2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N to Compete at 102nd Pikes Peak

Not content with awards from reviewers and media outlets, Hyundai is preparing its first high-performance EV to compete at the 102nd Pikes Peak International Hill Climb this spring. The company will send four of its 2025 IONIQ 5 N cars to try and bag the Electric Production SUV/Crossover record.

For those not familiar with the IONIQ 5 N, it’s a fully electric dual-motor hot hatch. The 166 kW front motor delivers 223 horsepower, while the 282 kW rear motor cranks out 378 horsepower. Part of the car’s N suite of track-oriented features is the N Grin Boost, which provides up to 10 seconds of extra power for maximum acceleration. In that short burst, the car’s total output increases from 601 to 641 horsepower. Grin boost, indeed.

Pair the N Grin Boost with the N Launch Control, and you can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.25 seconds. Keep pushing, and you’ll quickly hit its top speed of 162 mph. The IONIQ 5 N has a drift optimizer and an electronic limited-slip rear differential as standard features, allowing it to take corners with confidence. Hyundai also claims that the EV has a class-leading 0.6 G regenerative brake force.

The IONIQ 5 N will compete at Pikes Peak in two batches. The first pair of cars will take the legendary course on May 30, 2024. One car will be driven by Hyundai Motorsport Spanish World Rally Championship driver Dani Sordo. Four-time Pikes Peak winner Robin Shute will take the wheel on the other unit.

The second pair of IONIQ 5 Ns will compete on June 24. These will be the ones that will try and grab the Electric Production SUV/Crossover record. One of the cars will be driven by none other than eleven-time Pikes Peak champ Paul Dallenbach, while former Hoonigan member Ron Zaras will make his debut at the competition in the other unit.

In its press release, Hyundai stressed that the IONIQ 5 N cars that will compete at Pikes Peak are as close to production as possible. That said, rules – and probably the drivers’ families – did require a number of safety modifications. The stock front seat and seat belts were replaced, while the rear seats were removed to make way for a roll cage and a fire suppression system.

Let’s see if Hyundai’s combination of pedigree and performance will do well at the competition.