July 15 is N day for Hyundai, and on the South Korean automaker, N stands for efficiency. Sadly, we did not get a full reveal of the Ioniq 5 N that we have been wanting, however Hyundai did affirm it was coming for 2023. And that is okay, as a result of we’ve got two new electrical idea vehicles able to steal our hearts.
Say whats up to the N Imaginative and prescient 74 and the RN22e, two very totally different “rolling lab” electrical ideas constructed with the singular aim of exploring the way forward for excessive efficiency. The gloriously retro wedge is the N Imaginative and prescient 74 (beneath left), borrowing closely from one other Hyundai idea automobile referred to as the Pony from the Seventies. The RN22e (beneath proper) wears an Ioniq 6 physique however Hyundai is eager to not name this an Ioniq 6 N. Nonetheless, the automaker says it might preview a future EV N mannequin. Take that as you’ll.
Hyundai N Imaginative and prescient 74
Technically talking, the N Imaginative and prescient 74 is a hybrid automobile however you will not discover a gasoline engine anyplace beneath its edgy physique. Hyundai incorporates battery energy with a hydrogen gasoline cell – essentially the most superior gasoline cell ever created by the automaker. As such, the N Imaginative and prescient 74 pays homage not solely to the 1974 Pony idea in design, but in addition in energy to the N 2025 Imaginative and prescient Gran Turismo gasoline cell idea from 2015.
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What does the mixture of a hydrogen gasoline cell and battery energy do for an EV? Hyundai says the programs provide higher cooling effectivity. Incorporating a gasoline cell additionally permits for shorter refuel/recharge stops, supplied you’ll find a hydrogen gasoline station. As for efficiency, the N Imaginative and prescient 74 makes use of two motors on the rear wheels solely, producing greater than 671 horsepower (500 kilowatts) and 664 pound-feet (900 Newton-meters) of torque. The setup additionally makes use of exact torque vectoring for improved cornering, and with each battery and gasoline cell stuffed up, Hyundai claims a variety of over 373 miles (600 kilometers).
Hyundai RN22e
Hyundai is relatively coy with regards to the possibiliy of an Ioniq 6 N, saying that the RN22e is “a glimpse of an upcoming EV N.” The usual mannequin was solely just lately revealed, however its swoopy form definitely makes an excellent basis for one thing extra sporty. In idea type, the RN22e coincidentally makes the identical 577 hp (430 kW) because the Kia EV6 GT. As such, the emphasis right here is not on extracting extra energy, however corraling it to create a corner-eating monster.
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To that finish, Hyundai says the RN22e is the primary true high-performance testbed for its E-GMP platform. The idea automobile will discover torque vectoring and energy distribution whereas additionally in search of methods to cut back weight. One cannot flip fast laps at a racetrack with out upgraded brakes, which is why the RN22e wears four-piston calipers. And The Ioniq 6’s aerodynamic properties are additionally beneath scrutiny for efficiency purposes, enhanced right here with distinctive fascias and different motorsports-inspired elements like that huge wing on the again. Inside, engineers are additionally experimenting with totally different synthetic sounds for a extra participating expertise.
“RN22e and N Imaginative and prescient 74 play an vital function within the strategic improvement of our complete product lineup, particularly our electrified, high-performance autos,” mentioned Thomas Schemera, Hyundai govt vp and head of the client expertise division. “Rolling labs signify the continual improvement of our most superior applied sciences. This distinctive strategy makes us prepared for the challenges of the longer term by empowering us to push ourselves to the restrict.”
Will both idea make it to manufacturing as we see them right here? There is not any indication that both will see manufacturing, although a sizzling Ioniq 6 N appears nearly assured in some unspecified time in the future.
