Hyundai Motor Company continues to redefine electric vehicle (EV) performance, as its IONIQ 5 N TA (Time Attack) Spec secured the fastest lap by an EV at the ‘Attack Tsukuba 2025’ motorsport event in Japan on February 15. This remarkable achievement further cements Hyundai’s leadership in high-performance EV technology.
Record-Breaking Performance at Tsukuba Circuit
The Tsukuba Circuit in Ibaraki Prefecture is renowned for its compact and challenging layout, making it a proving ground for automotive performance. Hyundai N participated in the event with the IONIQ 5 N TA Spec, driven by legendary Japanese professional racer Nobuteru Taniguchi.
“I’m honored to have had the opportunity to drive the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N TA Spec at Attack Tsukuba 2025, which enabled me to significantly break my previous EV record,” said Taniguchi. “The IONIQ 5 N TA Spec stops well and handles excellently. Despite the power, the control is outstanding, with great cornering and smooth, stable corner-exit. I could push the car to the limit with real confidence.”
With a blistering lap time of 57.446 seconds, the IONIQ 5 N TA Spec became the fastest EV to ever complete the Tsukuba Circuit. This result was nearly two seconds faster than its closest EV competitor, despite maintaining largely production-spec components in key systems such as its motors, battery, and control electronics.
IONIQ 5 N TA Spec: A Motorsport-Ready EV
The IONIQ 5 N TA Spec is a specialized motorsport variant of the award-winning IONIQ 5 N, fine-tuned to demonstrate Hyundai’s cutting-edge EV performance. Notably, the car retains the standard model’s high-performance power electronics (PE) system, but with software tuning, it delivers an enhanced 687 PS, including a 37 PS boost in rear motor power compared to the standard IONIQ 5 N.
Additional upgrades include:
- N Active Sound+ with modified speakers exceeding 120 dB
- Motorsport-grade brakes and new shock absorbers
- 18-inch Yokohama ADVAN 005 slick tires
- High-downforce aerodynamic package
- Recaro Pro Racer SPA Hans seat & Sabelt six-point safety harness
- PPIHC-spec roll cage & EV fire suppression system
The IONIQ 5 N TA Spec has already made waves in motorsports, securing victory at the 2024 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) in the modified production electric SUV category, setting a new record in the process.
Hyundai’s Commitment to EV Performance
This milestone showcases Hyundai’s advanced EV technology and reinforces Hyundai Mobility Japan’s commitment to the country’s evolving EV market. Alongside this achievement, Hyundai Mobility Japan recently launched the INSTER sub-compact electric SUV, further expanding its EV lineup.
“Today’s record is a clear demonstration of Hyundai’s commitment to advancing EV technologies and delivering exceptional performance,” said Joon Park, Head of N Management Group. “The IONIQ 5 N TA Spec’s new record, using primarily production components, is not only a significant milestone that validates our technological prowess, but also demonstrates Hyundai N’s commitment to bringing high-performance EVs deeper into global car culture through events such as Attack Tsukuba.”
Introducing the IONIQ 5 N DK Edition
Adding to the excitement, Hyundai Mobility Japan showcased the newly revealed IONIQ 5 N DK Edition at Attack Tsukuba 2025. This special show vehicle features a high-performance parts package developed in collaboration with Autobacs Seven and legendary race car driver Keiichi Tsuchiya, aka ‘Drift King’—the package’s namesake.
Hyundai N plans to bring the DK Edition N Performance Parts package to market, allowing IONIQ 5 N owners to enhance their vehicle’s road and track performance.
Conclusion
Hyundai’s dominance at Attack Tsukuba 2025 is a testament to its commitment to pushing the boundaries of EV performance. With record-breaking achievements and an ever-expanding lineup of performance-driven electric models, Hyundai N is set to shape the future of high-performance EVs.
Stay tuned for more innovations as Hyundai continues its journey toward electrified motorsports excellence.
