Automotive

Shot of nitrous propels Hyundai Ioniq hybrid to land speed record at Bonneville

Shot of nitrous propels Hyundai Ioniq hybrid to land speed record at Bonneville
Hyundai has set a land speed record for the new production-based hybrid category in a modified Ioniq hybrid
Hyundai has set a land speed record for the new production-based hybrid category in a modified Ioniq hybrid
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Several modifications were made to the 2017 Ioniq hybrid for its land speed record attempt
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Several modifications were made to the 2017 Ioniq hybrid for its land speed record attempt
Most of the mods made to the Ioniq were straight out of the toolbox of Formula and GT racing
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Most of the mods made to the Ioniq were straight out of the toolbox of Formula and GT racing
Hyundai installed a Nitrous Express single-stage, direct-port nitrous injection system with driver controls from the cockpit
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Hyundai installed a Nitrous Express single-stage, direct-port nitrous injection system with driver controls from the cockpit
A stock Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid (left) sits next to the modified Bonneville record-holding Ioniq Hybrid
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A stock Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid (left) sits next to the modified Bonneville record-holding Ioniq Hybrid
Direct port injection for the nitrous oxide was added to the combustion engine in the Ioniq
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Direct port injection for the nitrous oxide was added to the combustion engine in the Ioniq
Endorsed by the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the speed record of 157.825 mph (253.995 km/h) was set by the 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid
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Endorsed by the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the speed record of 157.825 mph (253.995 km/h) was set by the 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid
Hyundai has set a land speed record for the new production-based hybrid category in a modified Ioniq hybrid
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Hyundai has set a land speed record for the new production-based hybrid category in a modified Ioniq hybrid
View gallery - 7 images

Setting the bar in the new production-based hybrid category approved by the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), Hyundai took a 2017 Ioniq hybrid prototype to the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, injected some nitrous oxide, and let 'er rip. The result is an FIA-approved production-based hybrid land speed record of 157.825 mph (253.995 km/h) and a peak exit speed of 160.7 mph (258.6 km/h).

The new FIA record category allowed Hyundai Motor America's Engineering and Quality team to make a number of special modifications to Hyundai's latest hybrid model. Most of these were straight out of the toolbox of Formula and GT racing, including low-restriction air intake and exhaust systems (exhaust treatment catalyst is required to remain per FIA rules).

The electronic engine governors were also removed and the car's engine computers (ECU) were recalibrated, while accessories such as air conditioning and other non-critical items were removed from the car and a cockpit-controlled Nitrous Express single-stage, direct-port nitrous injection system with stand-alone fuel system was installed.

Lightweighting and aerodynamics improvements included a new front grille integrated with the valance, modifications to the air dam and underbody aerodynamics, and the removal or lightening of interior parts. Suspension modifications saw the addition of a Progress Competition coil-over suspension, while optimized spring weights and dampers were tuned. Ride height was lowered 100 mm (3.9 in) and aero wheels with wheel covers shrouded in Goodyear Eagle tires were added.

To meet FIA competition requirements, a safety cage was installed in the Ioniq (Bisimoto design) and a Sparco 6-point safety harness was added, along with a matching racing seat and driver gear. Finally, an on-board fire-suppression system was added and battery disconnects and a parachute were installed.

A stock Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid (left) sits next to the modified Bonneville record-holding Ioniq Hybrid
A stock Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid (left) sits next to the modified Bonneville record-holding Ioniq Hybrid

Hyundai says the record attempt started as standard testing of the new Ioniq, but grew from there.

"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," says Mircea Gradu, director, Engineering and Quality, Hyundai Motor America. "As we performed these tests on Ioniq, the engineering and quality staff became so impressed with the results that we began to wonder if we should raise our sights even higher, and the Ioniq land speed record effort was born."

As per FIA rules, the speed record of 157.825 mph achieved this week was the average of the Ioniq hybrid's three best runs.

The 2017 Ioniq, entering the US market in the fourth quarter of 2016, will come in gasoline-electric hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery electric models, which were unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in February, while the Ioniq Hybrid model debuted as a sneak peak at the Detroit show the month before.

The video below shows the Ioniq powering across the Bonneville Salt Flats.

Source: Hyundai

Breaking the Hybrid Land Speed Record | Ioniq HEV | Hyundai

View gallery - 7 images
4 comments
4 comments
CAVUMark
Now 157MPH with 50mpg is what I am looking for.
usugo
Using highly polluting nitrous and to achieve a speed record on a car that is supposed to shine for high efficiency (and hence lower environmental impact), sounds like a nonsense to me. Actually, rather pathetic.
Bob
So, this car was nowhere near stock. Maybe I need a parachute on my stock Corvette which can go about 40mph faster. No, that would be about as uncool as this thing.
kswaid
Maybe they could rename it the Hyundai Ironiq?