At first glance, the Hyundai RN24 might look like something straight out of a „Mad Max“ film – futuristic, minimalist, and a bit wild. But beneath its dramatic exterior lies a blend of Ioniq 5 N and rally technology that offers a hint of Hyundai’s upcoming performance EVs.
The Rolling Lab Tradition
Hyundai has a history of using concept vehicles as „Rolling Labs“ to preview future technology. Each bears an „R“ in its name for “Rolling Lab.” The R22N, for example, hid the Ioniq 5 N’s heart beneath an Ioniq 6 shell. Now, the Hyundai RN24 previews the next electric sports model, placed a notch below the Ioniq 5 N in the lineup, but aiming for even more fun. The formula sounds tempting: WRC plus Ioniq 5 N equals RN24. In other words, the 5 N’s technology goes into a rally chassis – a discipline the Korean carmaker has mastered, as proven by its WRC success.
The goal is a compact, lighter, and more powerful electric athlete that outperforms the Ioniq 5 N in cornering prowess. Not an easy task, but Hyundai knows that, for EVs, sheer power isn’t special anymore. Anyone can produce lots of horsepower. “It’s about power-to-weight,” says JooN Park, Vice President of the N brand. Hence, the Hyundai RN24 is about 200 kilograms lighter than the Ioniq 5 N, yet retains the same battery capacity and output. Both share the E-GMP platform, but the RN24’s wheelbase is 2,660 mm – 340 mm shorter than the Ioniq 5 N. The battery is also 165 mm shorter because engineers removed the power electronics from the ends and placed them atop the battery pack.
More than Just Power
The RN24’s dual motors (175 kW / 238 PS front, 303 kW / 412 PS rear) nominally match the Ioniq 5 N’s 478 kW / 650 PS peak, but can sustain maximum output longer. To channel this force, the RN24 boasts an extremely stiff chassis fitted with rally-spec suspension. A rear spoiler adds downforce, and the direct steering setup and software are rally-derived as well.
The RN24 offers five driving modes: Snow, Gravel, Tarmac, N-Drift, and N-Drift+. In N-Drift+, the 4×4 RN24 morphs into a pure rear-driver, giving the tail even more playfulness than the Ioniq 5 N. Front and rear mechanical and electronic locking differentials help distribute power precisely. A highlight is the e-handbrake, acting directly on the rear wheels by reversing torque vectoring, making hydraulic hardware unnecessary and ensuring immediate braking response. The long lever inside the cockpit is straight out of a rally car, and as we’ll find out, it’s no showpiece.
Putting the Hyundai RN24 to the Test
Strapped in with five-point harnesses, we face a rally-style steering wheel full of knobs and buttons. A press of one button conjures the deep growl of an eight-cylinder – an acoustic illusion, but keeping with the N tradition. Using the left rotary switch, we scroll through modes until we settle on “Snow.” The gear selector is turned to D, and off we go. In Snow mode, the front axle takes the lead, so no drifting yet. But we already sense the abundant power.
N-Drift+ is a different animal. Suddenly, the RN24 becomes a wild rear-driven machine, so sensitive that even a light tap of the pedal and a hint of steering input make the rear break loose. We wrestle the wheel, but it’s tough to keep the RN24 in check – our first attempt ends in a perfect donut. After a few tries, we get the hang of this edgy EV.
Then we switch to Tarmac mode, and the RN24 feels more balanced. Just a gentle pull on the handbrake and a tap of the throttle sends the tail swinging out, easily controlled. Precise throttle input keeps the EV carving steady arcs on the asphalt. The squeal of the tires, white smoke, and the pungent scent of burning rubber add to the drama. Sideways action at its best! The tires, however, aren’t thrilled.
After several rubber-incinerating drifts, we feel vibrations through the steering – time to pit before the tires explode. A quick glance confirms: the donuts have taken their toll. Fresh rubber is fitted, and we head onto a racetrack for a different challenge. Here, clean lines and careful braking count. The RN24 still wags its tail excitedly, demanding skillful inputs. Yet it remains manageable, proving its track prowess, too.
Fun is Guaranteed
While we test an extreme prototype, one thing’s clear: Hyundai’s future N EVs won’t be boring. The RN24 proves that behind the digital displays and the silent motors, joy and adrenaline can still thrive. The next N-model EV may be quieter than a rally car, but it’ll still put a grin on your face.
