The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N has made a remarkable mark in the world of electric vehicles (EVs), setting a new lap record for EVs at Japan’s famed Tsukuba Circuit. The achievement, made on February 15, saw the IONIQ 5 N TA Spec finish with an impressive lap time of 57.446 seconds during the Attack Tsukuba 2025 motorsport event, smashing the previous electric vehicle record by nearly two seconds.
The Tsukuba Circuit, located in Ibaraki Prefecture, is known for its compact and technically demanding layout, making it the perfect testing ground for the performance capabilities of cars. Hyundai’s entry into this year’s event featured the IONIQ 5 N TA Spec, a motorsport-focused version of the highly praised IONIQ 5 N. Behind the wheel was renowned Japanese professional driver Nobuteru Taniguchi, who expressed his excitement after the event.
“I’m honoured to have driven the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N TA Spec at Attack Tsukuba 2025,” said Taniguchi. “The car’s performance was outstanding – it stops well, handles excellently, and offers exceptional cornering and stability. I could push it to its limits with real confidence.”
The IONIQ 5 N TA Spec, which has already proven its potential by winning the 2024 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) in the modified production electric SUV category, demonstrates the strength of Hyundai’s production-spec IONIQ 5 N, albeit with several key modifications for motorsport use. This includes an increase in power output to 687 PS, up from the standard IONIQ 5 N, with the rear motor boosted by an additional 37 PS.
Despite its competitive modifications, including an upgraded braking system, motorsport-grade suspension, and high-performance Yokohama ADVAN 005 tires, the IONIQ 5 N TA Spec retains much of the original car’s components, including its motors, battery, and control electronics. The combination of power and precision on the track was enough to set a new benchmark for EV lap times at Tsukuba.
This record-breaking performance highlights Hyundai’s commitment to advancing electric vehicle technology. The achievement also underscores the company’s increasing presence in Japan’s emerging EV market, following the recent launch of the INSTER sub-compact electric SUV.
Joon Park, Head of N Management Group, celebrated the milestone: “This record proves Hyundai’s dedication to pushing the limits of EV performance. The IONIQ 5 N TA Spec’s success with primarily production components demonstrates our technological expertise and commitment to introducing high-performance EVs to global markets.”
Hyundai’s success at Tsukuba sets the stage for further EV advancements, confirming the IONIQ 5 N’s place as one of the most exciting high-performance electric vehicles on the market. As global interest in electric mobility grows, Hyundai continues to establish itself as a leader in performance-oriented EVs.