Hyundai has set a new benchmark at Japan’s Attack Tsukuba 2025 motorsport event, with the IONIQ 5 N TA Spec clocking the fastest lap time ever for an electric vehicle at the legendary Japanese track. The record-breaking run was set by race driver and drifter, Nobuteru Taniguchi, clocking a lap in 57.446 seconds.
The Tsukuba Circuit, known for its compact layout, provided an ideal proving ground for Hyundai’s motorsport-inspired electric SUV. Taniguchi, a seasoned racing driver and presenter/tester on the old Best Motoring series, praised the IONIQ 5 N TA Spec’s handling and brakes. He 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.”
Derived from the road-going IONIQ 5 N, the TA Spec (Time Attack) features an enhanced version of Hyundai’s high-performance electric powertrain. Through software tuning, its output has been raised to an impressive 505kW, with an additional 27kW allocated to the rear motor.
The TA Spec also benefits from motorsport-grade enhancements, including high-performance brakes, modified suspension, ADVAN 005 slick tyres, a roll cage, Recaro Pro Racer SPA Hans seat and six-point harness, and an EV-specific fire suppression system.
This latest achievement follows the IONIQ 5 N TA Spec’s previous success at the 2024 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, where it claimed a new record in the modified production electric SUV category.
Alongside the record-breaking run, Hyundai Mobility Japan showcased the IONIQ 5 N DK Edition, a special show car developed in collaboration with Autobacs Seven and legendary racer Keiichi Tsuchiya (‘Drift King’). The DK Edition features a bespoke high-performance parts package, with plans in the works to offer the parts to IONIQ 5 N customers.
With its latest milestone at Tsukuba Circuit, Hyundai continues to expand its influence in the performance EV sector.
