After releasing full details of the Ioniq 6 electric sedan, Hyundai wasted no time at Thursday’s N Day event to unveil the new RN22e concept, which teases what the future Ioniq 6 N might look like. Hyundai describes the RN22e as a rolling laboratory concept whose design and engineering will directly influence future electric vehicle production.
The RN22e uses the same 77.4 kWh battery pack as the standard Ioniq 6, but its twin motors have been boosted to produce 577 hp and 546 lb-ft of torque – an increase of 257 hp and 100 lb-ft over the Ioniq 6 (a figure also comparable to the Kia EV6 GT). It also has the same fast charging capability as the regular Ioniq 6, capable of charging from 10 percent to 80 percent in 18 minutes.
Hyundai says the RN22e is designed to maximize the N brand’s three pillars of performance: cornering ability, everyday sports car and track capability. To achieve the first point, the RN22e has an electronic limited-slip differential, a dual-clutch torque vectoring system and the ability to instantly select the amount of torque sent to the front and rear wheels. In addition, it uses some 3D printed parts to reduce weight and increase stiffness. For enhanced track capability, the RN22 has four-piston brake calipers with large 15.7-inch discs, and Hyundai is developing a regenerative braking system with the RN22e, which has improved yaw control. One of the hallmarks of Hyundai’s existing N-models is the sound and visceral character, and this is not lost on the RN22e. It has N-specific noise generators inside and out, and what is called the N e-shift provides shift feel and vibration.
The RN22e looks like a wild racing version of the Ioniq 6, but it’s easy to see how the design could translate to a production car. Overall, the RN22e is 2.4 inches longer and 5.7 inches wider than the standard Ioniq 6, with wider fenders that have large air intakes at the edges of the doors. In addition, the headlights become slimmer, there is a large vent on the hood, and the front bumper has a huge grille and additional air intakes. At the back, the RN22e has a larger protruding diffuser, a huge rear wing and an open section behind the rear wheels. Other new details include the N brand’s signature blue paint job, 21-inch wheels with cool center stripes and with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires and racing-style side mirrors.
The RN22e may be just a concept for now, but it will undergo extensive road and track testing to help Hyundai develop future N products. Hyundai also officially announced the production of the Ioniq 5 N, which will be the brand’s first electric performance car, and it will be available for public consumption when it goes on sale in 2023.
