- The Hyundai RN24 is a scaled-down EV concept
- Called the rolling lab, Hyundais say the RN24 technology may power future EVs.
- Hyundai has given the RN24 features that mimic gas-powered cars such as noise
Hyundai is using the released test vehicle to develop its next generation of performance EVs.
The automaker on Friday unveiled the plan The concept of RN24describing it as a leading laboratory for testing technologies that can be used in vehicles in its N performance category. Hyundai has done this before with EV concepts like the RM20e and RN22e, but where those names used production cars as starting points, the RN24e goes for a solid step.
The concept is based on a bare chassis inspired by the one used by Hyundai in the World Rally Championship (WRC). Rally cars run with a full body, but Hyundai skipped that to keep the RN24 as light and compact as possible.
Hyundai RN24 concept
A 641-hp A dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain powers 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 make the most of the nimble chassis, the steering was designed to match the speed of the systems in Hyundai rally cars.
The suspension is also inspired by Hyundai rally cars, using the same dampers and rigid subframes, as well as electronic controls, taken directly from the Hyundai i20 N Rally1 Hybrid. This includes a powertrain controller that allows the driver to adjust things like maximum power, acceleration sensitivity, regenerative braking sensitivity, and more.
Hyundai RN24 concept
Some features are designed to mimic mechanical components in current rally cars. A Rally mode it is designed to distribute power between the four wheels in a manner similar to the all-wheel drive systems used in rally cars, and there is also an electronic hand brake.
An improved version of N Active Sound System+ from the Ioniq 5 N adds two speakers, and is designed to use the rear fenders as a sound box to enhance the sound experience. With the Ioniq 5 N, Hyundai has tried to use artificial noise and gear shifts to cater to enthusiasts. RN24 shows that it is committed to that approach in the near term.