This folks, is the RN24. It follows in the burnouts of the RN22e super-sedan and hydrogen-powered N Vision 74 concept from a couple of years back, and it amounts to Hyundai’s latest thought experiment: “How can we make the future very fast and very drifty?”
Fortuitously, Hyundai has two key ingredients up its sleeve, the powertrain and electronics from the stupendously rapid Ioniq 5 N, and vast rallying wisdom taken from the World Rally Championship (WRC).
OTHER STORIES YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED:
PIMS 2024: Five units of Honda Civic Type R Group A available for PH market
PIMS 2024: The Nissan Z Nismo makes its debut
And so we arrive at the RN24. Harnessing the same 641hp of the dual-motor Ioniq 5 N and a chassis built upon WRC expertise, Hyundai has found a way to shorten the wheelbase (while retaining the 84kWh battery) by a measure of 340mm compared to its hot hatch parent. Thus making it similar to the i20 N Rally 1 Hybrid in stature.
Combined with new software, the name of the game here is agility—to fit the most powerful powertrain into the smallest possible package (and a lot of tire-shredding, judging by the pictures).
Other rally-derived components include the suspension, dampers, and a drive control logic system. The logic system adjusts the power, power balance, acceleration, and regeneration—all configurable via the steering wheel, of course. Though you might need to slow down a bit for that as the steering wheel has been made more sensitive (or in other words, quicker).
Cooling modifications have been made to keep the battery and motor temperature in check. Along with the high-rigidity subframes, the roll cage is completely exposed—giving the RN24 an exoskeleton to rival the Ariel Nomad 2. Guessing that’s good for cooling too?
There is also Rally Mode torque control, an e-Handbrake for weight reduction, and side speakers (and a rear bumper slash soundbox) for enhanced noise. It’s worth mentioning that the gussets are 3D-printed. Have we read that right? Apparently so. No further questions.
And finally, the RN24 is finished off with a touring car spoiler, and 19in matte black forged wheels from the Elantra N.
“RN24 exemplifies Hyundai N’s commitment to advancing electric motorsport technology by prioritizing the driving experience rather than spec numbers,” said N Brand Management Group vice president, Joon Park. “This Rolling Lab proves that there remains untapped potential for high-performance EVs and with new technologies ahead, there is much to look forward to.”
Quick word on the numbers. The target figures (this is a test car after all) are 0-100kph in under 3.4 seconds, a top speed of 240kph, and a weight of 1,880kg. Still a bit hefty for our liking. Time to slim down by shedding some rubber.
NOTE: This story first appeared on TopGear.com. Minor edits have been made.
