Hyundai N goes electric with wild, sideways concepts

Following on from the debut of its sleek Ioniq 6, Hyundai has unveiled the model’s first N variant in concept form, alongside a stunning two-door coupe retro concept.

The reveal confirms Hyundai’s intention to electrify its N performance sub-brand; a move that has been rumoured for several months, underlined by sightings of a hotted up Ioniq 5 testing at the Nurburgring.

Indeed, the brand has confirmed that an Ioniq 5 N will debut next year. Although its details are still to be confirmed, expect to see more performance and even more off-the-wall styling from the plug-in crossover.

The two concepts breaking cover today are the N Vision 74 and the RN22e. The former is a hydrogen fuel cell hybrid wrapped in a ‘70s homage shell, and the latter is an insight into what a future Ioniq 6 N could look like. Both, Hyundai says, “are inspirational examples of N’s electrification vision”.

Both are labelled ‘rolling labs’ concepts. Hyundai says it’s rolling labs “are where it tests and verifies the company’s advanced technologies to apply them to future production models”.

“RN22e and N Vision 74 play an important role in the strategic development of our entire product lineup, especially our electrified, high-performance vehicles,” says Hyundai executive vice president Thomas Schemera.

“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.”

The N Vision 74 is the latest in a string of retro-inspired electric vehicles, following on from the brand’s restored and enhanced 1986 Grandeur and 1974 Pony projects. The latter is said to inspire much of the N Vision 74’s styling; namely its pointy front end.

The rest of the project looks like a warped, time attack trim version of the famed DeLorean DMC-12. A production berth down the line seems unlikely. It’s the brand’s first performance-orientated hydrogen concept, helping drum up interest in the brand’s oft forgotten other zero emissions wing.

Hyundai boasts that the concept’s hydrogen powertrain produces 500kW and 900Nm, with its 62.4kWh battery and 85kW hydrogen fuel stack good for a combined 600km range. While it may not go into production, learnings from the 74’s drivetrain could one day trickle down into a car that does.

The RN22e is much more likely to become production reality one day, particularly with an N version of the Ioniq 5 already confirmed.

Unsurprisingly the concept is based on the same E-GMP platform. Hyundai says it’s been developed with the same ‘corner rascal’ philosophy as the i20 N in mind. It gets dual motors, producing 430kW of power and 740Nm of torque. These are paired to a 77.4kWh battery, with a range around 500km most likely.

Despite the bevy of images of it sideways, Hyundai says the model is all-wheel drive, with the driver able to choose whether to send power to the front or rear end; a feature not unlike what Ford Performance did with its Mustang Mach-E 1400 prototype.

The RN22e also features 3D-printed parts to reduce weight, a comprehensive aero package inclusive of a big rear wing and front splitter, an e-LSD, twin-clutch-based torque vectoring, 400mm brake discs paired to four-piston monoblock calipers, and regenerative braking that considers the vehicle’s yaw.

Hyundai says that an integral part of the development of these two models is ensuring that they are fun enough to attract enthusiasm from enthusiasts by conjuring an “emotional driving experience”. Part of this, Hyundai says, includes plans for its electric N models to make noise, vibration, and shifting feel as part of what it calls its N Sound+ system.

“In just seven years, Hyundai N has become the fastest evolving performance brand,” says vice president of N brand management Till Wartenberg.

“N is moving forward to set new standards in sustainable high performance. We enthusiastically start this new chapter of electrified high-performance and will pursue this goal by using our creativity, engineering expertise and competitive spirit.

“These rolling lab projects are great assets to prepare the N’s electrification vision turning into reality, the IONIQ 5 N next year.”