The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N TA SPEC breaks the speed record for electric vehicles in Japan

The speed at which production electric cars can move never ceases to amaze. The latest surprise in this regard has come from the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N TA SPEC, a production car that was put to the test at the Tsukuba circuit in Ibaraki Prefecture (Japan) on the 15th of February. This car has been the electric vehicle that completed the circuit in the shortest time.

Behind the wheel was the renowned Japanese test driver Nobuteru Taniguchi. His comments make it clear that he felt completely at ease in the car at all times and that the run was carried out with all the safety and efficiency that the IONIQ 5 offers. This car was built on the production version but adapted for competition.

This same version took part in the 2024 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) in the modified production electric SUV category, a race in which it also set a record in its class. The modifications made to the IONIQ 5 N it is based on are minimal, so it is a version very close to the standard variant, which gives a fairly interesting insight into its capabilities.

Among other things, it retains the high-performance power electronics (PE) system fitted to the series version. The software has been tuned to increase the car’s total output to 697 CV. The rear motor has been boosted by 37 CV compared with the standard IONIQ 5 N.

The car has other upgrades, such as the N Active Sound+ system, which improves the sound from its speakers to more than 120 dB, redesigned dampers, competition brakes, slick 18-inch Yokohama ADVAN 005 tyres and the high-downforce aerodynamic package. That covers the exterior; inside we find Recaro Pro Racer SPA Han seats, a six-point Sabelt safety harness, the roll cage with PPIHC specifications and an EV fire-extinguishing system.

The time set by the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N TA SPEC was 57.446 seconds, making it the quickest time ever recorded for this lap. It sits two seconds ahead of the electric car that previously held that record, which is no small margin. The traction system, battery and control electronics are the same as the production vehicle, so you can get a good idea of what this model offers.

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverHyundai IONIQ 58 versions · from 44,670 €