Hyundai’s Bold Move in Motorsports
Hyundai Motor Company has made a striking return to the motorsports arena through its luxury brand, Genesis. This time, their focus is on the 2025 Tire Rack One Lap of America Race, where they will showcase the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N in the alternative fuel category. Hyundai’s role as the official car manufacturer for this prestigious event underscores their growing influence in the industry.
Understanding the One Lap of America
The One Lap of America is a storied racing event founded by the legendary automotive journalist, Brock Yates. Scheduled from May 3rd to May 10th, 2025, the race challenges participants to compete across various tracks throughout the United States. The competition includes road courses, drag strips, skid pads, and autocross courses, testing both stock and heavily modified vehicles. Over the span of eight days, teams will engage in 17 races, traversing the nation in a thrilling display of speed and endurance.
The Ioniq 5 N: From Showroom to Track
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N represents a bold evolution of the retro-styled SUV. Enhancements include larger air intakes, additional air curtains, and flaps to improve cooling performance, alongside a rear diffuser. With 601 horsepower and 76.9 kg.m of torque, the Ioniq 5 N accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds. For those seeking even greater performance, the N Green Boost mode temporarily increases output to 641 horsepower and 78.5 kg.m, reducing the 0 to 100 km/h time to 3.4 seconds. The vehicle also boasts an 84 kWh lithium-ion battery, larger than that of the standard Ioniq 5.
Innovative Features of the Ioniq 5 N
A standout feature of the Ioniq 5 N is the N e-shift transmission, designed to simulate the feel of an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. This system works in tandem with the N Active Sound+ system, which plays sounds resembling a 2.0-liter turbocharged internal combustion engine, futuristic electric vehicle tones, and twin-engine fighter jets through eight interior and two exterior speakers.
Veteran Drivers Lead the Charge
Driving the standard Ioniq 5 N with the number 44 are Andy Hollis and Tom Suddard, both seasoned veterans of the One Lap event. Suddard, the publisher of Grassroots Motorsports, and Hollis, a tire tester for the magazine, 13-time SCCA Solo National Champion, and professional high-performance driving instructor, bring a wealth of experience to the table.
Is the Ioniq 5 N Race-Ready?
The Ioniq 5 N is not only unique and alluring but also track-ready straight from the factory. With 601 horsepower readily available, it stands as a formidable electric SUV, surpassing many sports cars in performance.
“The immense torque of an electric vehicle captivated me from my first drive,” Hollis remarked. “However, until now, there wasn’t a vehicle track-ready right off the showroom floor. Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 N meets all the criteria for superior cornering, excellent braking, and refined battery management. I eagerly anticipate driving it on the best tracks,” he added.
Final Thoughts
The One Lap of America race presents an incredible opportunity to test the capabilities of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. While the vehicle’s impressive speed is noteworthy, success in these track events requires a precise combination of speed, handling, and braking performance. Should the Ioniq 5 N prove its mettle here, it could solidify Hyundai’s position in the motorsports realm.