Hyundai Built A Tube Frame EV Drift Thing

Hyundai's RN24 concept, introduced on "N Day," is an innovative vision for high-performance EVs, even more radical than its N Vision 74 predecessor.

Let's get this out of the way right now—the RN24 is a tube frame with a hot EV drivetrain. Hyundai is positioning it as a "Rolling Lab," designed to experiment with cutting-edge EV technologies rather than serve as a traditional concept vehicle. Hyundai’s focus with the RN24 was to build the most compact, high-performance EV package possible.

Built upon the Ioniq 5 N’s 641-horsepower dual-motor powertrain and 84-kWh battery pack, the RN24 incorporates a redesigned battery arrangement that takes up less space, making it lighter and more compact than the Ioniq 5 N itself. This setup allows it to sprint from 0-62 mph in a rapid 3.4 seconds while weighing in at around 4,144 pounds — over 700 pounds lighter than the Ioniq 5 N.

In a nod to Hyundai's World Rally Championship (WRC) heritage, the RN24 features rally-inspired suspension, dampers, and advanced drivetrain controls. The WRC-style Powertrain Drive Control Logic system offers a high degree of control over vehicle dynamics, including front-to-rear torque distribution, acceleration sensitivity, and regenerative braking — all adjustable via the steering wheel. Additionally, a “Rally Mode” torque control feature could potentially make its way to future Hyundai production models.

Among the other performance-focused features are a digital “e-Handbrake” optimized for rally maneuvers, 19-inch forged wheels from the Elantra N, and an external sound system that amplifies engine noises using speakers integrated into the vehicle’s frame. While the RN24 may not be intended for production, Hyundai hints that some of these technologies could be integrated into future N models, pushing the boundaries of EV performance.

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