South Korean automaker Hyundai has unveiled a prototype for an electrified RM20e sports car, the company’s flagship vehicle for its N high-performance sub-brand.
The RM20e prototype was unveiled at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition over the weekend. The “RM” refers to the N brand’s “Racing Midship” rear-drive, midship powertrain configuration which, according to Hyundai, is “a fundamental design differentiator that yields ideal handling balance and agility from a low polar-moment of inertia.”
The RM20e boasts an electric motor boasting 596 kW (810 horsepower) which can deliver 960 Nm (708 lb.-ft.) of torque which Hyundai says will deliver 0-100/kph in less than three seconds, and 0-200/kph at 9.88 seconds.
Hyundai points to the vehicle’s midship-based motor placement and rear-drive layout as instrumental in achieving the necessary traction to deliver such blistering numbers.
“Our new electrified RM20e pushes the proven RM platform forcefully into a new, environmentally-focused decade of the 21st century, stretching the performance envelope of electrification on normal road environments,” said Albert Biermann, president and head of research and development division at Hyundai Motor Group.
“RM20e represents a revolutionary new chapter of electrified performance for the Racing Midship series, and our N engineers continue to garner valuable insights in the arena of zero-emission performance dynamics.”
Despite its race-like speeds, Hyundai also notes that the “RM20e combines race car-like levels of performance, balance, braking, and grip, while retaining daily-driver quietness, responsiveness and road-going capability.”
The RM20e’s electrified powertrain ensures zero-emissions with a 60kWh liquid-flooded battery module and 800V fast-charging capabilities. Given all this, it is unsurprising that Hyundai had no information on the vehicle’s estimated electric range.
Hyundai also expects to be able to test its ride array of electrified-propulsion solutions – including production HEV (hybrid), PHEV (plug in hybrid), BEV (battery electric) and FCEV (fuel cell electric) powertrains – in this high-performance sports car platform.
It is all part of the company’s larger strategic plan to deploy 44 “eco-friendly” models by 2025 as well as its recent investment and strategic partnership with Rimac Automobili which has facilitated co-development of both BEV and FCEV prototypes.
said Thomas Schemera, Executive Vice President and Head of Product Division at Hyundai Motor Group.
“Moving forward, Hyundai N not only increases drivers’ heartbeats per minute via powerful internal combustion engines, but also through the instantaneous torque and environmental sustainability of reliable electrified powertrains,” said Thomas Schemera, the head of products at Hyundai.
“RM20e proves that N driving excitement will not be compromised, even in electrified model variants.”
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.