Hyundai used its annual ‘N Day 2024’ event to unveil its ultra high-performance ‘RN24’ platform, a next-generation vehicle that showcases the thrilling possibilities of electric vehicles into the future.
Without getting into the nitty gritty, Hyundai basically took the manic Ioniq 5 N’s 478kW dual-motor powertrain and placed it in a World Rally Championship (WRC) inspired chassis with an exposed roll cage and Touring Car Racing spoiler; resulting in the compact, lightweight, and incredibly fast RN24.
How fast? The RN24 will rocket to 100km/h in 3.4 seconds on its way to a top speed of 240km/h, but weighing in at just 1880kg (nearly 400kg lighter than the Ioniq 5 N) it’s engineered to corner as well as it accelerates.
Among RN24’s cutting-edge motorsport technologies is the ‘Rally Mode’ motor torque control, which mimics the mechanical four-wheel drive system used on the i20 N Rally 1 – which is technology Hyundai says could trickle down to future production models.
Another rally-bred innovation is the e-handbrake, which not only adds to the fun-factor but also reduces weight by doing away with the additional hydraulic brake hardware previously required in rally cars. According to Hyundai, the e-handbrake technology was recently tested on a real WRC stage.
The RN24 is the latest evolution in a series of test vehicles that Hyundai says bridge the gap between its motorsport technology and N production models. It all started with the RM (Racing Midship) series in 2012 and includes more recent EVs such as RN22e and N Vision 74.
Now, the RN24 continues to showcase Hyundai’s desire to use its motorsport technology in road cars, as it offers an intoxicating glimpse into the future of the N division’s performance EV models.
“Hyundai N is not just a brand but a representation of our commitment to innovation and high performance,” said Manfred Harrer, Executive Vice President and Head of the Genesis and Performance Development Tech Unit.
“RN24 is a testament to our bold ambitions for the future.”
While unlikely to find its way into a typical fleet, the RN24 concept teases an EV future that could offer options as engaging as any petrol-powered performance car ever was – and then some!
