Hyundai RN24 debut at N Day 2024 showcases the future of compact, high-performance EVs

Hyundai’s N Day 2024, an online event, is the place to be if you’re interested in seeing what the future of electric performance could look like. During the annual event, Hyundai showed off its latest ‘Rolling Lab,’ dubbed the RN24.

Built on the Ioniq 5 N’s advanced electronics and a chassis inspired by the World Rally Championship (WRC), the RN24 shows that Hyundai is going full throttle, using its competitive racing experience to bring high-performance, compact, and lightweight electric vehicles to the masses.

Related: 2024 Hyundai Elantra N gets a makeover in Shanghai

Hyundai’s Rolling Lab bridges the gap between race cars and N production models

Hyundai’s ‘Rolling Lab’ is a part of Hyundai N, the performance brand that designs cars with a focus on performance and thrills rather than complete and total practicality.

The “N” branding symbolizes Hyundai’s dedication to performance on the Nürburgring track as well as a nod to the Namyang Research and Development Center in South Korea. Notably, Hyundai ended ICE development at the R&D center back in 2022.

“Hyundai N is not just a brand but a representation of our commitment to innovation and high performance,” said Manfred Harrer, Executive Vice President and Head of the Genesis and Performance Development Tech Unit.

The ‘Rolling Lab’ serves as a testbed for Hyundai’s latest innovations in high-performance design and technology. Hyundai’s dedication to electrification gives the Korean automaker the perfect opportunity to simultaneously push and break the boundaries of the standard driving experience.

In 2012, the RM series made its way to the public eye and kicked off the ‘Rolling Lab’ demonstrations. Since then, Hyundai has introduced a couple more popular test models, including the RN22e and N Vision 74. The RN24 is the latest in high-performance tech that the Korean automaker hopes to include in production models in the near future.

Hyundai N prioritizes the three pillars of performance

To create some of the most thrilling compact models on the road today, Hyundai N focuses on optimizing their three pillars of performance: corner rascal, racetrack capability, and everyday sports car. Each pillar plays a major role in the design philosophy of N vehicles.

The “N” in the division’s name is more than just branding. It signifies that the resulting electric vehicles emphasize fun driving dynamics, like cornering, rather than speeding off in a straight line. “Corner Rascal” highlights the sharp handling included in each N production model.

Racetrack Capability is a fairly simple pillar of performance. Hyundai N EVs are designed with performance enthusiasts in mind. They often blend power and handling while maintaining the basic necessities for daily driving.

The final pillar of performance, “Everyday Sports Car,” targets the overall aesthetic the electric car brings to the road. Aggressive lines, athletic wheels, and rear wings are just a few design aspects that make N models stand out. Special driving modes, like N Mode, adds to the overall driving experience by maximizing performance and throttle response.

RN24 brings a powerful EV powertrain in a small package

The RN24 follows the RN22e and N Vision 74 concept’s lead and aims to answer one question. Just how fast and how wild can Hyundai make the electric cars of the future?

In order to showcase Hyundai N’s vision for the future, the RN24 packs the Ioniq 5 N’s 650 PS dual-motor power electronics system. A lightweight electric vehicle chassis carries a redesigned battery pack that maintains a 84-kWh capacity while letting the designers cut the wheelbase a bit.

Related: Hyundai 'Nfluencer' reports a $20K dealer markup on Ioniq 5 N

The chassis itself features a WRC-style suspension with high-rigidity subframes. The RN24 also comes equipped with an advanced WRC Powertrain Drive Control Logic system that gives drivers control over a number of sport specs via the steering wheel buttons. Finally, a faster steering setup in the RN24 puts it on par with a rally car.

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In order to really put high-performance tech through its paces, Hyundai N bolstered the RN24 with Rally Mode motor torque control that optimizes torque distribution to all four wheels. e-Handbrake, inspired by Hyundai N’s decade-long history in the WRC, eliminates the need for physical brakes for crucial rally processes, like side brake preheating. That tech was put on display at WRC’s Central European Rally not all that long ago.

Visually, the RN24 is far from a production model by any standard. The roll cage, another feature inspired by the WRC, performs two vital functions. First, it protects the occupant. Second, it adds to the model’s overall performance and stability at high speeds.

Those familiar with Hyundai’s rally car prowess and the current N models in production might recognize two elements in the RN24. The spoiler is a replica of those found on Hyundai Motorsport’s Touring Car Racing models. The RN24 rides on 19-inch matte black forged wheels borrowed from the Hyundai Elantra N.

All in all, the RN24 showed off at N Day 2024 and set a high standard for Hyundai's EVs going forward. Going into the demonstration, Hyundai N expected the ‘Rolling Lab’ to hit 60 miles per hour in under 3.4 seconds. Total motor output came to 174 KW, plus an additional 303 KW with boost. The total battery capacity remains at 84 kWh. Altogether, the RN24 weighed in at around 4,144 pounds.

Related: Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo Concept looks ready for Le Mans

Final Thoughts

With N Day 2024 having come and gone, we’ve gotten a good look at Hyundai N’s vision for the future of electric vehicles. High-performance compact cars have been pushed to the wayside in favor of trucks and SUVs that seem to get bigger with each passing year. Their return could certainly shake up the automotive industry, especially with Hyundai going all in on electrification while many major automakers lag behind.