A kitted-out Ioniq 5 N from South Korea automaker Hyundai has set a new fastest lap time for an electric vehicle (EV) at the Attack Tsukuba 2025 motorsport event in Japan.
The fastest lap of 57.446 seconds was completed on February 15 with an Ioniq 5 N TA (Time Attack) Spec vehicle, the motorsport variant of the award-winning Ioniq 5 N, driven by renowned Japanese professional driver, Nobuteru Taniguchi.
The lap was almost two seconds faster than the nearest EV competitor, and this despite the fact that the car was using mostly production components in its critical systems.
“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.
Additional upgrades were included – though not all will have been particularly relevant to the fastest lap attempt.
“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.”
Securing the fastest lap at Attack Tsukuba 2025 builds on the car’s previous achievements, including taking victory at the 2024 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) in the modified production electric SUV category – during which it also set a new record.
Taniguchi said: “The Ioniq 5 N TA Spec stops well and handles excellently. Despite the power, the control is outstanding, with great cornering and smooth, stable corner-exit. I could push the car to the limit with real confidence.”
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.