VIDEO: Hyundai Ioniq sets speed record

Hyundai has set a record with its new Ioniq hybrid -- but it’s for top speed, not the fuel economy mark you might expect.

A race-prepared example of the new Prius-aimed four-door petrol-electric hybrid has been clocked at 157.825mph (254km/h) at the Bonneville salt flats in Utah (USA).

Hyundai announced the new record at this week’s SEMA Show in Las Vegas, however, the record attempt was undertaken and completed in September

The Bonneville Ioniq was developed by Hyundai Motor America’s Engineering and Quality team. Exiting the measured mile, the Ioniq set a peak exit speed of 160.7mph (258.6km/h).

The record itself was ratified by the FIA as a production-based hybrid vehicle land speed record. Production hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric versions of the Ioniq will be sold worldwide with the hybrid and electric models going on sale in the USA in late 2016.

Hyundai Australia is expected to add a hybrid version of the Ioniq to its local line up in 2017.

The production version of the Ioniq hybrid features a direct-injection 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated, four-cylinder petrol engine rated at 77kW and 147Nm. This is paired with a 32kW/170Nm electric motor. Performance claims are a 0-100km/h time of 10.8sec and a top speed of 184km/h.

Hyundai is being tight-lipped about the mechanical details of the record setter but does admit it featured a Nitrous Express direct-port nitrous injection system to boost power. Other changes include removing the aircon and other systems as well as some modest aero improvements. Suspension and wheels were changed and a full roll cage was fitted.

Oh, and a parachute!

Check out our Ioniq at Bonneville feature for more details