Annually, drivers and automakers compete within the 13-mile Pikes Peak Worldwide Hill Climb close to Colorado Springs. This race encompasses 156 turns and an elevation climb of practically 5,000 toes. Over the previous 100+ years, the climb has confirmed a significant problem for engineering conventional combustion engines. And lately, electrical automobiles have made their mark as effectively by pushing the bounds of electrical powertrains.
After not too long ago looking at Ford’s entry with the wonderful F-150 Lightning Supertruck, YouTube channel Out of Spec turned its gaze to this 12 months’s electrical entry from Hyundai. The high-performance Hyundai Ioniq 5 N deserves numerous consideration for what it doesn’t deliver to the competitors. As a result of whereas the Lightning Supertruck competing at Pikes Peak is an absolute beast, it has little or no in frequent with the manufacturing model. Nonetheless, Hyundai is operating two variations of their automotive. One is a extra closely modified Ioniq 5 N TA Spec model. The opposite is actually a inventory model of the Ioniq 5 N. Each automobiles are constructed on the bones and powertrain of the manufacturing automotive.
”They’re operating Pike’s Peak in actually an off-the-shelf Ioniq 5.” Kyle describes the practically inventory Ioniq 5 as being principally proper off the dealership lot. There are just a few modifications together with a roll cage, a stripped inside, and different adjustments to scale back weight and meet race rules and necessities. However the sprint, driver show, suspension, drivetrain and tires are a match with a manufacturing facility.
The suspension was softened with the inventory adaptive damper to raised handle the tough street surfaces. The Ioniq 5 N’s ‘Grin Increase’ is left on and the automotive is stored in N Mode always, de-activating the gearshift. The one main {hardware} addition was exterior audio system to generate the Ioniq 5 N’s digital revving sound. All different adjustments have been completed for typical security and weight discount.
“We actually appreciated the efficiency of the automotive,” Defined Hyundai’s Jun Mo Le. “So we thought ‘What if we deliver it to Pikes Peak?’ So the principle goal of the manufacturing unit is to showcase the efficiency and potential of the automotive as in manufacturing situation. So we did no {hardware} change, we simply did slightly little bit of software program tweak.”
Because of this, these minor software program tweaks are fully possible on a inventory Ioniq 5 N. Kyle means that someplace down the road, house owners may see these adjustments mirrored in their very own automobiles through a software program replace. That will surely be good for N house owners, however we’ll simply have to attend and see if something ever materializes from it.
This 12 months, Randy Pobst will probably be driving the extra closely modified Ioniq 5 N TA Spec for Hyundai. Kyle not too long ago spoke with Randy, who stated the Tesla Mannequin S Plaid Randy drove up to now was at all times operating into thermal limits. “The automotive was overheating and he was having to drive round these limits. The Plaid would de-rate after 3 minutes Randy stated.” This is identical limitation most EV entries needed to cope with in prior years. However the Ioniq 5 opponents making their debut at Pikes Peak this week can run full energy at some stage in the climb.
The TA Spec automotive nonetheless makes use of the identical battery, physique, motors and cooling because the inventory automotive. Nonetheless, the brakes and suspension did get an improve.
Essentially the most intensive adjustments visually are from to the aero package deal. When at increased elevations, the automotive’s aerodynamic design is much less impactful because of the decrease air density. “So that you want large ‘wangs’,” Says Kyle. “Not simply wings, however ‘wangs.’”
It is a fairly spectacular exhibiting for Hyundai. We’re eager about seeing simply how these automobiles evaluate with a few of the extra customized entries in at present’s race. Tell us your ideas within the feedback part under.