Hyundai’s Rolling Lab sequence began in 2012. It centered on a mid-engined supercar that sadly by no means made it to manufacturing, regardless of the very fact there have been a number of ideas launched all through the final decade. The automaker’s high-performance N division switched to an electrical setup for the RN22e idea revealed in 2022. Now, there is a new EV—though we’re stretching the definition of what that car represents.
On the coronary heart of the RN24 is similar dual-motor setup and battery pack discovered within the Ioniq 5 N. Nevertheless, Hyundai’s engineers did away with the remainder of the cumbersome crossover and made a bespoke chassis derived from WRC. Regardless that the wheelbase is 13.3 inches shorter, the N crew nonetheless managed to cram in all the 84.0-kilowatt-hour battery after reorganizing the cells.
The unconventional EV has an exoskeleton-style roll cage and minimal bodywork to axe much more pointless weight. Regardless of the draconian weight-reduction plan, the idea nonetheless suggestions the scales at an estimated 4,144 kilos. In comparison with an Ioniq 5 N, the RN24 has misplaced about 772 lbs of fats. If these cast 19-inch wheels in matte black look acquainted, that is as a result of they’re borrowed from the Elantra N sports activities sedan. On the rear, the spoiler comes from Hyundai’s TCR race vehicles.
There are extra goodies borrowed from the components bin. It makes use of the Powertrain Drive Management Logic system from WRC, enabling the motive force to make use of buttons mounted on the steering wheel to regulate the facility delivered by the electrical motors. As well as, there are settings for tweaking the facility steadiness between the 2 axles. The motive force also can modify the sensitivity stage for the acceleration and regenerative braking.
The cooling is an adaptation of the Ioniq 5 N’s {hardware} whereas the e-handbrake is derived from WRC. Elsewhere, the digital motor torque management mimics the i20 N Rally1’s mechanical setup. As well as, a devoted Rally Mode mirrors the four-wheel-drive system of the gas-fueled scorching hatchback by distributing torque to all 4 wheels.
7 Photographs
Hyundai
The RN24 is supposed to go sideways however it’s additionally correctly fast in a straight line, needing lower than 3.4 seconds to hit 62 mph from a standstill. Flat out, it’s going to do an estimated 149 mph. Though it is absolutely electrical, you will positively hear its (synthetic) roar because it blasts previous you thanks to 2 aspect audio system along with the Ioniq 5 N’s pair of exterior audio system. On the again, the rear fenders double as a soundbox.
As you’ll be able to think about, Hyundai will not promote this stripped-down contraption however mentions the RN24 is greater than only a check car. It is “initiating new conversations about next-generation high-performance EVs” that may comply with the Ioniq 5 N and the upcoming Ioniq 6 N sedan.
