The Hyundai N sub-brand is the Korean manufacturer’s high-performance division. And in line with the company’s commitment to clean mobility, it has released two concepts. Described as “rolling labs,” the RN22e and the N Vision 74 will serve as test beds for advanced technologies to be applied in future production models.
The RN22e is Hyundai’s vision for electrified N cars combining track-ready performance with its Electric-Global Modular Platform.
Based on the newly announced Ioniq 6, the RN22e was designed with excellent corner handling in mind, making use of torque vectoring via a twin-clutch system. To address the heavier weight of an EV, 3D-printed parts are used to minimize weight while maintaining rigidity.
Being designed for the circuit, the brakes have to be optimized for maximum performance, which is why it uses four-piston monoblock calipers and 400mm hybrid discs. Also, the RN22e will feature regenerative braking that adjusts for yaw during cornering.
The Ioniq 6 is already known as an “electrified streamliner,” and the RN22e takes this even further with lower ground clearance and emphasized shoulders for a wide and firm stance. More than just aesthetics, the lower bumpers were also designed to be functional with improved aerodynamics and cooling.
The RN22e will have 585hp and 740Nm, and a top speed of over 250km/h with its 77.4kWh battery. Thanks to its fast-charging capability, it can juice up from 10% to 80% in under 18 minutes.
Whereas the RN22e looks to the future, the N Vision 74 turns to the past. This rolling lab was based on the Hyundai Pony Coupe from 1974, which was designed by the legendary Giorgetto Giugiaro. This isn’t the first time Hyundai dealt with hydrogen power (the first was the N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo), but this will combine fuel-cell technology with an electric motor.
The electric motor produces over 680hp at the rear, with over 900Nm of torque from an 800V, 62.4kWh battery. On the other hand, the fuel cell system produces a net power output of 115hp (max of 129hp) with a tank capacity of 4.2kg, which can be refueled in five minutes.
All of this allows for a range of over 600km and a top speed of over 250km/h. To deal with the heat, there is a three-channel cooling system so performance won’t be compromised. The twin motors at the rear allow for torque vectoring for tactile and precise cornering.
“The RN22e and the N Vision 74 play an important role in the strategic development of our entire product lineup, especially our electrified, high-performance vehicles,” said Thomas Schemera, executive vice president and head of Customer Experience Division at Hyundai. “Rolling labs represent the continuous development of our most advanced technologies. This unique approach makes us ready for the challenges of the future by empowering us to push ourselves to the limit.”
While it’s sad that high-performance production cars will be gone soon, concepts like these give petrolheads hope that sports cars still have their place in an electric future.
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