Hyundai Ioniq Sets Hybrid Land Speed Mark of 157.825 MPH

A race-prepared Hyundai Ioniq hybrid prototype recently set a land speed record for a production-based hybrid. The Ioniq averaged 157.825 mph for its run while exiting at the peak speed of 160.7 mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah. The Ioniq is the automaker’s newest hybrid. There are three powertrains available, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric. The hybrid and electric models go on sale later this year.

”Couldn’t Be More Proud”

“We couldn’t be more proud in setting the FIA hybrid-category record with our new Ioniq hybrid,” Mike O’Brien, vice president of corporate and product planning, Hyundai Motor America. “Our engineering team really push the limits to set this new segment benchmark while demonstrating the impressive durability of the entire Ioniq vehicle platform. We expect this will be the first of many accolades for Ioniq.

The land speed effort was a grassroots thing, hinted Mircea Gradu, director of engineering and quality at Hyundai. “As we performed … tests on Ioniq, the engineering and quality staff, became so impressed with the results that we began to wonder if we should raise o ur sights even higher, and the Ioniq land speed record effort was born.”

The rigorous testing program that the engineering team put the Ioniq through was the convincer. “A key role of Hyundai’s engineering team in the U.S. is to thoroughly test all future vehicle prototypes to ensure they exceed the demanding expectations of our customers,” Gradu said.

As you might expect, the development team did some serious modification work to the hybrid prototype so it could break the record. The tweaks included:

Powertrain

• Low-restriction intake and exhaust systems with retained catalyst
• Engine, transmission, and hybrid ECU recalibrated and governors removed
• Air conditioning and ancillary accessories removed
• Nitrous Express single-stage direct-port nitrous injection with stand-alone fuel system, cockpit-controlled

Aerodynamics/Lightweighting

• Ioniq Electric model front grille and valance integration
• Underbody and air dam aerodynamic modifications
• Interior components removed or lightened

Suspension

• Progress Competition coil-over suspension with optimized spring, damping and sway bar rates and ride height lowered 100mm
• Lightweight aero wheels and wheel covers with Goodyear® Eagle tires

Safety

• Fully-integrated high-strength safety cage structure (Bisimoto-designed)
• Sparco® 6-point safety harness system, racing seat, and driver safety gear
• On-board fire-suppression system, battery disconnects and parachute