Rear-drive Hyundai RM20e revealed with nearly 600kW and 1000Nm

Fresh from revealing a futuristic interior concept for its IONIQ EV sub-brand, Hyundai has demonstrated in no uncertain terms that EVs will also play an exciting role in its N performance brand.

Blending Croatian DNA, supercar-like acceleration and Veloster-on-steroids looks, the two-seat Hyundai RM20e is the latest vehicle to appear on Hyundai’s Rear Midship (RM) platform, which it describes as a “rolling lab” for testing high-performance tech.

Unveiled at the 2020 Beijing motor show last weekend, the RM20e is no mere concept but a prototype that previews the high-performance N supercar being developed in partnership with Croatian EV hypercar brand Rimac.

“The RM20e sports car prototype clearly signals future electrified brand aspirations for Hyundai’s performance N brand, moving N into the prestigious genre of supercar-level performance,” said Hyundai’s product division boss Thomas Schemera.

Powered by four electric motors that produce 148kW and 240Nm each – for a combined total of 596kW and 960Nm – the rear-drive Hyundai RM20e will accelerate from 0-100km/h in less than three seconds and reach 200km/h in less than 10sec (9.88sec).

The vehicle has a top speed of 250km/h, which Hyundai says was “limited for public road driving”, while its 60kWh battery pack is compatible with 800-volt fast-charging.

Hyundai is planning to expand its four-pronged attack on the electrified vehicle market, with its range across hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles set to cover at least 44 models by 2025.

Rimac will be central to its plans, with Hyundai revealing that the strategic partnership has “has facilitated co-development of both EV and FCEV prototypes” and that “the electrified RM platform will continue to evolve along with the growth of this Rimac partnership”.

The RM20e has a race car set-up with Sabelt sports seats with six-point safety harnesses, an E-drive instrument cluster, massive six-piston front brakes and 19-inch alloy wheels shod with ultra-wide, ultra-sticky tyres.

The striking aero body work including flared wheel-arches, front spoiler, a big rear wing and massive diffuser is designed to provide high levels of downforce, which together with front MacPherson strut front and double-wishbone rear suspension delivers “race car-like levels of performance, balance, braking and grip while retaining daily-driver quietness, responsiveness and road-going capability.”

Hyundai has previously stated that it is deep into the development of its own halo sports car but it’s not yet clear if an EV powertrain has been factored in, or whether the first iteration will be powered by a conventional combustion engine.