Hyundai RN22e and N Vision 74 unveiled
The folks at Namyang were planning something big for this year’s N Day, and those plans have finally been uncovered! Hyundai’s N division has unveiled not one, but two interesting high-performance electric concept cars that offer a preview into the future of the performance-oriented brand. The RN22e looks familiar to the Ioniq 6 that was unveiled not too long ago, while the N Vision 74 is Hyundai’s take on a hydrogen fuel-cell powered high-performance vehicle.
Let’s start off with the RN22e, which is the first electric car to wear the N badge. The RN22e is based on the Ioniq 6, and it carries over the electrified streamliner profile. It is also underpinned by the same e-GMP platform, and is powered by two electric motors, one placed on each axle. This gives it a combined output of 576bhp and 740Nm of torque, maxing out at a claimed top speed of 250kmph. Backed by a 77.4kWh battery pack which supports 400V and 800V of fast charging, the RN22e completes a 10 to 80 per cent charge in a claimed 18 minutes.
The RN22e pushes the e-GMP platform to its limits as it focuses on being an everyday sportscar. Hyundai has worked on enhancing the driving experience of the RN22e as it gets dual-clutch torque vectoring to aid cornering abilities, and it also gets selectable drive modes to alter the amount of torque on both ends. Hyundai is also studying how to use regenerative braking for yaw control. To keep us enthusiasts entertained while behind the wheel, the RN22e gets speakers on the exteriors and interiors to generate driving sounds. In fact, Hyundai has also added in an N e-Shift system that will work in tandem with the speakers by adding vibrations normally associated with the activity of gear shifting. Now that’s something we are looking forward to!
On the other hand, we have the N Vision 74, which pays tribute to the Pony Coupe 1974 and the N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo concept cars. The retro design theme becomes further apparent with elements such as the covered wheels and the sharp, angular roofline, which just screams 1970s style! Primarily rear-wheel driven, the N Vision 74 is powered by a hydrogen fuel-cell hybrid setup with two electric motors that put out claimed figures of 670bhp and 900Nm of torque, maxing at a top speed of 250kmph. The N Vision 74 is also backed by a 62.4kWh battery pack that supports 800V fast charging, and claims a range of over 600km on a single charge. Hyundai hasn’t released pictures of the interiors, but it says the N Vision 74’s interiors are a modern reinterpretation of the one on the Pony Coupe concept.
The Korean car maker has said neither car has been confirmed for production, but it is safe to say that they both (the RN22e in particular) represent what the electrified future holds for us enthusiasts. It has also confirmed the Ioniq 5 N will make its global debut in 2023.
Meanwhile, the standard Ioniq 5 will reach Indian shores soon, and it is expected to go head-to-head against the BMW i4, the Kia EV6, and the upcoming Volvo XC40 Recharge once launched.
