Absolutely WILD Hyundai N RN24 concept is here to steal the show
New passenger-hauling SUVs? Lifestyle pickups? Promises about affordable, self-driving EVs? You won’t find any of that trash here – this cut-down, lightweight, massively powerful EV is for people who still want to drive.
If you’re sick of posh, quiet SUVs built around their infotainment screens and a bunch of weird nerds calling a pack of soulless golf carts shuffling around a movie without steering wheels a utopia, Hyundai N’s absolutely unhinged RN24 concept might just be for you.
Powered by the PE system from IONIQ 5 N’s E-GMP platform the RN24 is the Group B S4 to the upcoming IONIQ 5 XRT‘s ever so slightly more civilized Delta HF Integrale. It’s not a car, in the sense that it’s not really meant to shuttle people and things from point A to B – but, while it may not haul groceries, it surely hauls ass.
“RN24 exemplifies Hyundai N‘s commitment to advancing electric motorsport technology by prioritizing the driving experience rather than spec numbers,” Joon ParkVice President of N Brand Management Group. “This Rolling Lab proves that there remains untapped potential for high-performance EVs and with new technologies ahead, there is much to look forward to.”
Continuing that rally theme, the RN24 features an 84 kWh battery pack that retains the production XRT model’s energy capacity, but allows for a 340 mm shorter wheelbase. That brings the racy concept down to B-segment size … comparable to the Hyundai i20 N Rally1 Hybrid World Rally racer.
The concept’s torque-vectoring drivetrain is also comparable to i20 N Rally1, this setup helps optimize the distribution of torque to all four wheels. The performance of the i20 N Rally 1’s mechanical technology is simulated by RN24’s ‘Rally Mode’ electronics, delivering similar performance in a way that’s more cost-effective (read: “realistic”) for future production cars.
The RN24’s chassis, too, boasts a specially designed, rally-style suspension setup with rally-spec dampers and high-rigidity subframes, while a pair of massive aluminum coolers up front and a towering rear wing tie up the concept Hyundai’s “Unlimited Class” aesthetic.
Hyundai knows what’s up
While the concept of cutting a car down to its essence to unlock performance has been the hot-rodders’ way since the first T-bucket V8 rolled out of some drunken moonshiner’s garage, the Hyundai N RN24 concept does it in a way that manages to be forward looking, with a few retro-future touches that would feel as appropriate in a modern version of Ridge Racer as they would in a for-real racing car.
The LEDs are right. The hundred function steering wheel is right. Everywhere you look, Hyundai did the RN24 concept right.
It’s got the look
That said, Hyundai did make a few questionable choices that take away from the RN24’s otherwise impeccable track cred.
For starters, Hyundai fitted the RN24 with an external high-output sound system featuring two outward-facing side speakers in addition to IONIQ 5 N’s N Active Sound+ setup. Hyundai says the vehicle’s soundtrack is “augmented by a rear fender design that acts as a soundbox, enhancing the sound experience and creating an immersive soundtrack for fans that complements the vehicle’s high-performance capabilities.”
I like to think the fans are there to see real racing, experience real thrills, and decidedly not to hear fake engine noises synthesized through speakers, but no one asked me.
That’s OK, though – because I can ask you. What do you think of Hyundai’s latest track-focused concept car? Is it enough to steal the show, distract everyone from Elon’s crazy rants, and spoil Scout’s big reveal? Head down to the comments and let us know.
SOURCE | IMAGES: Hyundai.
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Tesla’s retro-futuristic diner with Superchargers and giant movie screens is ready to open, and I have to admit, it looks pretty sick.
This project has been in the works for a long time.
In 2018, Elon Musk said that Tesla planned to open an “old school drive-in, roller skates & rock restaurant at one of the new Tesla Supercharger locations in Los Angeles.” It was yet another “Is he joking?” kind of Elon Musk idea, but he wasn’t kidding.
A few months later, Tesla applied for building permits for “a restaurant and Supercharger station” at a location in Santa Monica. However, the project stalled for a long time, apparently due to local regulations.
Nevertheless, Tesla still moved forward with a Supercharger at the location, but it had to move the diner project to Hollywood. In 2022, Tesla filed the construction plans with the city, giving us the first look at what the automaker intends to build.
In 2023, the automaker broke ground on the site of the diner.
7 years after being originally announced, the project appears now ready to open:
Musk said that he ate at the diner last night and claimed that it is “one of the coolest spots in LA.” He didn’t say when it will open, but Tesla vehicles have been spotted at Supercharger and people appear to be testing the dinning experience inside.
A Tesla Optimus Robot can be seen inside the diner on a test rack. It looks like Tesla might use one for some tasks inside the diner.
Earlier this year, Tesla integrated the diner into its mobile app – hinting at some interaction through the app – possibly ordering from it.
Electrek’s Take
I think it looks pretty cool. I am a fan of the design and concept.
However, considering the state of the Tesla community, I don’t think I’d like the vibes. That said, it looks like Tesla isn’t prominently pushing its branding on the diner.
You can come and charge there, but it looks like Tesla is also aiming to get a wider clientele just for dining.
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Hyundai’s electric minivan is finally out in the open. The Staria EV was caught without camo near Hyundai’s R&D center in Korea, giving us a closer look at the electric minivan undisguised.
Hyundai’s electric minivan drops camo ahead of debut
The Staria arrived in 2021 as the successor to the Starex, Hyundai’s multi-purpose vehicle (MPV). Although the Staria has received several updates throughout the years, 2026 will be its biggest by far.
Hyundai will launch the Staria EV, its first electric minivan. Like the current model, the 2026 Staria will be available in several different configurations, including cargo, passenger, and even a camper version.
We’ve seen the Staria EV out in public a few times already. Last month, we got a glimpse of it while driving on public roads in Korea.
Despite the camouflage, new EV-like design elements were visible, including updated LED headlights and a full-length light bar. Although it’s still unclear, the electric version appears to be roughly the same size as the current Staria from the side, but slightly wider from the front.
New images posted on the South Korean forum Clien reveal a test car, expected to be Hyundai’s Staria electric minivan, without camo.
Like most Hyundai test cars, the prototype has a black front and a grey body. It still features a similar look to other prototypes we’ve seen, but you can clearly see the new facelift.
Earlier this year, a Staria EV was spotted in a parking lot in Korea, featuring a similar look. The electric version is nearly identical to the Staria Lounge, but with an added charge port and closed-off grille.
The Hyundai Staria EV is expected to make its global debut later this year. Technical details have yet to be revealed, but it’s expected to feature either a 76 kWh or 84 kWh battery, providing a range of around 350 km (217 miles) to 400 km (249 miles).
Hyundai’s electric SUV arrives after Kia introduced its first electric van, the PV5, which launched in Europe and Korea earlier this year.
In Europe, the Kia Passenger PV5 model is available with two battery pack options: 51.5 kWh and 71.2 kWh, providing WLTP ranges of 179 miles and 249 miles, respectively. The Cargo version has a WLTP range of 181 miles or 247 miles.
Source: TheKoreanCarBlog, Clien
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