Hyundai RN24 is "rolling lab" for brand's sports EV development

The Hyundai RN24 has been revealed as the latest in a line of "rolling lab" test cars, using motorsport-inspired technology to preview the "near future" of the brand's high-performance EVs.

It is based on the same E-GMP platform as the Ioniq 5 N but sits 340mm shorter due to its redesigned 84kWh battery back. 

 

It pairs its battery pack with the Ioniq 5 N's 641bhp, 546lb ft dual-motor powertrain with a WRC-inspired lightweight chassis. This was part of a brief “to fit the most powerful EV powertrain into the smallest possible package”. 

Elsewhere under the skin, the RN24 features Hyundai’s WRC Powertrain Drive Control Logic system: steering wheel buttons and switches control acceleration sensitivity, regenerative braking strength, power balance and more.

It is pretty light for an electric car. This is mostly down to its exposed roll-cage. It weighs 1880kg – 355kg less than the Ioniq 5 N. It matches that car’s 0-62mph time of 3.4sec.

Aside from a host of experimental kit, one key feature is Rally mode. This electronically simulates the technical (and mechanical) four-wheel drive system used by the i20 N Rally1 to optimise torque distribution.

This, said Hyundai, shows that complex systems can be streamlined and made cost-effectively in EVs, enabling “a more realistic application in future production cars."

The RN24 has also been equipped with a next-generation WRC-derived software system, a large rear wing and faster steering to maximise agility and control for “rally car-level response”.