WATCH: Lotus Evija hypercar attacks the track

Ahead of production commencing early next year, the first footage of the all-new pure-electric Lotus Evija being driven in anger has been released.

The footage, posted over the weekend, shows what's believed to be a late-stage prototype testing in an industry proving ground.

Little else is revealed about the 130-unit, $3 million zero-emission hypercar.

But following its unveiling back in July we already know Lotus' first-ever battery-powered car will pump out an incredible 2000hp (1479kW) and 1700Nm of torque, which should gift it Bugatti Chiron levels of acceleration.

Incorporating motorsport-inspired advanced aerodynamics that include a 'Venturi tunnel' through each quarter, it's perhaps no surprise the state-of-the-art Lotus is being developed in cooperation with the Williams F1 team's engineering arm.

The Lotus Evija is based around a ultra-lightweight carbon-fibre monocoque that mid-mounts the Lotus' 70kWh lithium-ion battery. Engineers have been given a target weight of just 1680kg – crucial to ensure a 0-100km/h time of less than three seconds.

The Evija's top speed, meanwhile, has been stated to be "in excess of 320km/h".

Helping reconcile huge levels of downforce with a high top speed, the Evija gets active aerodynamics that include an F1-derived Drag Reduction System (DRS).

In the video, as well as pulling lurid slides, it's possible to spot the Lotus's rear-facing cameras that are used instead of conventional door mirrors. These cut drag to help the plug-in Bugatti rival cover 400km between charges.

Speaking of which, the Lotus has been developed to work with future 800kW fast-chargers that will one day be capable of topping up the batteries from flat to 100 per cent in just 18 minutes.

Making it fit for track duties, the Evija rides on 20-inch front and 21-inch rear alloy rims that are shod with track-focused Pirelli Trofeo R tyres. Braking, meanwhile, is via huge carbon ceramic discs.

Demonstrating plenty of agility in the damp conditions, the Evija is equipped with four electric motors, providing for advanced torque vectoring.

And to ensure the Lotus has the best steering in the business, engineers have used a traditional hydraulic rack.

Not shown is the Evija's cabin. With access via a pair of dihedral doors, the production car gets an F1-inspired steering wheel, carbon-fibre shell seat and a simple digital screen ahead of the driver.

Ahead of its 2020 launch, Lotus says several Evija mules will endure hundreds of thousands of miles and hours driving on both roads, tracks and proving grounds.

“Physical prototype testing at speed is a landmark moment for the Evija and hugely exciting for everyone involved. Our aim is to make sure it’s a true Lotus in every sense, with exceptional performance that’s going to set new standards in the hypercar sector,” said Lotus' handling boss, Gavan Kershaw.

The Lotus Evija has been priced from £1.7m ($A3.2m) plus duties and taxes. A £250,000 ($A470,000) deposit secures a production slot for one of the 130 cars the car-maker plans to make.

Order books are now open through the Lotus website, or the car-maker’s Australian arm.