Hyundai continues to tease its high-performance aspirations with the world premiere of the RM16.
Revealed at the 2016 Busan International Motor Show in South Korea, the latest concept from Hyundai’s new performance ‘N’ sub-brand hints at future Hyundai N model characteristics.
The South Korean car manufacturer’s high performance sub-brand was launched in September 2015, demonstrating the company’s commitment to ‘manufacture responsive, intuitive performance vehicles that bring ‘Fun to Drive’ to a broad range of customers’, says Hyundai.
Woong-chul Yang, Vice Chairman and Head of Hyundai R&D Center said, “Our RM16 and Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo concepts are inspired by the passion for performance, that you will soon see evolve into our first N model.”
The design of the RM16 is determined by its focus on performance: form follows function with styling optimised for aerodynamics. The aggressive front with low-extended bonnet, slim headlamps and wide air intakes sets the tone of its low and wide image, created to accommodate high performance technologies.
The latest concept inherits characteristics from the earlier RM14 and RM15 models – in particular the RM14’s six-speed manual transmission and midship-mounted 2.0 theta T-GDI engine – tuned to develop 300PS. Additionally, the RM16 features the same sports-focused weight distribution (43% front, 57% rear), as its predecessors, benefitting from a centre of gravity less than 500mm from the ground.
Weight-saving innovations, first seen on RM15, help boost the new concept’s handling and acceleration. A specially-designed aluminium space frame is covered by light, rigid carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) body panels, which save considerable weight versus a traditionally-constructed steel-based car.
Project RM (Racing Midship) began in 2012 with the aim of testing high-performance technologies, refining them for use in future high-performance cars. Hyundai says the main purpose of the Project RM is to develop core high performance technologies while focusing on performance.
The RM16 (Racing Midship 2016) concept continues the development of high-performance technologies that started with the RM14, which was revealed at the 2014 Busan International Motor Show. Just as with the subsequent RM15, introduced at the 2015 Seoul Motor Show, RM16 represents the company’s further development of high-performance technologies in the form of a mid-engine, lightweight, high-performance two-seat concept.
Albert Biermann, Head of Hyundai Motor’s Vehicle Test & High-Performance Development said, “RM models will continue to play an important role as the ‘rolling lab’ in the development of our future high-performance ‘N’ cars.”
Over the three RM models, there has been an evolution in aerodynamics ‘that in turn aids stability and thermal flow, maximising the potential’ offered by improved powertrain performance. New technologies have been applied, including an electric supercharger to enhance engine power and responsiveness; electronic limited slip differential (E-LSD) that distributes optimal power to each wheel when turning, and an automatically controlled rear spoiler to optimise aerodynamics according to different driving conditions. The electronically-variable exhaust system provides a ‘powerful tone’ while the adjustable bolster sports seat contribute to the driving experience by adapting to the driving mode and speed of cornering.
The Busan International Motor Show runs from June 2-12.