Hyundai developing mid-engine high performance hatch; Prototype spied

Earlier this year, Hyundai showed off the RM16 N, a radical mid-engine high performance concept, at the Busan Auto Show in Korea. The project’s main aim is to develop technologies Hyundai can use to improve on the driving feel of their future production cars.  

The production version of the RM16 N has now been spotted for the first time at the Nurburgring in Germany where Hyundai has a full-on development and test centre. What’s unique to the RM16 N is a new front end influenced by aerodynamics, namely its low positioning of the hood plus its slim headlights and wide air intakes. The firepower comes from a 295bhp, 2-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that’s paired to a 6-speed manual transmission. Hyundai though, has now installed an electrically-aided turbocharger, where an electric motor helps build boost pressure at low rpm.

The prototype also features carbon fibre body panels for less weight, electronic limited-slip differentials at both axles and an adjustable rear wing. 

The RM14 was the project’s first creation which made its debut at the Busan Auto Show two years ago. The RM15 then appeared a year later at the Seoul Auto Show. Now, there’s the RM16 N which like its predecessors is based on a Veloster, though with most of the internals have been stripped and the engine moved to a mid-ship position.