sound+ with modified speakers (over 120 dB)
- Improved shock absorbers and sport-quality brakes
- 18-inch Yokohama ADVAN 005 slick tires
- High downforce aerodynamic package
- Recaro Pro Racer SPA Hans seat
- Six-point Sabelt safety harness
- PPIHC-compliant safety roll cage
- Fire suppression system for electric vehicles
A truly impressive record?
With a lap time of 57.446 seconds, the IONIQ 5 N TA Spec has become the fastest electric vehicle ever timed at the Tsukuba circuit. This result is nearly 2 seconds faster than its closest EV competitor, despite using production components in key elements such as its motors, battery, and control electronics.
However, when placed within the overall record list at Tsukuba, this Hyundai does not even make the Top 50! The track record remains the domain of a Toyota 86 at 49.445 seconds, which is 8 seconds faster! WOW!
Weight remains the enemy of performance, especially on a tight circuit like Tsukuba where agility is rewarded more than pure power.
A new high-performance edition in preparation
Alongside this performance, Hyundai Mobility Japan has introduced the IONIQ 5 N DK Edition, a model designed with a high-performance parts package. This project is the result of a collaboration between Hyundai N, Autobacs Seven (a Japanese specialist in automotive parts and services), and the legendary Japanese driver Keiichi Tsuchiya, known as the “Drift King,” who inspired the name of this special edition.
Hyundai N plans to market the N Performance Parts DK Edition package in Japan, allowing owners of the IONIQ 5 N to further enhance the performance of their car both on the road and on the track.
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