Hyundai N Returns to Nürburgring 24 Hours and Unveils IONIQ 5 N TA Spec
Hyundai N is aiming for its fourth consecutive TCR class victory at the Nürburgring 24 Hours (N24) race, returning to the Nürburgring Nordschleife with three ELANTRA N TCR cars. This effort follows the team’s past successes, including victories in 2022 and 2023 by the #830 crew of Mikel Azcona, Marc Basseng, and Manuel Lauck, with Basseng and Lauck also securing a win in 2021 during the ELANTRA N TCR’s debut.
The Bryan Herta Autosport team, supported by Hyundai Motor America, seeks to continue their streak with drivers Mason Filippi, Harry Gottsacker, Mark Wilkins, and Bryson Morris in the #831 car. The #832 entry features TCR China stars Martin (Hongwei) Cao, Rainey He, Andy Yan, and Zhang Zhen Dong, with Cao being the reigning 2023 national series champion.
In addition to these, Hyundai N’s lineup includes the Hyundai Driving Experience i30 Fastback N in the VT2 Front-Wheel-Drive class, where last year’s crew, including Marcus Willhardt, Michael Bohrer, Jens Dralle, and Korean Junior driver Gyumin Kim, are set to defend their class victory.
At the N24 event, Hyundai N unveiled the IONIQ 5 N TA (Time Attack) Spec variant, set to compete in the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) on June 23, 2024. This variant will join two production models in an all-electric four-car team targeting records in the Electric Production SUV/Crossover and Electric Modified SUV/Crossover categories.
The IONIQ 5 N TA Spec features a high-performance power electric (PE) system with an increased output of 687 PS through software tuning, new shock absorbers, motorsport-spec brakes, 18-inch Yokohama ADVAN 005 slick tires, and a unique high-downforce aerodynamic package. It also includes safety enhancements like a Recaro Pro Racer SPA Hans seat, a Sabelt six-point Hans safety harness, a PPIHC-spec roll cage, and an EV fire suppression system.
At Pikes Peak, the IONIQ 5 N TA Spec models will be driven by Robin Shute, a four-time overall winner at Pikes Peak, and Dani Sordo, a Spanish World Rally Championship driver. The IONIQ 5 N production models will be driven by Paul Dallenbach, an 11-time PPIHC winner, and Ron Zaras, a PPIHC rookie.
Hyundai N has also announced a collaboration with the Gran Turismo (GT) video game franchise for sim-racing activities, including Pikes Peak participation. Visitors to Hyundai’s N24 booth can experience Gran Turismo 7 with 10 available stations and participate in an on-site competition event during the N24 period.
Hyundai Motor first competed in PPIHC in 1992 and has a notable history at the event, including a course record set in 2012 with a Hyundai Genesis Coupe driven by Rhys Millen.
