A week ago we spotted this Hyundai prototype undergoing testing. Now it seems this was simply the next step following Hyundai’s Veloster Midship Concept from 2014.
However, given that this is the second concept, and that Hyundai has now given exact performance details, could the South Korean company be brave enough to send this car into production?
At this stage Hyundai said the RM15 “demonstrates Hyundai’s commitment to advanced vehicle technologies and materials”. The result is an aluminium space frame with CFRP (carbon fibre reinforced plastic) body panels that minimises weight. This leads to a torsional stiffness level of 37 800 N.m/degree.
Instead of the rear seats, a 2,0-litre turbocharged petrol engine has been fitted. This T-GDI engine delivers 224 kW and 383 N.m. Tipping the scales at 1 260 kg, and with a weight balance of 43% (f)/57% (r), the RM15 is claimed to hit 100 km/h via a manual six-speed gearbox in 4,7 seconds. The downforce generated, partly owing to the rear wing, is 24 kg at 200 km/h.
As the concept is developed by the same team who is responsible for the WRC i20 rally car, the RM15 features an integrated roll cage for added stiffness. The 19-inch mono-block forged alloy wheels are fitted with 235/35 tyres at the front and wider 265/35 tyres at the rear.
Come on Hyundai, just build it!
Specifications according to Hyundai:
Length: 4 220 mm
Width: 1 865 mm
Height: 1 340 mm
Engine: Theta 2,0-litre T-GDI turbopetrol, direct injection
Power: 224 kW at 6 000 r/min
Torque: 383 N.m at 2 000 r/min
Gearbox: six-speed manual
0-100 km/h: 4,7 seconds
Weight: 1 260 kg
