Hyundai is continuing to tease characteristics of its upcoming N performance sub-brand, with the release of another concept in its RM series. The RM16 is said to further develop Hyundai's performance technologies, while inheriting features from both the RM14 and the RM15.
The N sub-brand was launched in September last year, but the RM project (RM standing for Racing Midship) goes back to 2012. It was conceived to test and refine technologies for use in future high-performance cars and, thus, is said to be central to the development of the upcoming N models.
The RM14 and RM15 concepts were introduced at the 2014 Busan International Motor Show and the 2015 Seoul Motor Show, respectively. Hyundai says the RM16 builds upon the technologies used in those models and that it takes the form of a mid-engine, lightweight, high-performance two-seater, with a wide aggressive front-end and a low, extended profile. That form is said to follow the car's function and its styling to be optimized for aerodynamics.
Of the features pulled over from its two predecessors, the RM16's six-speed manual transmission and midship-mounted 2.0-l theta T-GDI engine, tuned to kick out 300 PS, have come from the RM14. It also has the same sports-focused weight distribution as the RM14, with 43 percent towards the front and 57 towards the rear, and a center of gravity less than 500 mm (19.7 in) from the ground.
It has inherited weight-saving innovations, aimed at improving handling and acceleration, from the more recent RM15. Specifically, the RM16 boasts an aluminum space frame covered by carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) body panels, which contributes to a much lighter overall weight than would be the case with a traditional steel-based construction.
As the aerodynamics of each RM car have improved, Hyundai says the stability and thermal flow of each car has improved too, as well as the resulting drivetrain performance. Among the new technologies that have been introduced in the RM16 is an automatically controlled rear spoiler that optimizes aerodynamics based on the current driving conditions.
There's an electric supercharger to enhance engine power and responsiveness, too, and an electronic limited slip differential for optimizing the distribution of power to each wheel when turning. An electronically-variable exhaust system matches noise output to acceleration, while an adjustable bolster sports seat adapts to the driving mode and speed of cornering.
The RM16 has been unveiled at the 2016 Busan International Motor Show in South Korea. The Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo is also on show, along with the carmaker's IONIQ Hybrid and IONIQ Electric cars.
Source: Hyundai