Hyundai RM20e prototype: 600kW electric sports car hints at future flagship of N high-performance sub-brand

Hyundai is now a step closer to revealing the flagship for its N high-performance sub-brand, with the RM20e prototype revealed as the latest precursor to the electrified sports car.

Just like the RM14, RM15, RM16 and RM19 prototypes before it, the RM20e prototype has a rear-wheel-drive, midship powertrain, although it is first model in the series to go zero emissions, fitted with four electric motors that develop a combined 596kW/960Nm.

This combination helps the RM20e prototype sprint from a standstill to 100km/h in less than three seconds while on the way to 200km/h in 9.88s. Needless to say, it puts Hyundai in the same supercar conversation as Ferrari, Lamborghini and McLaren.

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Frankly, that should come as no surprise given high-performance electric vehicle (EV) specialist Rimac’s involvement in the RM20e prototype, with this strategic partnership to continue with future models in the RM series.

Of course, all of this is leading to the next generation of Hyundai models, including those from its N high-performance sub-brand, with a combined 44 “eco-friendly models” due by 2025.

The RM20e prototype sprints from a standstill to 100km/h in less than three seconds.

As reported, one of these low- or zero-emissions models will be an electrified sports car based on the RM series, with it to sit above the i20 N, i30 N, Veloster N and Kona N in the Hyundai N line-up.

“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 Motor Group’s head of product, Thomas Schemera.

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For reference, the RM20e prototype has a 60kWh battery that has liquid cooling and supports 800V fast charging, but with the level of performance on offer, don’t expect its driving range to be too generous.

And if the RM20e prototype looks a little familiar, it’s because it’s got the body-in-white of a Veloster N, albeit a two-door, two-seat version with plenty of high-performance upgrades.