Hyundai N’s ‘rolling labs’ imagine performance EVs that aren’t so boring

Hyundai’s trying to maintain automobile tradition alive with its two performance-focused electrical automobile (EV) ideas it calls “rolling labs.” The RN22e includes a modified Ioniq 6 physique, and the N Imaginative and prescient 74 is modeled after the never-released 1974 Pony Coupe idea — however each characteristic a refreshing sporty design that doesn’t appear to be some kind of futuristic pod (or, effectively… this factor).

The 2 ideas come from Hyundai’s “N” sub-brand, which focuses on high-performance automobiles. The N Imaginative and prescient 74 is probably the most putting of the 2, and includes a design that pulls parts from the 2025 Hyundai N Imaginative and prescient Gran Turismo and the 1974 Pony Coupe idea that was initially designed by the long-lasting Giorgetto Giugiaro — the identical man who went on to make the DMC DeLorean.

However this iteration swaps the gas-powered engine for a hybrid hydrogen gasoline cell system able to pushing the automobile over 250 kph (155mph). There’s additionally the 62.4 kWh battery with 800V quick charging capabilities, in addition to an over 372-mile driving vary.

This isn’t Hyundai’s first try at creating an EV modeled after the Pony, although. In 2019, Hyundai confirmed off a forty five EV idea that’s alleged to pay homage to the traditional automobile (however doesn’t actually do it justice in my view). Hyundai later transformed a 70s-era Pony hatchback into an EV and geared up it with a bunch of cool retro-meets-modern parts.

The RN22e isn’t as flashy because the N Imaginative and prescient 74, however it’s nonetheless fairly modern. It makes use of the identical aerodynamic streamliner design because the Ioniq 6 that the corporate simply launched final week, which permits for extra environment friendly efficiency. Based on Hyundai, the RN22e has a 77.4kWh battery with 400 or 800V quick multi-charging functionality, in addition to a most velocity of over 250kph (155mph). And if you wish to bask in what Hyundai describes as an “emotional driving expertise,” you possibly can benefit from the RN22e’s N Sound Plus characteristic that generates pretend engine sounds as you drive.

Hyundai has been pushing out some spectacular idea automobiles recently, like this badass EV restomod. We don’t know if any of those ideas will ever make it out of the manufacturing unit door, however not less than we do know that Hyundai N’s releasing its first EV, the Ioniq 5 N, in 2023.