Hyundai unleashes 430kW IONIQ 6 N concept

Hyundai's high-performance N sub-brand has unwrapped two new concepts at the Busan motor show today.

Claimed to demonstrate the Korean car-maker's commitment to a zero-emissions future, the two new concepts – named the RN22e and the N Vision 74 – are both said to be examples of how the N performance brand will adapt to an electrified future.

The RN22e is based on the recently revealed IONIQ 6 and the four-door electric sports sedan packs a more powerful high-performance pure-electric powertrain.

Powered by the same 77.4kWh lithium-ion battery as the regular IONIQ 6, the N variant boasts dual motors that produce a big 430kW of power and 740Nm of torque – a sizeable step up from the 239kW/605Nm outputs of the regular dual-motor system.

Hyundai N hasn't revealed how quick the RN22e is, but a 0-100km/h sprint time of less than four seconds is almost guaranteed, along with a 250km/h top speed.

More importantly for Hyundai's N performance brand is the demonstration of some of the new chassis technologies showcased by the latest concept for a faster all-electric N model.

New tech includes twin-clutch differentials for superior torque vectoring (instead of using the brakes), while 3D printed parts are said to reduce weight, maintain rigidity and, presumably, reduce cost for low-volume N models.

Smarter and more sophisticated software governing the chassis will also play a role, with driver modes virtually adjusting front-rear torque split to deliver more engaging handling.

Said to feature enhanced cooling for prolonged track use, the RN22e gets bigger 400mm brake discs with four-piston mono-block callipers, but the biggest innovation is how Hyundai N will use energy regeneration to improve and control yaw through corners to reduce underster and oversteer.

As seen with the standard IONIQ 6, the N division is also experimenting with new soundscapes to inject added excitement to the driving experience. Even integrating extra vibrations to heighten the experience appears to be on the menu for future N EVs.

As demonstrated by the concept, the IONIQ 6 N will also boast an all-new aero package inspired by its motorsport activities, with the N version getting a wider, lower stance.

The next concept revealed by Hyundai today, the N Vision 74, is claimed to showcase a high-performance variant of Hyundai's hydrogen fuel-cell technology.

Said to draw stylistic inspiration from both the 2015 Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo and, curiously, the 1974 Giorgetto Giugiaro Hyundai Pony Coupe concept, the N Vision 74 gets an advanced powertrain that combines a fuel-cell and battery-electric powertrain.

In total, power and torque outputs are claimed to exceed 500kW and 900Nm. Again, acceleration has not been disclosed, but the beauty of the fuel-cell system is the battery is downsized to 62.4kWh and the fuel-cell system not only takes just five minutes to fill, it provides a range of more than 600km.

The advantage of the hybrid set-up extends to cooling, while in normal driving the two powertrains can be used differently depending on the different conditions. The EV can power the N Vision 74 around town while the fuel-cell kicks in over longer distances.

Mounting twin-electric motors on the rear axle is also said to guarantee fun driving with precise and responsive torque vectoring.

For now, neither the Rn22e nor N Vision 74 have been confirmed for production, although the real IONIQ 6 N is rumoured to arrive in early 2025.