Hyundai and the IONIQ 5 N take off on the journey to Pikes Peak, with sights set on the Electric Production SUV Crossover record. Facing a new set of challenges that come with EVs, we teamed up with Bryan Herta Autosport, racing against the clock to prepare the all-electric Hyundai IONIQ 5 N for one of the most dangerous hill climbs in the world. Stay tuned for future episodes!
With a new generation of owners now getting behind the wheel of the IONIQ 5 N, Hyundai will spark even more excitement at the 102nd running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) on June 23, 2024. Two 641-horsepower IONIQ 5 N cars will go after the Electric Production SUV/Crossover record as part of a four-car effort.
“We are returning to the mountain stronger than we have left it, with a class leading electric SUV in the form of IONIQ 5 N,” said Till Wartenberg, head of N Brand and Motorsport. “Hyundai has a history of proving new technologies and products at Pikes Peak going all the way back to 1992 and the IONIQ 5 N brings that concept to high performance electric cars. The production spec IONIQ 5 N will demonstrate what customers can expect from their vehicles.”
The drivers of the IONIQ 5 N vehicles going for the Electric Production SUV/Crossover record are Paul Dallenbach and Ron Zaras. Dallenbach is an eleven-time PPIHC winner and set an overall record in 1993. Zaras is a PPIHC rookie and the newest team member. Zaras, a media personality and former Hoonigan executive, was recently chosen to showcase the story of a motorsport enthusiast preparing for this massive challenge of competing at Pikes Peak.
“As a lifelong fan of rallying, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb has been a bucket list event to take part in from the first time I watched the film ‘Climb Dance’ on a 56k Internet connection,” said Zaras. “So, competing here for my first time ever in the IONIQ 5 N – with the support of the excellent teams at Hyundai – is an incredible honor. I’m thrilled to share my journey from young spectator to first time competitor along the way; challenging as that path may be.”
