Hyundai’s N Performance Line Explores Electric Future
Hyundai’s N lineup of performance offerings is looking to expand into electric vehicle territory. The most concrete news is that Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 electric crossover will be receiving the N treatment, expecting to launch sometime in 2023. Although no further details on the IONIQ 5 N were divulged, two high-performance, zero-emissions N vehicle concepts were given the spotlight.
The first concept is the RN22e. It’s built on the IONIQ 5 and 6’s E-GMP platform, “N-ifying” the latter’s streamliner design. Front and rear motors combined, it’s rated at approximately 577 horsepower and 546 lb-ft of torque. The RN22e is packaged with an electronic limited slip differential and a twin clutch transmission, among various cooling and handling improvements.
The second concept is a bit more sci-fi: the N Vision 74, which pays homage to the 1974 Hyundai Pony Coupe concept crafted by Giorgetto Giugiaro. Much of that DNA survives in the N Vision 74, from the sleek surfaces to the unique B pillar; however, it has been updated with Hyundai’s Parametric Pixel lighting and a large wing sailing in back, among other touches.
Aside from its retro-future looks, what sets this apart from other N’s is its fuel source; the N Vision 74 uses a hydrogen fuel cell system combined with a battery-electric setup. Living up to the sub-brand’s high performance nature, an estimated max output of over 671 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque is sent to the twin-motor rear-wheel drive system.