Hyundai RN24 is rolling test bed that previews future hot EVs

Hyundai has unveiled the RN24, a bare-bones rolling lab that uses motorsport-inspired tech to preview the “near future” of the brand’s high-performance EVs.

Based on the same E-GMP platform as the Ioniq 5 N but 340mm shorter, thanks to a redesigned battery pack, the concept pairs its sibling’s 641bhp, 546lb ft dual-motor set-up with a lightweight, WRC-inspired chassis.

This was part of a brief “to fit the most powerful EV powertrain into the smallest possible package”.

That set-up, along with its exoskeleton-style exposed roll cage, leaves the car weighing 1880kg, 355kg lighter than the Ioniq 5 N, while matching its 3.4sec 0-62mph sprint time. It's limited to 149mph.

“This rolling lab is not just a test vehicle; it’s a platform for initiating new conversations about next-generation high-performance EVs,” said Hyundai.

Much of the RN24's bodywork (albeit limited) is shared with the incoming Hyundai Inster, opening the possibility of a Inster N in the future.

The concept draws power from an 84kWh battery pack, the same size as found in the Ioniq 5 N, where it's good for 278 miles of range. Given the concept’s usage, Hyundai has boosted its battery and motor cooling.

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

As part of that, the concept gets a Rally Mode, which electronically simulates the technical (and mechanical) four-wheel drive system used by the i20 N Rally1 to optimise torque distribution to the wheels.

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

Elsewhere, the RN24 features Hyundai’s WRC Powertrain Drive Control Logic system. As found in the brand’s WRC cars, this adds a host of buttons and switches to the steering wheel that control acceleration sensitivity, regenerative braking sensitivity, power balance and more. 

Like the Ioniq 5 N, the RN24 uses an N Active Sound+ system that mirrors the sound of a combustion engine for an “immersive soundtrack”.

“Hyundai N is not just a brand but a representation of our commitment to innovation and high performance,” said Manfred Harrer, Hyundai's performance development tech boss. “[The] RN24 is a testament to our bold ambitions for the future.”