Hyundai's latest creation, the RN24, is a testament to the brand's unwavering commitment to innovation and high-performance electric vehicles. Inspired by the World Rally Championship, this compact EV chassis packs a punch, housing a powerful 478 kW electric drive and an 84 kWh battery, all within a remarkably compact package.

Redefining the Boundaries of Compact EV Performance

Packing a Punch in a Petite Package

Hyundai's engineers have achieved a remarkable feat by cramming the Ioniq 5 N's electric drive and 84-kWh battery into a chassis inspired by the World Rally Championship. Despite the Ioniq 5 N's impressive 4.72-metre length, the RN24 manages to shorten the wheelbase by a staggering 34 centimetres, down to just 2.66 metres. This compact design not only enhances the vehicle's agility but also challenges the notion that high-performance EVs must be bulky and unwieldy.

Rallying for the Future

The RN24's open chassis design reflects its status as a technology carrier, a platform for exploring the next generation of high-performance electric vehicles. While a potential production sports car would likely feature a more conventional body, the RN24's rally-inspired styling and underpinnings showcase Hyundai's commitment to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the world of electric performance.

Striking a Balance: Power, Speed, and Precision

With a targeted weight of 1.88 tonnes and a top speed of 240 kph, the RN24 promises to deliver exhilarating performance. Hyundai claims the vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in under 3.4 seconds, a testament to the potency of its electric powertrain. However, the engineers have not solely focused on raw power and speed; they have also prioritized drivability and precision, ensuring the RN24 offers a truly engaging and responsive driving experience.

Motorsport-Inspired Handling

Unlike the Ioniq 5 N, which had to work within the constraints of the production vehicle, the RN24's chassis was designed with a clean slate. Inspired by the rally car, the RN24 features a rigid subframe and specialized dampers, providing a level of handling and responsiveness that is typically associated with high-performance motorsport vehicles.

Customizable Performance

The RN24's drive control system is also derived from the world of motorsport, allowing the driver to fine-tune various parameters, including "PE Power, Acceleration Sensitivity, Regenerative Brake Sensitivity, and PE Power Balance," using the steering wheel buttons. This level of customization empowers drivers to tailor the vehicle's performance to their personal preferences, further enhancing the overall driving experience.

Hyundai's Bold Vision for the Future

Manfred Harrer, Executive Vice President and Head of Genesis and Performance Development Tech Unit at Hyundai, emphasizes that the RN24 is more than just a test vehicle; it's a platform for initiating new conversations about the future of high-performance electric vehicles. Joon Park, Vice President of N Brand Management Group, echoes this sentiment, stating that the RN24 exemplifies Hyundai's commitment to advancing electric motorsport technology and prioritizing the driving experience over mere specification numbers.The Hyundai RN24 is a bold and innovative step forward in the world of compact high-performance electric vehicles. By leveraging its expertise in motorsport and its unwavering dedication to innovation, Hyundai has created a vehicle that challenges the status quo and offers a glimpse into the thrilling future of electric performance.