We’re seldom at a loss for words but there’s new easy way to describe the Hyundai RN24 concept. Stripped-down SUV? Dune buggy? Rally car? Performance EV? As far as the Korean carmaker is concerned, it calls the prototype its latest “Rolling Lab,” meant to explore the limits of high-performance electric vehicles.
The E-GMP chassis of the Hyundai RN24 was shortened to give it proportions similar to the i30 rally car.
One thing you can say about the engineers at Hyundai: those assigned to work with the automaker’s increasingly important battery-electric vehicle technology seem to be having a lot of fun.
You may recall the wild N Vision 74 concept of a couple years back – which actually had a strange genesis that traced a convoluted path to the legendary DeLorean DMC12. Now, the Hyundai team is at it again with the new RN24 prototype rolled out at its “N Day 2024” event.
Anyone familiar with Hyundai knows that “N” is its shorthand for high-performance vehicles. In the case of production EVs, the recently launch Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is the best example. That EV is an all-electric rocket, making as much as 641 horsepower when you trigger its “Grin” mode. But is that as far as things can go using Hyundai’s E-GMP platform? That’s what RN24 is meant to explore, the automaker describing it as “a next-generation ‘Rolling Lab’ demonstrating the future possibilities of high-performance electric vehicles.”
“Bold ambitions”
The Hyundai Motor Group E-GMP platform as found in the production 5 N model.
“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.”
That’s not just limited to the street, however. On the internal combustion side of the company, Hyundai has become increasingly visible in the motorsports world. The RN24 looks at where electrified race vehicles might be heading.
While it’s missing some exterior body panels, a closer inspection might bring to mind the Hyundai i20 N Rally1 Hybrid World Rally racer.
What it is
The Hyundai RN24 under construction.
While it features a stripped-down exoskeleton – which serves as a rollcage — the RN24 shares many of the same underpinnings as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N’s E-GMP platform, albeit with a wheelbase shortened by 13.4 inches, or 340 mm. The chassis has been modified in line with a World Rally Championship racer, making it lighter and agile.
It also features a WRC-style suspension setup, Hyundai explains, including rally-spec dampers and high-rigidity subframes.
“In addition, RN24 is fitted with a spoiler from Hyundai Motorsport’s Touring Car Racing (TCR) models. This spoiler enhances aerodynamic performance, improving agility and stability. RN24 also implements 3D-printed gussets for better rigidity and weight reduction.”
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Powertrain
The front end of the Hyundai RN24.
Like the Hyundai 5 N, the RN24 features a dual motor drive setup, one on each axle, delivering a combined 641 horsepower.
The system not only automatically torque vectors – sending power to the wheels that need it most, helping to steer around corners, but the driver can adjust the ‘Rally Mode’ motor torque control, which Hyundai describes as “a key differentiator.”
“Like Hyundai N’s four-wheel drive system used on the i20 N Rally 1, this setup helps optimize the distribution of torque to all four wheels,” the automaker explained. “The performance of the i20 N Rally 1’s mechanical technology is simulated by RN24’s ‘Rally Mode’ electronic motor torque control, streamlining the system in terms of complexity and cost for a more realistic application in future production cars.”
Add one more feature borrowed from the Ioniq 5 N: an external high-output sound system – with another two side speakers added. It helps add the distinctive rally car sound that fans enjoy – but which is missing from nearly silent EVs.
The RN24’s steering wheel gives a driver plenty of control over the car’s operation.
What next?
While we’re not likely to see the Hyundai RN24 show up in a WRC race, that doesn’t mean it’s just a fantasy in chrome. With growing interest in all-electric and electrified racing, the automaker is clearly looking at its options.
“RN24 exemplifies Hyundai N’s commitment to advancing electric motorsport technology by prioritizing the driving experience rather than spec numbers,” said Joon Park, Vice President of N Brand Management Group. “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.”
Next step for Hyundai is F1.