At the heart of the RN24 is the same dual-motor setup and 84.0-kWh battery pack as found in the Ioniq 5 N, a vehicle that’s already impressive in its own right. Yet, Hyundai’s engineers took this familiar foundation and transformed it into something entirely unique. The RN24 ditches the weighty crossover structure of the Ioniq 5 N in favor of a lightweight chassis inspired by Hyundai’s World Rally Championship (WRC) expertise. With a wheelbase that’s 13.3 inches shorter than its sibling, the RN24 required clever engineering to accommodate the entire battery pack, which they managed by reorganizing the cells.

This radical approach to design resulted in an EV that weighs approximately 4,144 pounds—about 772 pounds lighter than the Ioniq 5 N—thanks in part to its exoskeleton-style roll cage and pared-down bodywork.

Hyundai borrowed heavily from its motorsport components bin to turn the RN24 into a serious track contender. The 19-inch forged matte black wheels come from the Elantra N sports sedan, and the rear spoiler has roots in Hyundai’s TCR race cars. The RN24 also incorporates Hyundai's Powertrain Drive Control Logic from its WRC lineup, allowing the driver to adjust power delivery on the fly through buttons on the steering wheel. Drivers can modify the power balance between the front and rear axles and adjust the responsiveness of the accelerator and regenerative braking, making the RN24 a truly customizable performance EV.

Hyundai didn’t stop there; the cooling system is adapted from the Ioniq 5 N, while the e-handbrake draws inspiration from WRC tech, enhancing the car's drift capabilities. An electronic motor torque control emulates the mechanical feel of the i20 N Rally1's system, and a dedicated "Rally Mode" enables a similar four-wheel-drive experience to that of Hyundai’s gas-powered hot hatchbacks.

The RN24 is all about going sideways, but it’s no slouch in a straight line either. It accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in under 3.4 seconds, and its top speed is estimated at 149 mph. In an innovative twist, Hyundai has equipped the RN24 with artificial sound enhancements. With two side speakers and two external speakers derived from the Ioniq 5 N, plus the added resonance from rear fenders that double as a soundbox, the RN24 offers a visceral, almost combustion-engine-like sound experience.

While Hyundai has no intention of mass-producing the RN24, it represents more than just an experimental prototype. Hyundai describes the RN24 as a vehicle intended to spark conversations about the future of high-performance electric vehicles. By combining lightweight design, innovative battery placement, adjustable performance controls, and motorsport-grade components, the RN24 serves as both a testbed and an inspiration for the future of electric drift and performance vehicles.

Hyundai’s RN24 is a bold step toward exploring the uncharted waters of high-performance EVs. As we look ahead to the Ioniq 5 N and the upcoming Ioniq 6 N, it's clear that Hyundai's commitment to redefining EV performance is only getting started. The RN24 may not hit the streets, but its innovations are sure to shape Hyundai's next generation of high-powered electric vehicles.