Hyundai debuted the RM20e Racing Midship Sports Car this week, showcasing what isn’t the beginning but what is very much the future of what the Hyundai brand will offer. The electric-based high-performance race car, like those designed by other manufacturers is a proving ground for technologies that may be employed in Hyundai passenger vehicles in the future.
Hyundai has been quite open about this calling the platform the RM20e is based on, the RM development platform, will be used for future N brand products that are inspired by the car. This follows as part of the progressive evolution of the car with previous iterations bearing the names RM14, RM15, RM16 and RM19.
Hyundai’s first electric race car was developed for the eTCR electric touring car series in 2019 – the Veloster N eTCR.
“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.”
The mid-engined, rear-wheel drive RM20e features a powertrain that achieves 810 horsepower and 708 pound-feet of torque thanks to its electric motor. It can get from zero to 62 mph in less than three seconds and to 124 mph from a standstill in 9.88 seconds.
Hyundai says 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 propulsion system driving the car, as well as the equipment that helps it achieve the “race car-like levels of performance, balance, braking, and grip” are part of Hyundai’s larger plant to develop hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery, and fuel cell electric vehicles.
Hyundai isn’t working alone. The company has formed a strategic partnership with Rimac Automobili to co-develop battery and fuel cell electric vehicle prototypes.
Additionally, Hyundai Motor Group, the parent company of the Hyundai, Genesis, Kia, and new Ioniq brand, has committed to addinng 44 “eco-friendly” models by 2025.
