Hyundai has just pulled the covers off its latest ‘rolling lab’ model, dubbed the RN24. The car follows in the footsteps of the RN22e and N Vision 74, serving as a testbed for high-performance technologies and motorsport features that will shape future electrified vehicles from the N division. In creating the RN24, Hyundai’s engineers wanted to fit their most powerful powertrain into the smallest possible package they could muster. As such, they’ve developed a custom World Rally Championship-inspired EV chassis and then dropped the 641 hp powertrain of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. Remarkably, the car even features the same 84 kWh battery pack as the Ioniq 5 N, despite the wheelbase being shortened by a considerable 340 mm.
A laundry list of features ensures the
RN24 is no mere prototype. For example, it has a WRC Powertrain Drive Control
Logic system that allows drivers to adjust the power, acceleration sensitivity,
regenerative brake sensitivity, and power balance using steering wheel buttons,
features similar to those of Hyundai’s current WRC cars. Additionally, the
technical demonstrator has a dedicated ‘Rally Mode’ that optimizes torque
distribution inspired by the i20 N Rally 1 WRC, while there’s even a new
e-Handbrake to initiate some epic powerslides. A new version of the N Active
Sound+ system of the Ioniq 5 N has also been added. It now includes two side
speakers, and the rear fenders double as soundboxes, helping to enhance the
soundtrack.
You’ll no doubt have noticed the RN24 is
almost entirely void of bodywork and instead uses an exoskeleton-style exposed
roll cage. It also has the same rear wing as Hyundai’s TCR race cars. Despite
the various weight-saving measures employed, the RN24 still tips the scales at
an estimated 1,880 kg, or roughly 350 kg less than the
Ioniq 5 N it borrows its powertrain from.
If the RN24 is a taste of what’s to come,
the future of the N division looks promising.
