A mid-engined, 300hp Hyundai with carbon panels and rear-wheel drive. Not so long ago the very idea would have seemed absurd; it says much about Hyundai's recent progress that it is producing this sort of concept and that a production version would surely be well received.Unfortunately the RM15 (Racing Midship 2015, and that is the real name) won't be sold anytime soon. All that's confirmed by Hyundai at present is that it intends "to demonstrate our progress with high-performance technologies with other exciting projects in the near future." Hopefully this isn't just a flight of fancy for a motor show then.
[Mrs Doyle]Go on, go on, go on[/Mrs Doyle]
The spec announced by Hyundai is damn near perfect for a PH vision of a sports coupe: light (1,260kg) and mid-engined with rear-wheel drive, 300hp and a manual gearbox. These things all being subjective, the Veloster seems to lend itself well to a a racing makeover as well.
The RM uses an aluminium spaceframe with Hyundai's 'Hybrid Lightweight Body Structure' panels made from carbon reinforced plastic. It's claimed that weight is reduced by 195kg over an all-steel structure. Power comes from a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine mounted transversely behind the rear seats, with that 300hp matched by 282lb ft. Hyundai claims 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds.
The rest of Hyundai's info on the RM15 is very promising as well: integrated front and rear subframes, aluminium double wishbones, a centre of gravity 491mm from the floor and a 43:57 weight distribution front to rear.
But we shouldn't get too carried away just yet as this very much isn't a production prospect. However, Hyundai is clearly keen to expand its fast car portfolio, as evidenced by the WRC campaign and 'N' performance brand. The RM15 shows further desire to do this, one that hopefully points to a very exciting future for PH-worthy Hyundais. On the assumption they go ahead and build some. Go on!
Bit of vid here
[Source: HyundaiWorldwide via YouTube - tip of the hat to PHer Soad for bringing it to our attention!]