- The Hyundai RN24 is a stripped-down EV concept
- Hyundai said the RN24 tests tech for future performance EVs
- Hyundai gave the RN24 features that mimic gas-powered cars such as sound
Hyundai is using a stripped-down test vehicle to develop its next generation of performance EVs.
The automaker on Friday unveiled the RN24 concept, which it describes as a rolling laboratory for testing technologies that could be used in vehicles for its N performance division. Hyundai has done this before with EV concepts like the RM20e and RN22e, but where those concepts used production vehicles as starting points, the RN24e goes in a more radical direction.
This concept is based around a bare chassis inspired by the one used by Hyundai in the World Rally Championship (WRC). Rally cars race with full bodywork, but Hyundai skipped that to keep the RN24 as light and compact as possible.
Hyundai RN24 concept
A 641-hp dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain has been borrowed from the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, but because the concept's wheelbase is 13.4 inches shorter, the Ioniq's 84-kwh battery pack had to be reworked to fit. To take full advantage of the nimble chassis, the steering was designed to match the speed of systems in Hyundai rally cars.
The suspension was inspired by Hyundai's rally cars as well, with similar dampers and high-rigidity subframes used, as were the electronic controls, which were taken directly from the current Hyundai i20 N Rally1 Hybrid. These include a powertrain controller that lets the driver adjust things like peak power, acceleration sensitivity, regenerative braking sensitivity, and more.
Hyundai RN24 concept
Other features are designed to mimic mechanical components in current rally cars. A Rally Mode is designed to distribute power among the four wheels in a manner similar to mechanical all-wheel-drive systems used in rally cars, and there's an electronic hand brake as well.
An upgraded version of the N Active Sound+ system from the Ioniq 5 N adds two speakers, and is designed to use the rear fenders as a soundbox to further enhance the audio experience. With the Ioniq 5 N, Hyundai has tried to use artificial sound and gear shifts to cater to enthusiasts. The RN24 indicates it's committed to that approach for the near term.
