Founded in 2012, Hyundai's Rolling Lab division initially focused on the development of a mid-engined supercar, which unfortunately never went into production. This was followed by a series of other prototypes, all of which impressed with their screaming capabilities. Today it is the turn of the newest representative. It's called the Hyundai RN24, and like all its predecessors, it's no ordinary car.
It's based on the same twin-engine layout as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N - yes, it's an electric concept - but ditches many elements of the outgoing vehicle and instead relies on a custom chassis from the WRC world. Although the wheelbase is 34 cm shorter than the Ioniq 5 N, the N team (Hyundai's sports division) managed to install an 84 kWh battery. But only after changing the arrangement of the cells.
The result is a distinctly radical electric car, equipped with a roll cage without linings to minimize the amount of redundant elements. The result? Despite the draconian diet, the Hyundai RN24 weighs about 1880 kg, which is 350 kg less than the Ioniq 5 N. Visually, the RN24 resembles the new Inster. The Ioniq 5 N was not the only model "cannibalized" by the new Hyundai concept: the 19-inch matte black forged wheels are from the Elantra N model, and the spoiler from the TCR vehicles.
The Powertrain Drive Control Logic System, with which the driver can control the power of the electric motors via the buttons on the steering wheel, comes from the WRC, and the electronic handbrake, electronic torque control and special rally mode are from the Hyundai i20 N Rally1. The battery cooling system comes from the Ioniq 5 N model.
As you can see from the photos, the RN24 is designed for drifting, but it is also very fast on the flats. It reaches 100 km/h from a standstill in less than 3,4 seconds, and the maximum speed is 240 km/h. Fast and not (too) quiet: Thanks to the two side speakers that complement the two external speakers of the Ioniq 5 N, the Korean concept makes noise. Artificially, of course.
As you can imagine, Hyundai certainly has no plans to mass-produce the RN24, but the company claims it's not just a test vehicle. Rather, it is an initial test of future electric sports cars that could be introduced in the next few years.
