Hyundai: Proving the Capabilities of Electric Vehicles

Hyundai Motor Company’s IONIQ 5 N TA Spec has set a new benchmark for EV performance, achieving the fastest lap time at the prestigious Attack Tsukuba 2025 motorsport event in Japan.

This achievement took place on 15 February at the Tsukuba Circuit, a location famed for its demanding and technical course layout.

This platform provides competitors with a rigorous challenge to push their vehicles to the limit.

Hyundai N took centre stage with its IONIQ 5 N TA (Time Attack) Spec, piloted by renowned Japanese professional driver Nobuteru Taniguchi.

“I’m honoured 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.”

A track record of success

This recent triumph at Tsukuba adds to the already impressive motorsport pedigree of the IONIQ 5 N TA Spec, which includes a victory at the 2024 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) in the modified production electric SUV category, where it also set a record.

These achievements highlight the IONIQ 5 N TA Spec's capabilities, which are largely consistent with the consumer model of the IONIQ 5 N but enhanced for competitive motorsport.

These enhancements remain true to the production model in several respects but include modifications like a high-performance power electronics (PE) system with software tuning that boosts its maximum output to 687 PS.

Its rear motor's power has also been increased by 37 PS compared to the standard IONIQ 5 N.

Motorsport-specific upgrades

Several motorsport-specific upgrades optimised the EVs performance at Tsukuba:

• N Active Sound+ with modified speakers emitting over 120 dB
• Shock absorbers and motorsport-grade brakes
• 18-inch Yokohama ADVAN 005 slick tyres
• High-downforce aerodynamic package
• Recaro Pro Racer SPA Hans seat and a Sabelt six-point safety harness
• PPIHC-spec roll cage and EV fire suppression system.

All these modifications enabled the IONIQ 5 N TA Spec to record a lap time of 57.446 seconds.

This remarkable time was nearly two seconds faster than the nearest EV competitor, establishing it as the quickest EV to lap the Tsukuba Circuit.

Joon Park, Head of N Management Group, stated:  “Today’s record is a clear demonstration of Hyundai’s commitment to advancing EV technologies and delivering exceptional performance.

“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 demonstrates Hyundai N’s commitment to bringing high-performance EVs deeper into global car culture through events such as Attack Tsukuba.”

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