The Hyundai Kona EV is not the first car that comes to mind when thinking about performance and rallying, but a team in New Zealand converted it into a zero-emission rally car that sends strong WRC vibes and packs enough power to leave combustion rivals behind.
The unique build was showcased at the 2023 Adelaide Motorsport Festival in Australia. The project started back in 2019 in New Zealand and is still in the “early stages of development”. Rally driver and New Zealand’s multi-champion Hayden Paddon showcased the vehicle’s abilities on the track and gave away some information about the specs in the video below.
Read: 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric Offers Two Batteries And 304+ Mile Range
What is probably the fastest Hyundai Kona on the planet comes fitted with a trio of electric motors producing a combined 805 hp (600 kW / 816 PS), although in rally-spec it gets a slightly detuned dual-motor setup that is good for 537 hp (400 kW / 544 PS). Power is transmitted to all wheels through a set of transmissions (one on each axle). The EV is currently equipped with a 23 kWh prototype battery but it will soon gain a larger 54 kWh unit providing it with a proper range between charges so it does make it to the end of the rally stages.
The model is actually based on a production Hyundai Kona EV, although as noted by Paddon, “the mechanicals and the internals are a little bit different”. The experienced driver described it as of the best rally cars he has ever driven on gravel, thanks to the very low center of gravity and the ability to adjust power delivery between the two axles. He did however mention the lack of noise which can spoil some of the fun compared to combustion vehicles.
The bodykit for this special Hyundai Kona EV was designed in collaboration with a New Zealand university with the goal of producing enough downforce to keep the car glued on the road but not create too much drag so that energy is preserved. Add-ons include wide fender extensions with integrated vents, deeper bumpers, sizeable canards, bonnet scoops, an open grille, a fairly large rear wing, and a diffuser. The rest of the bodywork is carried over from the stock Kona EV, wrapped in a full racing livery.
The EV has already participated in five hillclimb and sprint events against combustion-engined vehicles winning four of them, with the next goal being a proper rally. Paddon and his team believe that we are going to see more rallycars with fully electric powertrains in the near future, hinting at the next era of motorsports.
