Hyundai Ioniq 5 N TA Sets New EV Lap Record at Tsukuba

For petrolheads raised on a steady diet of Gran Turismo and Best Motoring, Tsukuba Circuit is more than just another racetrack it’s a proving ground for some of the world’s most legendary performance cars. This tight, technical course in Japan’s Ibaraki Prefecture has been the battleground for countless high-stakes showdowns, from factory-built supercars to highly tuned JDM icons. Now, it’s making headlines again, and this time, an electric vehicle has stolen the show.

Hyundai’s track-focused Ioniq 5 N Time Attack (TA) Spec has just set a jaw-dropping EV lap record at Tsukuba. This is the same hardcore variant that dominated Pikes Peak last year, proving Hyundai isn’t just dipping its toes into performance EVs it’s making serious waves. While a production-spec Ioniq 5 N would have been more relatable for potential buyers, it simply wouldn’t have been able to match the blistering pace of the TA version. Clocking in at 57.446 seconds, the Ioniq’s lap is even quicker than the Group A Touring Car record set in the early ‘90s by a Skyline GT-R, which posted a time of 58.726 seconds.

That’s a staggering achievement, but it also highlights just how fiercely competitive Time Attack culture is in Japan. Despite smashing the previous EV record by almost two seconds, the Ioniq 5 N’s time doesn’t even crack Tsukuba’s top 50 fastest laps. Some of the most extreme Time Attack machines have dipped below the 50-second mark, demonstrating just how fast this circuit can be.

If you’ve ever spent time hot-lapping Tsukuba in a sim, you’ll know that breaking the one-minute barrier is no small feat. Hyundai’s achievement is another milestone in the ongoing evolution of performance EVs, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with battery-powered cars.

So, what makes the Ioniq 5 N TA Spec such a beast on the track? Compared to the standard model, it boasts an extra 37 horsepower (totaling 687 hp), upgraded brakes, improved dampers, and slick tires. While its aggressive aero package certainly plays a role, it’s worth noting that Tsukuba isn’t an especially high-speed circuit, so outright downforce wouldn’t have been the biggest factor here. Instead, the car’s finely tuned chassis and power delivery were key in securing the record-breaking run.

A Driver’s Perspective

Behind the wheel of this electrified track weapon was seasoned Japanese racer Nobuteru Taniguchi, who shared his thoughts on the experience:

"I'm honored to have driven the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N TA Spec at Attack Tsukuba 2025. This car allowed me to significantly break my previous EV record. It stops incredibly well, handles with precision, and despite its immense power, remains incredibly stable through corner exits. I could push it to the limit with total confidence."

Hyundai isn’t treating this record as just a fun side project. This effort, along with the recently announced DK Edition, is part of the brand’s broader strategy to integrate high-performance EVs into mainstream car culture. According to Joon Park, Head of Hyundai N, the company is committed to making electric performance cars a legitimate force on the world stage.

Excitingly, Hyundai has also hinted that the performance parts developed for the DK Edition will be made available for purchase. That means enthusiasts who missed out on a special edition could still upgrade their Ioniq 5 N with better brakes, forged wheels, and other track-ready enhancements. Hopefully, these upgrades will be offered globally, including in the UK, where savvy buyers might prefer investing in high-performance mods over splurging on a brand-new car.

Hyundai’s dominance at Tsukuba proves that the future of high-performance EVs isn’t just about straight-line speed it’s about handling, precision, and lap times that challenge even the best combustion-powered rivals. With cars like the Ioniq 5 N TA Spec pushing the limits, it’s clear that EVs are no longer just the eco-friendly alternative they’re serious contenders on the racetrack, too.

The question now is: who will step up to challenge Hyundai’s record next?