A race-prepared Hyundai Ioniq hybrid has set a new land speed record for production-based hybrid vehicles.

A RACE-PREPARED Hyundai Ioniq has just set a new land-speed record for production-based hybrid vehicles at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. The FIA-approved record-setting speed was 254km/h. The car was developed by Hyundai Motor America’s Engineering and Quality team. The previous record holder was a Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid LSR in 2012.

The Hyundai Ioniq is the latest hybrid model from Hyundai, which our Paul Horrell drove recently, and offers three different drivetrains, from hybrid, to plug-in hybrid and full electric.

“We couldn’t be more proud in setting the FIA hybrid-category record with our new IONIQ hybrid,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president, Corporate and Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “Our engineering team really pushed 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 development team made a number of special modifications to the IONIQ hybrid prototype to break the hybrid record, including:

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