Ford Lightning Supertruck, Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Dominate At Pikes Peak

The 100th running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb has come to a close, and what a spectacle it was! The iconic event, held in Colorado Springs, Colorado, saw some of the world’s most talented drivers and innovative vehicles take on the treacherous 12.42-mile course, featuring 156 turns and an elevation gain of over 4,700 feet. This year’s edition was particularly exciting, with two electric vehicles (EVs) stealing the show: the Ford F-150 Lightning SuperTruck and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.

Ford F-150 Lightning SuperTruck: A Thunderous Debut

Making its competition debut, the Ford F-150 Lightning SuperTruck left a lasting impression on the Pikes Peak crowd. This specially prepared, all-electric pickup truck is a far cry from its production counterpart, boasting a slew of performance upgrades and aero enhancements. The result was a blistering run up the mountain, with driver Randy Pobst piloting the Lightning to a time of 10:56.878, good for second place overall in the Unlimited Class.

The Lightning’s impressive performance can be attributed to its dual electric motors, producing a combined 1,400 horsepower and 830 lb-ft of torque. The truck’s advanced all-wheel-drive system and bespoke suspension setup allowed it to tackle the challenging course with ease, making it a force to be reckoned with in the world of electric performance.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N: A New Era of Electric Performance

Not to be outdone, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N made its own mark on the Pikes Peak record books. This high-performance variant of the popular Ioniq 5 crossover is the first of its kind, featuring a dual-motor powertrain producing 576 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque. Behind the wheel, experienced driver Bryan Herta navigated the treacherous course in a time of 11:04.868, securing third place overall in the Unlimited Class.

The Ioniq 5 N’s impressive showing was a testament to Hyundai’s commitment to electric performance and its N division’s expertise in crafting high-performance vehicles. With its advanced battery technology and sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, the Ioniq 5 N proved that electric vehicles can not only compete with their internal combustion counterparts but also surpass them in terms of performance and efficiency.

A New Era of Electric Dominance

The 2022 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb marked a significant turning point in the world of motorsports. For the first time, electric vehicles have demonstrated their capability to dominate the competition, outpacing their gasoline-powered rivals in terms of speed, agility, and overall performance.

The Ford F-150 Lightning SuperTruck and Hyundai Ioniq 5 N have set a new benchmark for electric performance, showcasing the potential of EVs to revolutionize the world of motorsports. As the industry continues to shift towards electrification, we can expect to see even more innovative and high-performance electric vehicles take to the track, pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

In the end, the 100th running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb will be remembered as a watershed moment in the history of motorsports, one that marks the beginning of a new era of electric dominance.