Hyundai attempts to keep car culture alive with its two performance-focused electric vehicle (EV) concepts called "rolling labs." The RN22e features an altered Ioniq 6 body, and the N Vision 74 is sported after the never-released 1974 Pony Coupe vision — but both feature a stimulating sporty design that doesn't look like some futuristic pod.
The two concepts arrive from Hyundai's "N" sub-brand, which concentrates on high-performance vehicles. The N Vision 74 is the most impressive of the two.
It features a design that removes elements from the 2025 Hyundai N Vision Gran Turismo and the 1974 Pony Coupe concept initially conceived by the iconic Giorgetto Giugiaro — the same man who moved on to make the DMC DeLorean.
But this iteration switches the gas-powered engine for a hybrid hydrogen fuel cell design capable of driving the car over 250 kph. There's even the 62.4 kWh battery with 800V fast charging abilities and an over 372-mile driving range.
However, this isn't Hyundai's first shot at creating an EV modeled after the Pony. In 2019, Hyundai steered off a 45 EV concept that's thought to pay homage to the classic car. Hyundai later restored a 70s-era Pony hatchback into an EV and fitted it with some fantastic retro-meets-modern components.
The RN22e isn't as striking as the N Vision 74, but it's still pretty sleek. In addition, it utilizes the same aerodynamic streamliner format as the Ioniq 6 that the company just introduced last week, which allows for more efficient performance. According to Hyundai, the RN22e has a 77.4kWh battery with 400 or 800V fast multi-charging capability and a maximum speed of over 250kph (155mph). And if you want to indulge in what Hyundai characterizes as an "emotional driving experience," you can take advantage of the RN22e's N Sound Plus feature that causes fake engine sounds as you drive.
Hyundai has been pushing out some impressive concept cars, like this badass EV restomod. Of course, we don't know if any of these concepts will ever make it out of the factory door, but at least we know that Hyundai N's releasing its first EV, the Ioniq 5 N, in 2023.
Hyundai has revealed a new performance EV concept called the RN22e. It's based on the brand-new Ioniq 6 and previews the exciting motor and battery tech that'll underpin the upcoming Ioniq 5 N high-performance electric car.
The Hyundai RN22e concept has the same 77.4kWh battery as the new Ioniq 6, and it's powering two electric motors that send their power to all four wheels. Although Hyundai hasn't said for sure, these motors are likely shared with the 585hp Kia EV6 GT.
Combined, these motors produce 571hp and 740Nm of torque. That's around 27hp more than the BMW i4 M50. Hyundai hasn't given a 0-60mph sprint time, but it should sneak comfortably under the four-second mark.
You can expect this setup to make its way into the upcoming Hyundai Ioniq 5 N – a car that Hyundai's now confirmed will make its debut in 2023.
Don't expect the Ioniq 5 to match this RN22e concept's performance, but don't doubt it'll still be seriously rapid.
The Hyundai RN22e concept is packed with clever features to shave those precious milliseconds off your lap times – essential in a modern electric car.
The suspension is low and stiff to keep things level through the curves. In addition, the car is fitted with a clever electronic differential to help get the power down more effectively when accelerating out of tight corners.
This performance concept car is based on the recently revealed Hyundai Ioniq 6, but it's been given the full boy-racer, sorry, N-Performance treatment.
The most noticeable racy upgrade is the enormous rear wing, but don't let that distract you from the massive air intakes on the sides to cool the brakes. The sporty makeover is complete with a gaping front grille and some new side skirts (with signature bright-red N stripes).
The RN22e is just a concept car for now, and Hyundai hasn't confirmed if it'll be going on sale in its current form.
However, this car is likely to lay the foundations for the upcoming Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, which you could see as early as next year, and an Ioniq 6 N saloon that may appear later down the line. Expect the upcoming Ioniq 5 N to be close to £60,000.
RN22e offers a racetrack-ready performance by refining and optimizing Hyundai's market-leading E-GMP and packaging it in an IONIQ 6-based streamliner design. As Hyundai N's first rolling lab based on E-GMP, RN22e shows the electrified N brand's vision and direction while opening the possibility of a high-performance EV model in the future. The concept received its name because it is the rolling lab of the N brand developed in 2022 with EV performance.
RN22e is tested to maximize N's three performance pillars, starting with 'corner rascal.' N has been developing cornering capability since the brand launch and providing e-LSD, Corner Carving Differential, for most N models. RN22e elevates the corner-carving feel with inevitably heavier weight by exploring torque vectoring by twin clutch. Moreover, the 3D printed parts reduce weight and keep the rigidity for better corner attacks. Equipped with AWD, RN22e provides optimized torque distribution according to different drive modes, allowing drivers to choose the torque power on the front and rear wheels.
To enhance RN22e's racetrack capability, N focused on cooling and braking to improve endurance. RN22e provides track-optimized settings to let customers enjoy the circuit without derating. Four-piston monoblock calipers and a 400-mm hybrid disc allow RN22e to withstand the weight of its power electric (PE) system. In addition, Hyundai N will use RN22e to study how to deliver dynamic movement with regen-braking that precisely controls yaw and corner attacks.
As Hyundai N develops and verifies state-of-the-art technologies for transfer to N production models, RN22e plays a vital role as the rolling lab for upcoming EV N models. Knowing what exhilarates enthusiasts, N is developing new features, such as the emotional driving experience for electrified models. RN22e provides N Sound+, which generates sound from the interior and exterior speakers for a dynamic driving feel. In addition, N e-shift integrates the vibration and shifting feel with N Sound+. As a rolling lab, where Hyundai N continuously develops advanced technologies, these emotional driving experiences will be further developed in various types via RN22e so drivers can select their fun.
By adapting IONIQ 6's streamliner design, RN22e will leverage the new EV's aerodynamic features. To maximize the performance, Hyundai N has added motorsports-inspired details. Through low ground clearance and emphasized shoulders, Hyundai N achieved a design with a broad and sturdy stance. Furthermore, while maintaining IONIQ 6's structure, the lower bumper has been designed to be sporty, radiating an unexpected charm. With these functional aesthetics, RN22e could improve its cooling and aerodynamics.
Measuring 4,915 mm long, 2,023 mm wide, and 1,479 mm tall on a 2,950 mm wheelbase, RN22e will continue to develop with motorsports expertise. As a result, Hyundai can hone and perfect its advanced technologies to launch a mass-production electric N model utilizing the potential of E-GMP.
