Former Hyundai works WRC driver Hayden Paddon recently unveiled his savage all-electric Hyundai Kona rally vehicle after only 18 months of development. In 2022, he wants to compete the 1,000-horsepower vehicle against ICE-powered vehicles.
Planning the 1000HP Hyundai Kona EV
Even though you see more and more that electric power is used in racing in a variety of ways, however rallying is by far the most difficult discipline to implement this constantly improving technology in.
This outrageous race car was created by Paddon Rallysport Group (PRG), and it’s construction began in the year 2017. A year later, a team of talented young engineers and technicians began to lay the foundation for this large-scale project. Do remember that 2017/2018 technology is for EV standard a long time ago… Technology goes as fast as this Rally car.
The objective was to create a race car that could compete against typical ICE-powered opposition in a classic rally format while also combining performance, range, and reliability. The squad established a base in January 2019 in the magnificent Highlands Motorsport Park, which is approximately 45 minutes from Queenstown, New Zealand. The development this 1000HP Hyundai Kona EV Rally Car has begun.
Ready, Set, Go!
The design work for the chassis adjustments would need to be completed in eight more months. The crew began by reducing the brand-new Hyundai Kona to its basic essentials before working to lighten it as much as they could to make up for the added weight of the batteries.
Work on a completely new floor and battery mounting was started, as well as modified strut towers and suspension locations.
At the same time, Stohl Advanced Research and Development (STARD), the organization in charge of developing the Projekt E cars for the World Rallycross Championship, assisted in the continuous development of the electrical systems, powertrain, and battery pack.
The new chassis was already taking shape in February 2020, with significant strengthening practically finished.
While deciding on the suspension system, the TIG-welded Chromoly roll cage was also completed. Soon, EXT Shox MacPherson struts and five-way adjustable dampers would be installed in the rally car.
1.000 HP and over 10.000 hours later…
The sound generator (talking about the future) and the electrically powered rack and pinion steering system were both still being developed. These are complete R&D projects on their own and take a lot of thinking and testing.
By the beginning of September, the full carbon fiber body package that UCM and Southern Ocean boat builders were working on was almost finished.
As the cockpit took shape, Racetech seats, seat belts, and a steering wheel were installed inside. The MoTec M1 management system, keypad, PDU, and driver displays came after that for this Hyundai Kona EV Rally Car.
The amazing Kona EV rally car was put together in October 2020 after more than 10,000 hours of design and production. Prior to the public presentation in November, the first tests, filming, and picture shoots were completed that month.
The EV can produce a maximum of 800 kW, or 1,072 horsepower, although it will be modified to produce less in order to compete with existing ICE-powered vehicles in official rally events.
The machine is a remarkable engineering achievement by a team of extraordinary talent, even in its unfinished state. In one of the most severe motorsports, it demonstrates the limitless potential of electric powertrains. We are eager to observe its performance in a real competition. Shall this Hyundai Kona EV Rally Car be faster than this Renault?
Sources: https://www.autoevolution.com & https://paddonrallysport.co.nz/
