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Hyundai RN24 shows potential route for high-performance EVs

Viknesh Vijayenthiran - Motor Authority

Hyundai N has given a sneak peek at its development work for next-generation high-performance electric vehicles.

The Hyundai performance skunkworks on Friday rolled out the RN24 concept, a so-called rolling laboratory built to test potential technologies that could make their way into future production models wearing the N badge.


Hyundai N has done the same with similar concepts, like the series of RM mid-engine concepts that were being used to develop a mid-engine supercar that was ultimately canceled, as well as the more recent N Vision 74 from 2022, which is tipped to reach production.

For the RN24, the engineers looked to fit the most powerful EV powertrain into the smallest possible package. The powertrain in this case is the dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup from the Ioniq 5 N, which is good for a peak 641 hp. Here it is installed in a subcompact chassis inspired by the chassis used by Hyundai’s motorsports arm in the World Rally Championship.

The wheelbase is approximately 13.4 inches shorter than on the Ioniq 5 N, which required redesigning the Ioniq’s 84-kwh battery pack. The suspension was also designed to match the setup used in Hyundai’s rally cars, with similar dampers and high-rigidity subframes used.

The concept is devoid of a body. The result is an EV that’s not only powerful but also compact, lightweight, and agile, Hyundai N said.

Electronic chassis systems were also taken from Hyundai’s rally cars, specifically the current i20 N Rally1 Hybrid. One of these is a powertrain controller that lets the driver adjust things like peak power, acceleration sensitivity, regenerative brake sensitivity, and more. The steering system was also made to match the speed of the system used in the rally car.

Hyundai N has also developed a Rally Mode for the electronic powertrain designed to distribute torque to all four wheels in a similar fashion to the mechanical setup featured in the rally car. Hyundai N said the Rally Mode on the RN24 features a level of complexity and cost that make it a realistic application for a future production model.

Other technologies on the concept that may make production include an electronic handbrake and a sound generator that adds two side speakers to the N Active Sound+ system already found in the Ioniq 5 N, for an extra-loud sound. The RN24’s rear fenders also act as a soundbox, enhancing the sound experience further for both occupants and anyone outside the vehicle.

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