The Pembrokeshire Herald

IoNiQ 5 N to Compete for Pikes Peek Record

-

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 5N 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.”

In addition, Hyundai will debut a modified specificat­ion IONIQ 5N to compete at PPIHC prior to the ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgrin­g on May 30. Two of these additional IONIQ 5 N models will be driven by Dani Sordo and Robin Shute. Shute is a four- time overall winner and King of the Mountain title holder at Pikes Peak. Sordo is a Spanish World Rally Championsh­ip driver for Hyundai Motorsport.

Hyundai chos to pursue the PPIHC Electric Production SUV/ Crossover record with a IONIQ 5N because it embodies the racetrack capability of every N performanc­e vehicle. IONIQ 5 N has been tested in extreme temperatur­es and locations and developed and tuned specifical­ly at the Nürburgrin­g Nordschlei­fe for enhanced racetrack capability. It is supported by technologi­es such as structural enhancemen­ts, World Rally Championsh­ipinspired integrated drive axles, increased thermal management, N- tuned brakes, and an industry leading brake regenerati­ve force of 0.6G.

Due to the rigorous test process for the standard IONIQ 5 N, only minor updates were made to comply with the rules from a safety perspectiv­e. The driver’s seat was replaced with a Recaro Pro Racer SPA Hans seat. The seat belts are Sabelt six- point HANS compatible. The rear seats were removed, and a roll cage and fire suppressio­n system were installed.

In every other way, the IONIQ 5 N being prepared for Pikes Peak is a standard IONIQ 5 N. In the future, the red paint will be swapped with a new eye- catching Hyundai N livery.

 ?? ??
 ?? ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom