Hyundai Unleashes 640-HP Experimental EV Drift Car Inspired By Exo-Cars

For years, a slew of the word’s top automotive manufacturers have featured high-performance sub-labels, from BMW’s M Class to Mercedes AMG label to Acura’s Type R badge to Audi’s S line. In an effort to change the public’s perception of the brand, Hyundai tossed its hat in the high-performance sub-brand ring in 2018 with its N line. Over the last roughly half decade, Hyundai’s N lineup has given way to some incredible automotive creations, from ultra-potent, shockingly-quick production EV models like the IONIQ 5 N to radical one-off concepts like the N Vision 74.

Dubbed the RN24, the latest N-badged vehicle to roll out of the Korean car-maker’s Rolling Lab test mule program sees the company take various lessons and components learned and developed over the last few years and apply them to a single vehicle built solely with the aim of offering the most thrilling possible experience behind-the-wheel. 

The Basics

Unveiled at Hyundai’s N Day 2024 event, the RN24 is a factory-built fully-electric lightweight experimental concept built for drifting and behind-the-wheel hooliganism. This one-off concept showcases the strives Hyundai’s performance division has made in recent years while also foreshadowing the future direction that its N class electric vehicles are going in. 

Rally & Exo-Inspired Framework

The vehicles participating in the World Rally Championship face extremely grueling conditions and as such require immense strength, rigidity, and structural integrity in order to withstand the extreme stresses put on their chassis. So, when Hyundai’s engineers began developing the RN24’s frame, the team looked to WRC framework for inspiration, ultimately resulting in a lightweight chassis with incredible strength and rigidity. Taking ample influence from exo-cars, the concept’s frame has also been supplemented and reinforced via an exposed exoskeleton-style roll cage.

Go-Fast Technology

Also benefitting from the use of next-gen software, this all-electric experimental test mule is equipped with Hyundai’s WRC Powertrain Drive Control Logic system which allows drivers to adjusts PE Power, Acceleration Sensitivity, Regenerative Brake Sensitivity, and PE Power Balance using buttons located on the steering wheel. Riding on a set of 19-inch matte black forged wheels borrowed from the Elantra N, the RN24 also gets a special ‘Rally Mode’ motor torque control derived from the four-wheel drive system used on Hyundai’s i20 N Rally 1 racer, as well as an e-Handbrake, and a spoiler with 3D-printed gussets plucked directly from Hyundai Motorsport’s Touring Car Racing models. 

What Makes It Special

Above and beyond simply being an extremely fun concept, the RN24 unequivocally speaks to Hyundai’s commitment to delivering thrilling, performance-focused models as it continues transitioning to an all-electric lineup. With models like the 641-hp IONIQ 5 N already on the road, there’s no doubt that the company will continue churning out race-derived, high-power models in the future — or what Hyundai calls “N-thusiast cars.” 

Straight From The Horse’s Mouth

“RN24 exemplifies Hyundai N’s commitment to advancing electric motorsport technology by prioritizing the driving experience rather than spec numbers,” said Joon Park, Vice President of N Brand Management Group. “This Rolling Lab proves that there remains untapped potential for high-performance EVs and with new technologies ahead, there is much to look forward to.”

Spec Sheet

Pricing & Availability

Hyundai’s RN24 is a factory-built one-off and isn’t slated for production or for sale to the pubic. The IONIQ 5 N that lends its powertrain to the experimental concept is, however, available for purchase, starting from $66,100. 

Recap

Hyundai RN24 Concept

Hyundai stuffs the IONIQ 5 N’s 641-hp dual-motor powertrain into a custom WRC-inspired chassis in order to create a one-off experimental drift vehicle known as the RN24.

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