Hyundai's Electric Hot Hatch Conquers Pikes Peak... and My Skepticism
Image Credit: Hyundai.
It seems Hyundai, the purveyor of sensible family haulers, has decided to inject some much-needed excitement into the world of electric vehicles. And what better way to do it than by tackling the legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb with their hot hatch-looking SUV, the Ioniq 5 N?
Now, I'll be honest, I was a bit skeptical at first. I mean, Hyundai and “electric performance" haven't always been synonymous. But boy, did they prove me wrong. Not only did they send two modified Ioniq 5 N TA Spec models up the mountain, but they also had the audacity to enter a completely stock version. Talk about confidence!
Image Credit: Hyundai.
The TA Spec, driven by WRC champ Dani Sordo, absolutely obliterated the Electric Modified class record, clocking in at a mind-boggling 9 minutes and 30 seconds. That's faster than many gasoline-powered monsters! And let's not forget the stock Ioniq 5 N, piloted by rookie Ron Zaras, which became the fastest electric production SUV to conquer Pikes Peak, with a time of 10 minutes and 49 seconds. Not too shabby for a family hauler, eh?
Of course, the TA Spec models had some serious modifications, including a power boost, slick tires, and enough aero to make a Formula 1 car jealous. But the fact that the stock Ioniq 5 N, with its 19-inch wheels, a little bit less power, and all-wheel drive, could hold its own on such a demanding course is a testament to Hyundai's engineering prowess.
The road-going Ioniq 5 N boasts a dual-motor setup, churning out a whopping 641 horsepower and 568 pound-feet of torque. That's enough to propel this 4,700-pound beast from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.4 seconds. And with a range of 275 miles, you can have your fun and still make it to your destination without breaking a sweat.
All this performance doesn't come cheap. The Ioniq 5 N will set you back around $72,000. Sure, not exactly a chop change, but if you want a practical electric SUV that can also smoke some supercars on a twisty mountain road, it might just be worth it.
Hyundai's Pikes Peak victory is a wake-up call to the automotive world. Electric vehicles are no longer just about being green and saving the planet. They can be thrilling, exhilarating, and downright bonkers. And with Hyundai leading the charge, the future of electric performance looks brighter than ever.
So, if you're in the market for an electric SUV that can do it all, keep an eye on the Ioniq 5 N. It's proof that even the most sensible of automakers can unleash their inner hooligan. And who knows, maybe one day you'll find yourself tackling Pikes Peak in your own electric dream machine. Me? Oh, I’m waiting to see if the N Vision 74 becomes reality. If not, I’ll settle for the Ioniq 6 N. Hyundai, are you listening?
