2024 Hyundai RN24 rolling lab unleashed

Hyundai N has a new toy – the 2024 Hyundai RN24 rolling lab.

Following on from the IONIQ 6-based RN22e, the RN24 pairs the IONIQ 5 N’s monstrous 478kW/770Nm dual-motor powertrain with a compact WRC-inspired chassis to loosely preview the next chapter of Hyundai N’s BEV endeavours.

The world has been crying out for smaller and more affordable electric performance cars for years now and despite the supercar-like outputs, the RN24 teases exactly that seeing as it dons a few select Inster-esque body panels and has an identical wheelbase to the current Kona (2660mm).

Putting all this together points to the eventual emergence of an electric Kona N – the Kona’s been around longer than the Inster and has more room for the go-fast gear – though we likely won’t see anything to do with the production car until next year sometime given the first IONIQ 5 N teaser came roughly six months after the reveal of the RN22e.

Wedged between the RN24’s axles is a redesigned and repackaged 84kWh lithium-ion battery pack which, combined with the smaller dimensions and inherent lack of body panels or interior, yields a kerb weight of 1880kg – some 350kg less than the IONIQ 5 N.

Zero-100km/h is said to take lass than 3.4 seconds on the way to an ‘estimated’ top speed of 245km/h.

The whole package rolls on 19-inch forged alloy wheels pinched off the i30 Sedan N and is supported by a WRC-style suspension setup with rally-spec dampers and high-rigidity subframes.?

Other WRC-sourced tech includes the rally car’s ‘Powertrain Drive Control Logic’ system, which allows drivers to alter the powertrain’s outputs, acceleration sensitivity, regenerative braking sensitivity and torque split via buttons on the steering wheel, as well as a regenerative-based e-brake.

The steering ratio is lifted straight out of the i20 N Rally1 Hybrid WRC car while the IONIQ 5 N lends its N Active Sound+ setup, albeit with two extra speakers and a specially designed rear bumper which acts as a soundbox.

Enhancements have also been made to the powertrain’s cooling systems (motors and battery) so the RN24 can go harder for longer, particularly in close-quarters or slippery conditions where its ‘Rally Mode’ motor torque control comes into play.

“Like Hyundai N’s four-wheel drive system used on the i20 N Rally 1, this setup helps optimise the distribution of torque to all four wheels,” Hyundai said.

“The performance of the i20 N Rally 1’s mechanical technology is simulated by RN24’s ‘Rally Mode’ electronic motor torque control, streamlining the system in terms of complexity and cost for a more realistic application in future production cars.”

Genesis and Performance Development Tech Unit boss Manfred Harrer added the “RN24 is a testament to” to N’s “bold ambitions for the future”.

The next electric N car to hit the market will be the Taycan-rivalling Hyundai IONIQ 6 N which was recently spotted testing on and around the Nürburgring.

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