Hyundai Gets Serious About Electric Performance Cars, Shows off Two Concepts

author: Vineeth Joel Patel   

A few years ago, Hyundai made some waves when it announced a new all-electric sub-brand called IONIQ. Now, the automaker sells the IONIQ 5, which stands out as one of the better all-electric vehicles on the market, while the IONIQ 6 is coming shortly. Now that Hyundai has proven that its IONIQ EV brand is real and capable of making standout options, it's looking to come out with some high-performance vehicles with electrified powertrains. 

Two Electrifying Concepts

At an event at Hyundai's Namyang R&D center outside of Seoul, South Korea, the automaker showcased two new concepts. Both are electrified and preview how Hyundai's high-performance N brand will pivot in an all-electric future. Based on the concepts that Hyundai showcased, it looks like the brand will certainly prioritize performance for its N brand. 

The first concept is called the RN22e and it's a race car that looks to the future. It's based on the upcoming IONIQ 6, but has a far more aggressive design and powertrain that makes it a highly capable performance car. Hyundai claims the RN22e, despite its race car look and serious performance, is a "glimpse of upcoming EV N." If Hyundai is serious about bringing a production vehicle that's based on the RN22e, we're excited to see that vehicle.

The RN22e prioritizes handling capability with a torque-vectoring system that utilizes two clutches. Standard all-wheel drive gives drivers the ability to select the amount of torque going to the front and rear wheels through different drive modes. Further helping the car's ability to get around a corner, Hyundai has tried to keep weight down by utilizing 3D printer parts where possible. 

While the RN22e is focused on getting around a corner as quickly as possible, the concept is still incredibly powerful. Hyundai states that the concept has dual electric motors that make a combined 577 horsepower and 546 pound-feet of torque. These figures match the Kia EV6 GT. The RN22e comes with a 77.4-kWh battery pack that can go from 10 percent to 80 percent charged in roughly 18 minutes. 

A Hydrogen-Powered High-Performance Car

The other concept Hyundai previewed is called the N Vision 74. Where the RN22e looks forward, the N Vision 74 looks to the past. The wedge-shape design is borrowed from the Hyundai Pony Coupe concept from 1974, hence the name. That vehicle was developed by Giorgetto Giugiaro. The design looks chunky and very much like a classic racer, but it's just as aggressive as the RN22e.  

Compared to the RN22e, the N Vision 74 is powered by hydrogen. It features two electric motors, a 4.2-kg compressed hydrogen tank, and a 62.4-kWh battery pack. Output is rated at 671 hp and 545 lb-ft of torque. The concept has an estimated range of 372 miles, though finding hydrogen in the real world is nearly impossible. 

Hyundai states that these two vehicles are "rolling labs" and are being used as inspiration for future models. We won't have to wait long to see what things make it to a production vehicles, as Hyundai confirmed that the brand's first N-badged vehicle will be the IONIQ 5 and should arrive in 2023. 

Vineeth Joel Patel

Joel Patel has been covering all aspects of the automotive industry for four years as an editor and freelance writer for various websites. When it comes to cars, he enjoys covering the merger between technology and cars. In his spare time, Joel likes to watch baseball, work on his car, and try new foods