RN24 Hyundai’s Performance Electric Vehicle
Hyundai has transformed itself over the past few years into a company that produces driver-focused and performance oriented vehicles. During its recent ‘N Day 2024’ event, it revealed the RN24, a ‘Rolling Lab’ that highlights the latest EV technology that the company may offer to future road cars.
What Is the RN24 About?
RN24, which resembles a stripped down IONIQ 5, is the latest test vehicle that is being used to bridge the gap between motorsport technology and N production models. It comes from a long line of rolling labs that include the RN22e and N Vision 74 that serve as testbeds for developing the company’s technologies.
Hyundai’s RN24 has a powerful powertrain, the IONIQ 5 N’s 650PS dual-motor power electronics (PE) system. It also uses World Rally Championship-inspired EC chassis to create a compact, lightweight, and agile EV.
Besides the IONIQ 5 N’s PE system, the car also has a redesigned battery pack that has the production model’s 84kWh capacity, which allows for a 340mm shorter wheelbase. This shrinks the vehicle down to a B-segment size, which is comparable to the i20 N Rally1 Hybrid WRC competitor.
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There’s also a newly designed WRC-style suspension setup with rally-spec dampers and high-rigidity subframes. It gets a WRC Powertrain Drive Control Logic system that allows drivers to adjust PE power, acceleration sensitivity, regenerative brake sensitivity, and PE power balance using the steering wheel buttons.
This capability is meant to mirror Hyundai’s WRC cars, allowing drivers to change the vehicle’s performance characteristics in an instant. Many high-powered sportscars have switchgear on the steering wheel that allows for changes to performance safety features.
RN24’s battery and motor cooling performance were done through modifications to the IONIQ 5 N’s system and an improved steering setup provides more agile handling characteristics. The Rally Mode option of the torque control system optimises the torque distribution to all four wheels.
This is like what is being used in the four-wheel drive i20 N Rally 1 and will help streamline the complexity and cost of such technology so that it is feasible to include in future production cars. The e-Handbrake, which is inspired by its time in the WRC, helps reduce weight by eliminating the need for physical brakes.
RN24 uses a highly rigid, exoskeleton-style exposed roll cage that ensures occupant safety but also improves overall performance and stability. Other worthy mentions are matte black forged wheels, a spoiler from Hyundai’s touring car racing models and the use of 3D printed gussets for better rigidity and weight reduction.
Lastly, the car also has an external sound system, which consists of two side speakers in addition to the IONIQ 5 N’s N Active Sound+ setup. This emits soundtracks to provide a more visceral driving experience.
The rear fender design acts as a sound box to enhance this audio experience. Manufacturers believe that the addition of such systems elevates the sedate and mundane driving experience associated with EVs.
