Hyundai Unveils Electric Sports Models and Hydrogen Vehicles

Drift car, the Hyundai RN22e hints at the future Ioniq 6 N, while the N Vision 74 foresees an electric and hydrogen-powered sporty future.

With its Nexo SUV replacing the Ix35 FCEV, Hyundai believes like Toyota does with hydrogen in passenger vehicles. However, these vehicles have achieved only a modest score, with 17,400 units sold in 2021, of which 53% were Nexo. Nonetheless, the brand is doubling down on efforts.

A Retro Hydrogen Drift Car

Just like the 45 concept, the N Vision 74 is a reference to the very first car of the brand, the Pony. Shy and compact, it transforms into a drift beast here. Like traditional Japanese models such as Nissan Silvia, it features wide fenders, specific tires, an oversized wing, and a crazy rear diffuser. Hyundai adds a neo-retro touch with solid wheels and pixel-pattern headlights. At the rear, it even resembles the Pony Heritage restomod concept from 2021.

Strangely, the Hyundai N Vision 74 does not rely solely on electric power but also adds a zero-emission second option. Like the N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo in 2015, the sporty version prefers hydrogen. An 85 kW fuel cell powered by hydrogen supports an electric system. All together, they send energy to motors developing 500 kW and 900 Nm. With 4.2 kg of hydrogen and a 62.4 kWh battery, this vintage sports car could reach a range of 600 km.

RN22e, the future Hyundai Ioniq 6 N sports car?

The second sporty vehicle presented on July 15 by the Korean brand bears a déjà-vu look. Of course, the RN22e is based on the Hyundai Ioniq 6 electric sedan. But why this name? The “RN” and “RM” are Hyundai’s sports prototypes since 2012, standing for “Racing Midship” or mid-engine sports car. In 2015, there was the RM15 based on the Veloster; the RN30 was a racing-typical car previewing the i30 N in 2018. Later, the RM20e was Hyundai’s first electric model of its kind, with 800 hp and a race-track look.

Hyundai continues the tradition with the RN22e, in a more subdued version. The N replaces the M, with N standing for the sport badge. The sleek design of the over 4.90-meter-long sedan remains unaltered. With widened fenders and side skirts, the Korean brand increases its width to 2.03 m. It features a large rear wing, a lowered ground clearance, and an exaggerated front grille.

With its nearly sage appearance, this Ioniq 6 sport increases the power of its two motors. With 430 kW (585 hp) and 740 Nm of torque, it could easily reach 250 km/h according to Hyundai. These figures are unsurprising, as they are similar to those of the Kia EV6 GT. The 77.4 kWh battery is the same, but no word on the vehicle’s autonomy.

The manufacturer has not announced anything yet, but the Ioniq 6 N has a good chance of completing the lineup in late 2023. However, initial focus will likely be on the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, officially scheduled for next year.

Also read: Renault Scenic Vision: a minivan blending electric and hydrogen power