Hyundai will be present at the 2024 edition of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in the USA, which takes place on June 23, with two units of the Ioniq 5 N, with which it will try to achieve the record in the electric SUV/crossover production category.
However, the two models that will line up in the “race to the clouds” have undergone minor changes compared to the production models of the Ioniq 5 N, to comply with safety rules. Thus, the driver’s seat has been replaced by a Recaro Pro Racer SPA Hans seat. The seat belts are six-point Sabelt belts, compatible with Hans. On the other hand, the rear seats have been removed, and a protective “cage” and a fire suppression system have been installed.
In terms of the engine, the Ioniq 5 N has not undergone any changes and features the two electric motors that deliver a power of 609 hp, which can reach 650 hp in overboost.
The pilots of the Ioniq 5 N who will attempt to break the electric SUV/Crossover production record are Paul Dallenbach and Ron Zaras. Dallenbach is an eleven-time winner of the PPIHC, and set an absolute record in 1993. Zaras is a newcomer to the PPIHC, and the newest member of the team. Zaras, a media personality and former Hoonigan executive, was recently chosen to present the story of a motorsport enthusiast preparing for this huge challenge of competing at Pikes Peak.
Additionally, Hyundai will debut a modified specification of the Ioniq 5 N to compete in the PPIHC before the ADAC RAVENOL 24 Hours of Nürburgring on May 30th. Two of these additional models of the Ioniq 5 N will be piloted by Dani Sordo and Robin Shute. Shute is a four-time overall winner and holder of the title of King of the Mountain at Pikes Peak. Sordo is a Spanish driver from the Hyundai Motorsport World Rally Championship.
