Hyundai gunning for Pikes Peak EV record

Not the I.D R one, obviously - the Ioniq 5 N will enter the production SUV/Crossover class

Unlike a lot of international motorsport, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is a very inclusive affair. It welcomes all sorts. Obviously it helps when you’ve only got a clock to compete against - and all the gravel is long gone. But give it the right nudge, and PPIHC is apparently happy to create a class to fit whatever you’re turning up in. Which has allowed all sorts of cars to be proclaimed Pikes Peak record holders.

This year, among several other notable entries, Hyundai will seek to add its name to the history books by entering no less than four versions of the Ionia 5 N into the event. Two of them will be unmodified (save for roll cages and harnesses and the like) and attempt to set an Electric Production SUV/Crossover record. We say ‘attempt’ and ‘record’; actually there is no record for the class yet, so the 641hp car will be setting a benchmark time rather than overhauling a close rival.

If you’re looking quizzically at the description ‘SUV/Crossover’ then you’re not the only one. We’ve always considered the Ioniq 5 more of an oversized hatchback than an SUV - although it’s fair to say that the line between modern hatch and crossover is blurrier than ever. Either way, it’s (mildly) interesting that Hyundai is not gunning for the outright electric production car time, which was apparently set by a 2018 Tesla Model 3. We can only assume that someone more senior has that record in mind.

Speaking of ‘senior’, Hyundai is saving its headline pro drivers - four-time overall winner Robin Shute and WRC hand Dani Sordo - for what’s described as a ‘modified specification’ Ioniq 5 N. It doesn’t specify what those modifications might be, although it has confirmed that said car will be revealed prior to N24 on May 30th. The existence of an Electric Modified SUV/Crossover category means there’s something to play for there, too - although let’s hope Hyundai has something much more ambitious in mind. We’ll keep you posted.