Hyundai's N brand unveils two 'Rolling Lab' concepts
Hyundai Motor’s high-performance N sub-brand has revealed its electrification vision to demonstrate the company’s commitment to future-focused zero-emissions technologies. The RN22e and N Vision 74 are described as ‘rolling lab’ concepts and they "demonstrate Hyundai Motor’s ambition to become a leader in the zero-emissions future" according to the company.
The RN22e blends the all-new IONIQ 6 and the company’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E‑GMP), while setting a new standard in high-performance EVs. Meanwhile, the N Vision 74 combines EV technology with an advanced hydrogen fuel cell system, making it Hyundai N’s first hydrogen hybrid rolling lab to explore ‘driving fun’ in the electrification era.
“In just seven years, Hyundai N has become the fastest evolving performance brand,” says Till Wartenberg, Vice President of N Brand Management & Motorsport Sub-Division at Hyundai Motor Company. “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.”
The RN22e offers racetrack-ready performance by refining and optimising 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 N brand developed in 2022 with EV performance.
Equipped with AWD, the RN22e provides optimized torque distribution according to different drive modes that allows drivers to choose the torque power on the front and rear wheels. To enhance the RN22e’s racetrack capability, Hyundai N focused on cooling and braking to enhance endurance. Having four piston monoblock calipers and a 400-mm hybrid disc allows the RN22e to withstand the weight of its power electric (PE) system. In addition, Hyundai N will use the RN22e to study how to deliver dynamic movement with regen-braking that precisely controls yaw and corner attack.
By adapting IONIQ 6’s streamline design, the RN22e will leverage the new EV’s aerodynamic features. In order to maximize the performance, Hyundai N has added motorsports-inspired details. Through low ground clearance and emphasized shoulders, Hyundai N has achieved a design with a wide and sturdy stance. While maintaining IONIQ 6’s design, the lower bumper has been designed to be sporty, radiating an unexpected charm. With these functional aesthetics, the 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, the RN22e will continue to develop with motorsports expertise, so Hyundai can hone and perfect its advanced technologies to launch a mass-production electric N model utilizing the potential of E-GMP.
Inspired by Hyundai Motor’s heritage, the N Vision 74 is a high-performance hydrogen fuel cell hybrid rolling lab that underlines the company’s leadership in sustainable performance technology. The N Vision 74 is inspired by both technology and design, rooted in N’s sustainable vision announced in 2015 and Hyundai’s passion for high performance since 1974. In terms of design, the N Vision 74 pays an homage to the Hyundai Pony Coupe concept from 1974, which was developed by the legendary car designer Giorgetto Giugiaro. The concept was then built into prototypes for Hyundai’s first production sports car. Although it could not reach production in the end, the daring attitude set the tone for the entire company.
“The N Vision 74’s future-oriented design reflects the respect and appreciation we have for the dedication and passion that went into the Pony Coupe concept,” said SangYup Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of Hyundai Design Center.
Measuring 4,952 mm long, 1,995 mm wide and 1,331 mm tall on a 2,905 mm wheelbase, it is the first high-performance rolling lab built on the most advanced hydrogen fuel cell system that Hyundai N has ever created. But this is not the first time for N to deal with fuel cell technology; the N Vision 74 was also inspired by the concept car Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo, which was unveiled in 2015 with the launch of N brand to envision the future of hydrogen-based high performance.
Just seven years later, Hyundai N is setting its sights even further by realising its passion for ‘fun to drive’ and imagination. Hyundai’s engineers developed a hybrid structure of a battery-electric in combination with an FCEV system, which is placed in an all-new layout. By having fuel cell system and battery-electric powering the N Vision 74 together, the cooling efficiency is improved, while the two different power sources can be used depending on different driving conditions. This fine-tuned logic system enables better torque vectoring by twin motors on the rear, allowing a precise and responsive cornering experience. Moreover, N Vision 74 explores the balance between the performance and cooling with a three-channel cooling system.
In 2012, Hyundai embarked on Project RM to showcase its expertise in developing new technology and innovation. Through this project, the company develops and connects new high-performance technology from motorsport with future N models. The name of the project refers to the N prototype model’s ‘Racing Midship’ rear-drive, midship powertrain configuration. The fundamental difference of this design provides an ideal balance of handling and agility from a low polar moment of inertia.
Hyundai N has now unveiled the new series of rolling labs under a different name to set the new standard of next-generation high performance. As the N brand continues to pursue its three pillars of N performance, the RN22e and N Vision 74 are being tested to maximise racetrack capability, its everyday sports car characteristic and ‘corner rascal’ features. N will also stay true to its philosophy in the era of electrification.
For Hyundai’s Motorsport division, success is defined in broader terms than simply winning races and earning titles; it also exists to develop independent knowledge and collect data that can be shared with the company to enable Hyundai to build better cars. With its motorsport background, these benefits are transferred to consumer vehicles. The participation in ETCR implies Hyundai’s passion for sustainable high performance.
More details about N’s electrification vision with RN22e and N Vision 74 are on ‘Hyundai N Worldwide’ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/hyundainworldwide
