Hyundai’s latest concept in its boundary-pushing Rolling Lab series—the RN24—is rewriting the rules of what an electric vehicle can be. Far from the consumer-ready EVs we’re used to, the RN24 is an ultra-lightweight, purpose-built electric drift machine, engineered with one mission in mind: delivering pulse-pounding, sideways action while pioneering the future of high-performance EVs.
The journey of Hyundai’s Rolling Lab series began in 2012 with an ambitious, mid-engined supercar concept that hinted at where Hyundai’s performance ambitions were heading. Though that original car never made it to production, it established a culture of experimentation and innovation within Hyundai’s high-performance N division. Over the years, these “lab” vehicles evolved, with the division eventually shifting its focus toward electric powertrains in 2022’s RN22e concept.
Also, don’t forget that you can get discounted new car pricing with a free quote through qualified local dealer partners.
The RN24 builds on that electric blueprint but pushes it into new territory with a design so raw and stripped-down that it’s practically a skeleton on wheels. Based on the Ioniq 5 N’s electric architecture, the RN24 reimagines what an EV can be by incorporating components from World Rally Championship (WRC) technology, motorsport-grade performance elements, and a minimalist build that’s as purpose-driven as it is thrilling.
At the core of the RN24 is the same dual-motor setup and 84.0-kWh battery pack found in Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 N crossover. However, the similarities end there. Hyundai’s engineers have given the RN24 a bespoke chassis, designed from the ground up to prioritize agility, and shaved off a significant amount of weight by removing the Ioniq’s crossover body. With an exoskeleton-style roll cage and minimal bodywork, the RN24 comes in at a leaner 4,144 pounds—772 pounds lighter than the Ioniq 5 N.
Despite this weight reduction, the RN24 remains packed with performance features. The 19-inch forged matte black wheels from the Elantra N and a race-inspired rear spoiler borrowed from Hyundai’s TCR cars contribute to a serious motorsport look. This minimalist construction, coupled with rally-inspired styling, delivers a purpose-built EV like nothing else on the road.
The RN24 incorporates advanced technology from Hyundai’s rally cars, giving it exceptional performance and drift capabilities. The Powertrain Drive Control Logic system borrowed from Hyundai’s WRC vehicles allows the driver to tweak power distribution from the steering wheel, optimizing performance based on the track or road conditions. This system, along with customizable settings for front-to-rear power balance and regeneration braking, enables drivers to dial in a setup that suits their driving style.
The cooling system, a direct adaptation from the Ioniq 5 N, ensures the RN24’s powertrain remains effective even under intense driving conditions. An e-handbrake derived from WRC setups adds another level of drift control, allowing for precise slides and cornering. In Rally Mode, torque is distributed across all four wheels, echoing the setup of Hyundai’s gas-powered i20 N Rally1 hot hatch for maximum grip and agility.
While Hyundai’s RN24 is built to drift, it’s no slouch in a straight line. The concept can sprint from 0 to 62 mph in less than 3.4 seconds and has a top speed of around 149 mph, making it a formidable performer on and off the track. But speed isn’t the only way the RN24 makes an impression—its “soundtrack” includes an artificial roar projected by two side speakers, plus additional sound support from the Ioniq 5 N’s external speakers and custom rear fender soundboxes. This simulated growl ensures the RN24 makes its presence known, whether it’s flying by on a track or cutting through the streets.
Though the RN24 won’t make it to showrooms, it represents Hyundai’s commitment to pushing EV performance boundaries. The concept car embodies the brand’s ambition to lead in the high-performance electric segment, paving the way for future models like the upcoming Ioniq 6 N sedan. As Hyundai describes it, the RN24 is “initiating new conversations about next-generation high-performance EVs”—and it’s certainly doing that with a bang.
Hyundai’s RN24 may be a concept, but it’s a powerful statement about the possibilities for electric vehicles in the performance and motorsport arenas. With its radical design, motorsport tech, and blistering performance, it’s not just a car—it’s a vision of what’s to come.
