Pikes Peak: Hyundai Breaks Away with Its Ioniq 5 N TA Spec!

In preparation for its participation in the famous Pikes Peak Hill Climb in the United States, Hyundai unveiled a somewhat wild Ioniq 5 N.

TA, for Time Attack. A suffix we thought was exclusive to the video game Gran Turismo, but which is now appearing on a racing Hyundai. Essentially, the well-known PlayStation racing game franchise is not far—since the South Korean manufacturer designed its new Ioniq 5 N TA Spec with the intention of integrating it into Gran Turismo. This game made famous about 30 years ago circuits like the Nürburgring and the Pikes Peak hill climb.

Making Electric Vehicles Exciting

Hyundai is therefore on a crusade to break the now outdated image that electric cars lack soul. Performance figures are already convincing, with accelerations far better than those of thermal sports cars. Hyundai adds to that with its Ioniq 5 N, a transmission simulation and engine sound. The result is stunning… all without emitting CO2.

On June 23, 2024, during the 102nd edition of the Pikes Peak climb (Colorado), Hyundai aims to set a record in the electric SUV category.

Powerful at 687 horsepower without any altitude impact on reducing power (unlike thermal vehicles), the two Ioniq 5 N TA Spec models will put on a show. This power is notably 37 horsepower higher than the stock model thanks to a reconfiguration of the rear motor.

To ensure even more spectacle, Hyundai installed N Active Sound+ speakers on their cars, which mimic the sound of a thermal engine. With a power of 120 decibels, they will allow the Ioniq 5 N TA Spec to do without the siren usually mandatory on electric cars to announce their arrival to spectators.

Wheels, suspension, high-downforce aerodynamics, safety—all have been tuned to ensure the best performance up to 4300 meters altitude, over 20 km of ascent with 156 turns to conquer.

These two units of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N TA Spec will be piloted by Robin Shute, four-time overall winner at Pikes Peak and current holder of the “King of the Mountain” title, and Dani Sordo, a Spanish driver competing in the World Rally Championship for Hyundai Motorsport.

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