Hyundai holds the global unveiling of its RM16 concept vehicle at the Busan International Auto Show, inching forward the future N performance-car lineup that someday will go into serial production.
The RM16 was “inspired by the passion of performance that you will soon see evolve into our first N model,” says Yang Woong-chul, Hyundai vice chaiman and head of the Hyundai-Kia R&D center in Namyang, Korea.
Beyond that, no timing for the first launch of the N sub-brand is given, but reports suggest the initial release will be in 2017.
It may be significant that Hyundai gives the RM16 top billing at the show, even above the world debut of its new Genesis G80 model.
The RM16 (Racing Midship 2016) follows on the heels of the RM15 shown at last year’s Seoul auto show.
It is the third in the RM series, all of which Albert Bierman, head of Hyundai high performance development, says are “rolling laboratories” for the future N Cars.
The RM16, like its predecessor models is equipped with a mid-mounted 2.0L Theta T-GDI 4-cyl., tuned to develop 300 hp. Weight distribution is 43% forward, 57% rear.
All three iterations feature aluminum spaceframes with lightweight carbon-fiber body panels.
The RM16 continues the aerodynamic, styling and performance evolution, Biermann says.
It has an electronic system that adjusts the exhaust tone sound frequency.
