On March 1st, Hyundai revealed its ambitious plan to participate in the 102nd edition of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb this June with a robust four-car effort.
The Korean automaker intends to field a quartet of Ioniq 5 N racers, indicating a strong aspiration to challenge the mountain’s outright record. This move comes six years after Volkswagen’s record-breaking run with its I.D. R electric prototype.
The endeavor will feature four H-badged EVs, meticulously crafted by the American team Bryan Herta Autosport, renowned for its achievements with Hyundai N, securing five consecutive Michelin Pilot Challenge championships.
The driver lineup comprises the seasoned hillclimb champion Robin Shute, eleven-time event victor Paul Dallenbach, Hyundai N WRC factory ace Dani Sordo, and an additional driver yet to be announced.
With such a formidable ensemble, Hyundai’s presence at Pikes Peak is poised to be formidable, with victory almost assured in the absence of significant setbacks.
Hyundai’s return to serious competition at Pikes Peak marks a significant milestone. In the 2000s, the brand forged a partnership with Rhys Millen Racing, achieving notable success with vehicles like the Hyundai Genesis and the PM580T prototype. However, Hyundai’s last attempt at the overall win in 2013 ended in a narrow defeat to Sébastien Loeb’s Peugeot.
Till Wartenberg, Hyundai’s vice president and head of N Brand and Motorsport, emphasized the critical role of the drivers in the success of hill climbs. “We have selected top experts like Robin Shute and Paul Dallenbach, who have won the event overall and in class 15 times,” Wartenberg stated. The addition of Hyundai Motorsports WRC driver Dani Sordo further enhances the team’s global appeal.
Unlike Volkswagen, Hyundai’s N division has shifted its focus to electric performance vehicles, which is evident in the new Ioniq 5 N. This aligns with Albert Biermann’s vision to make performance EVs more accessible. Hyundai aims to consolidate its position in electric performance by aiming to surpass Volkswagen’s record at Pikes Peak.
All four Hyundai entries will compete in the “Exhibition” class, allowing flexibility in design without adhering to specific regulations. With proper aerodynamic optimization and weight reduction, the Ioniq 5 N has the potential to challenge the overall record, particularly with the expertise of its skilled drivers.
Also read: Hyundai Teases Launch of Creta N Line Ahead of Debut
