Hyundai just took the covers off of two concept cars previewing the electrified future of its N performance arm. One of them also gives us a glimpse of an upcoming production model. That car is the Hyundai RN22e, a go-fast Ioniq 6 with wider fenders, a lowered suspension, and a massive rear wing. The second is a retro-futuristic homage to the 1974 Pony Coupe called the N Vision 74 with a unique hydrogen fuel cell powertrain.
Hyundai RN22e
Like the RM20e, the RN22 serves as a rolling laboratory where Hyundai tests its latest components. The RN22e features a dual-motor AWD setup with 577 hp and 546 lb-ft of torque backed by a 77.4-kWh battery. It takes all of the advantages of the E-GMP platform and puts it in a high-performance application. Go-fast goods include an electronically-controlled limited-slip differential, twin-clutch torque vectoring, and track-ready brakes with four-piston monoblock calipers and 400-mm hybrid discs.
Hyundai N will use the RN22e for testing unique components for performance cars. These include the N Sound+, which creates unique sounds via interior and exterior speakers to enhance the driving experience. It also includes N e-shift, which integrates the sensations of gears shifting. Additionally, the N brand will also use the RN22e to improve performance via aerodynamic tweaks and to take advantage of the Ioniq 6’s slippery shape.
The first vehicle to benefit from the knowledge gained from the RN22e is the upcoming Ioniq 5 N. Due out in 2023, the performance variant of the quirky SUV serves as the first battery-electric vehicle wearing the N badge. That’s not the end of it though. Based on Hyundai using the Ioniq 6 as one of its rolling labs, that’s also getting the N treatment. Unfortunately, you’ll need to wait until mid-decade to get your hands on that.
Hyundai N Vision 74
Alongside the RN22e, the Hyundai N Vision 74 also debuted. Under the skin hides a peculiar powertrain, combining elements of an EV and a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. Like the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6, it sports pixel lighting elements and aerodynamic wheels. The requisite giant wing and aggressive diffusers also make an appearance. These maximize the retro-futuristic aura, especially when combined with the angular exterior. In terms of exterior dimensions, the N Vision 74 is a midsize coupe at 195 inches long, 78.5 inches wide, and 52.4 inches tall. Its 114.3-inch wheelbase also seems to indicate that this uses a heavily modified version of the E-GMP platform.
This isn’t Hyundai’s first go at a high-performance hydrogen fuel cell prototype. It showcased the 671-hp Vision FK last year sporting a similar setup. In a way, the N Vision 74 builds on that prototype via two rear-mounted electric motors a 62.4-kWh battery, and a 95-kW fuel cell stack. As a result, the car makes 670 hp and 664 lb-ft. To achieve that high level of performance, Hyundai N uses a three-channel cooling system and an exterior designed to improve the car’s heat management. It also includes two-motor torque vectoring for improved cornering.
Although we won’t see the N Vision 74 go into production, it serves as the testbed for future products. Together with the RN22e, these vehicles will inform the future of Hyundai’s performance vehicles. They’ll seamlessly allow for the transfer of knowledge from motorsport to the road. Additionally, they also show that sustainable mobility won’t come at the cost of fun.
Source: Hyundai
