Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 N TA Spec set a new EV lap record at the ‘Attack Tsukuba 2025’ event in Japan on February 15. Competing at the challenging Tsukuba Circuit, the vehicle was driven by professional racer Nobuteru Taniguchi, showcasing Hyundai N’s high-performance capabilities.
“I’m honored to have driven the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N TA Spec at Attack Tsukuba 2025, breaking my previous EV record significantly,” said Taniguchi. “The car excels in braking, handling, and control, delivering impressive cornering and stability. I could confidently push it to the limit.”
The IONIQ 5 N TA Spec, a motorsport variant of the award-winning IONIQ 5 N, has a proven track record of success. It claimed victory in the modified production electric SUV category at the 2024 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC), setting a new record.
Designed to highlight the capabilities of the production-spec IONIQ 5 N with minimal modifications, the TA Spec retains its high-performance power electronics (PE) system. Through software tuning, its maximum output has been increased to 687 PS, with the rear motor gaining an additional 37 PS over the standard model.
Additional upgrades include N Active Sound+ with modified speakers (over 120 dB), new shock absorbers, motorsport-grade brakes, 18-inch Yokohama ADVAN 005 slick tires, a high-downforce aerodynamic package, a Recaro Pro Racer SPA Hans seat, a Sabelt six-point Hans safety harness, a PPIHC-specification roll cage, and an EV fire suppression system.
With a lap time of 57.446 seconds, the IONIQ 5 N TA Spec is the fastest EV ever to lap the Tsukuba Circuit. This result was almost two seconds faster than the nearest EV competitor, despite the IONIQ 5 N TA Spec using mostly production components in critical systems such as its motors, battery and control electronics.
This achievement signifies Hyundai’s advanced EV technologies and strengthens Hyundai Mobility Japan’s position in the country’s small but growing EV market. Hyundai Mobility Japan recently launched the INSTER sub-compact electric SUV in the Japanese market, further expanding its EV portfolio.
“Today’s record is a clear demonstration of Hyundai’s commitment to advancing EV technologies and delivering exceptional performance,” said Joon Park, Head of N Management Group. “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 also demonstrates Hyundai N’s commitment to bringing high performance EVs deeper into global car culture through events such as Attack Tsukuba.”
Hyundai Mobility Japan also showcased the recently revealed IONIQ 5 N DK Edition, a show vehicle with a special high-performance parts package. Hyundai N created the package in collaboration with Autobacs Seven, a leading Japanese automotive parts and service company, and Keiichi Tsuchiya, the legendary Japanese race car driver also known as ‘Drift King’ – the package’s namesake.
Hyundai N intends to bring the DK Edition N Performance Parts package to market, providing IONIQ 5 N customers with enhanced road and track performance.
