New passenger SUVs? Taking a lifestyle? Promises about affordable, self-driving EVs? You won't find any of that junk here – this stripped-down, lightweight, high-powered EV is for the people who still want it call.
If you're sick of high-end, silent SUVs with built-in infotainment screens and a bunch of geniuses calling a bunch of soulless golf carts that cruise the movie without steering wheels like a utopia, the RN24 unchanged Hyundai N concept might be for you.
Powered by the PE system from the IONIQ 5 N's E-GMP platform the RN24 is a Group B S4 to the upcoming IONIQ 5 XRT's more sophisticated Delta HF Integrale. It's not a car, in the sense that it's not really meant to transport people and things from point A to B – but, while it may not haul groceries, it does haul donkeys.
“The RN24 is an example of Hyundai N's commitment to advancing electric vehicle technology by prioritizing the driving experience over numbers,” Joon ParkVice President of N Brand Management Group. “This Rolling Lab proves that there is still untapped potential for high-performance EVs and new technologies to come, so there's a lot to look forward to.”
Continuing that rally theme, the RN24 features an 84 kWh battery pack that retains the power capacity of the production XRT model, but allows for a 340 mm shorter wheelbase. That brings down the racy concept in the B-segment size … compared to the Hyundai i20 N Rally1 Hybrid World Rally.
The torque-vectoring drivetrain concept is also comparable to the i20 N Rally1, this setup helps maximize torque distribution to all four wheels. The mechanical performance of the i20 N Rally 1 is emulated by the RN24's 'Rally Mode' electronics, bringing the same performance in a cost-effective (read: “realistic”) fashion to future production cars.
The RN24 chassis, too, boasts a specially designed, rally-style suspension with rally-spec dampers and rigid subframes, while large aluminum coolers at the front and a high rear wing tie in the “Unlimited Class” concept of -Hyundai's beauty.
Hyundai knows what's going on
While the concept of lowering a car to open up its performance has been a staple of hot-rodders since the first T-bucket V8 came out of the drunken garage, the Hyundai N RN24 concept does it in a forward-looking way, with a few retro-futuristic touches that would feel right in a modern version. Ridge Racer just like they would in a real race car.
LEDs are fine. Active steering wheel is fine. Everywhere you look, Hyundai has perfected the RN24 concept.
It has a look
That said, Hyundai has made ia a few questionable decisions that detract from the RN24's flawless track deal.
First, Hyundai has installed the RN24 external sound system with two external speakers in addition to the IONIQ 5 N's N Active Sound+ setup. Hyundai says the car's soundtrack is “enhanced by the design of the rear fender that acts as a sound box, enhancing the sound experience and creating a passionate soundtrack for the fans that complements the car's high-performance capabilities.”
I like to think that the fans are there to see real racing, enjoy the facts, and decide not to hear the sounds of the fake engine through the speakers, but no one asked me.
It's okay, though – because I can ask you. What do you think of Hyundai's latest road-focused concept car? Is it enough to steal the show, distract everyone from Elon's madness, and spoil Scout's big reveal? Head down to the comments and let us know.
SOURCE | PHOTOS: Hyundai.
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