Hyundai RM20e points to plug-in N Performance future

Hot on the heels of its facelifted petrol-powered hot-hatch hero, Hyundai has unveiled a precursor to its pure-electric performance car of the future.

The RM20e is a 596kW, 960Nm electric hot hatch – or should that be supercar – capable of hitting 100km/h in less than three seconds, and 200km/h in less than 10 seconds.

With four motors mounted centrally in the chassis and featuring rear-wheel drive, the RM20e is designed to offer mid-engined balance and race-ready performance in a daily-drivable package.

The motors are fed by a 60kWh lithium-ion battery pack with 800V fast charging capability. Croatian electric specialist Rimac was involved in the development of the RM20e’s drivetrain, on the back of the Korean brand’s US$90 million investment in the startup during May 2019.

“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 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. RM20e proves that N driving excitement will not be compromised, even in electrified model variants.”

Hyundai is preparing 23 new electric vehicles for 2025 as it grows the recently-announced Ioniq brand, built on a new platform dubbed Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP).

The new badge will be applied to the upcoming range of Hyundai electric vehicles, which will be led by a production version of the 45 EV concept, to be called the Ioniq 5.

Unlike the low-riding hatchback concept, Hyundai says the production car will be a CUV. In other words, expect another small SUV.

It’s on track to arrive in Australia during 2021. Expect the Ioniq range to be sold through regular Hyundai dealerships, not a standalone network of showrooms like luxury offshoot Genesis.

It’ll be followed in 2022 by the Ioniq 6, a sedan based on the slinky Prophecy concept. The Ioniq 7 is a large SUV, and will launch in 2024.