Saturday 29th October 2016

Hyundai RM16 N spied

Remember that 300hp, mid-engined Veloster concept? Looks like Hyundai might actually build it!

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Last April Hyundai revealed the RM15 concept. Very nice it looked too, with its mid-engined, rear-wheel drive layout, carbon panels and jazzy graphics. What was underneath sounded encouraging as well: 300hp 2.0-litre turbo, six-speed manual, 1,260kg.

Well now this does look promising

But surely Hyundai would never make such a thing, would it? Well let's not be too sure, because these pictures have just emerged of a Nurburgring test mule looking remarkably similar to the concept. It's low and wide, with all the vents and scoops suggesting a mid-engined layout. There are spoilers, big wheels, Brembo calipers and some fantastically flared arches too. It looks ruddy brilliant in fact, even cloaked in its test disguise.

Interestingly our spy sources are calling this car the RM16 N; R (rear-wheel drive) and M (mid-engined) are familiar from 2015, with '16' denoting that it's this year's car. More important is the 'N', Hyundai's performance brand and a suggestion that this will make production. Certainly there are details on this car - the Hyundai badges are even in place - that imply it's not a million miles from the showroom. Launching this with the i30 hot hatch would be a guaranteed way of attracting attention!

We've been told that the RM16 N is expected to arrive as a 2018 model. Certainly this is one we'll be paying very close attention to over the coming months. If you thought the rear-wheel drive coupe was dead, hopefully it's time to think again!

Photos: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien

[BigMacDaddy]

Definitely interested in how this develops....... It's a funny looking thing (in a good way, although without the camouflage it may well look totally different!). The rear quarter kind of looks Clio V6(ish), and weirdly on the side-on shot the curved bit at the rear momentarily reminded me of a Veyron (yeah yeah, should have gone to spec savers lol)