EVASIVE MOTORSPORTS HYUNDAI IONIQ 5 N PIKES PEAK

“Our goal is to break the elusive 10-minute barrier,” said Mike Chang, co-founder and CEO of Evasive Motorsports. “We’ve come close in the past and feel it’s far more achievable with the IONIQ 5 N. We’re confident our driver is equipped with the tools and support needed to deliver a strong finish this year.”

Officially dubbed the Evasive Motorsports Hyundai IONIQ 5 N Pikes Peak, the performance specialist has unlocked the potential within the production IONIQ 5 N. To this end, the team has optimized the vehicle’s performance, particularly in chassis and aerodynamic tuning as well as weight savings.

Based in Cerritos, California, Evasive Motorsports began its hill-climb journey in 2013 and hasn’t looked back. Here’s a breakdown of Evasive’s 12-year Pikes Peak experience:

2013-2014: Supercharged Scion FR-S, built to demonstrate Evasive’s expertise in road racing and performance tuning

2015-2016: Toyota 86, successor to the FR-S

2019-2020: ENEOS Racing / Evasive Motorsports Toyota 86 powered by a 900hp Toyota 2JZ turbocharged engine; 2022 Unlimited Class winner

2021-2022: Turn 14 Distribution / Toyo Tires / ENEOS / Evasive Motorsports Tesla Model 3 Pikes Peak – the company’s first attempt to develop EV performance; 2022 Fastest EV

2023: Evasive Motorsports / ENEOS Oil Honda S2000RS, a race-prepared version of the Evasive S2000R resto mod; also used for various time attack competitions

Evasive Motorsports Hyundai IONIQ 5 N Pikes Peak

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N made quite an impression on its reviewers at LA Car (see Everything, Everywhere, All at Once in the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N). For the Pikes Peak Hill Climb, Chang says Evasive is looking forward to unlocking the full potential of the 5 N. Boasting 641 horsepower and 568 pound-feet of torque (with N Grin Boost activated) plus a suite of track-ready features, Chang says its motorsports team is confident that by applying key learnings from its Model 3 racecar, they are poised to continue its electrifying success once the green flag drops.

Evasive has prioritized tuning the IONIQ 5 N for optimum downforce and weight savings, since the electric motors can’t be tuned. Its in-house EVS Tuning division has successfully shaved 500 pounds from the 4851 pound vehicle by stripping the interior and fabricating the four doors and the tailgate from carbon fiber.

“One of the biggest hurdles has been sourcing competition parts for the new vehicle, since very few exist,” says Chang. “However, several partners and suppliers have stepped up to provide or produce what was needed. Voltex Japan, for example, has provided its expertise in crafting one-off aero-enhancing components.” 

Evasive sent a 3D scan of the IONIQ 5 N to Voltex, allowing them to design and produce the aero parts needed, according to Chang. “In the past, they would have sent a designer over from Japan, but now they can do everything from 3D files.”

The Voltex contributions include a front lip and carbon fiber splitter, side skirts, fender flares, carbon fiber underbody aero panels, and a substantial carbon fiber rear wing to ensure optimum downforce during the climb to the Pikes Peak summit. 

“To facilitate rapid wheel and tire changes, and to prevent potential damage to the Voltex bodywork, the Evasive team installed Krontec air jacks, says Chang. “These will allow easy removal of the lightweight forged 19x11-inch Titan 7 T-P10 racing wheels fitted with carbon fiber EVS Tuning aero discs.” The IONIQ 5 N Pikes Peak will run on wide, sticky 310/690 VR19 Yokohama A005 racing slick tires.

Additional modifications include prototype EVS Tuning anti-roll bars front and rear, a custom six-point rollcage fabricated by Eimer Engineering, plus one-off Moton coilover suspension designed by Mike Kojima from MotoIQ to help keep the chassis planted as it attacks the course’s 156 turns.

Evasive Motorsports Driver Rob Walker

Returning for this Pikes Peak attempt is veteran driver Rob Walker who competed in the Evasive Motorsports Scion FR-S and Toyota 86 from 2013-16. Walker has been using sim racing to refresh his muscle memory of the 12.42-mile Pikes Peak sprint.

“I have a dedicated sim rig I’ve been using nonstop since I was asked to drive for Evasive again at Pikes Peak,” said Walker. “The biggest challenge with sim racing is the sense of speed, G-forces and brake timing, but it remains a valuable tool for race preparation.”

Walker has been competing with EVs since 2013 and has a good understanding of what it takes to manage battery charge and weight dynamics. In fact, before he received the call from Evasive, Walker said he was in the market to purchase a new daily driver. After hearing about Chang’s plan to build the IONIQ 5 N, Walker decided to purchase the same car and has been driving it regularly to better understand it in street form. 

“I’ve run a parallel program to shakedown and test my own IONIQ 5 N, which has allowed me to provide feedback to Evasive and help with their build,” said Walker. “We’re learning where battery, motor and tire temperatures need to be at the start and end of a session, the amount of weight being applied to the tires, and experimenting with their alignment. It’s been helpful to understand and fine-tune the setup along the way.”

Evasive Motorsports co-founder and President Tony Kwan is clamoring to see the 5 N Pikes Peak in action. “This is our tenth attempt at Pikes Peak and we’re incredibly proud to have been one of the first tuner shops to compete in the historic event. And coming full circle, we’re delighted to have Rob Walker back behind the wheel this year. Rob drove the first four years we competed and it feels like a family reunion!”

Pikes Peak Broadcasting Debut

For the first time, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on June 22, 2025 can be viewed in its entirety on the RACER Network (formerly MAV TV, check with your local providers). The broadcast will also be available on the RACER+ app, delivering the most complete coverage ever offered to fans.

Fans can also follow Evasive Motorsports’ progress via its social media channel at instagram.com/evasivemotorsports.