The Hyundai RM15 looks like just a Veloster after months of gymnastics, but it's much more than that. Hyundai refers to it as a showcase of new technologies, we prefer to call it “adult toy”.
Simultaneously with the show in New York, South Korea, on the other side of the world, the biennial Seoul Motor Show opened its doors. An event with a more regional character, ideal for Korean brands to completely usurp media attention. In this framework, Hyundai didn't do it for less.
Among others, there is a prototype on display that at first glance looks like a seriously altered Hyundai Veloster decorated in its brand's colors. A closer look reveals that the Veloster model only has the general appearance. Named RM15, from Racing Midship 2015, this apparent Veloster is a veritable rolling laboratory with genes reminiscent of the legendary group B, with the engine placed in the center rear position, justifying the name.
Basically, it is the evolution of a previous prototype, the Veloster Midship, presented last year at the Busan Motor Show, and which was developed by the same team that placed the Hyundai WRC i20 in the Rally World Championship, the High Performance Vehicle Development Hyundai Centre.
The development of the RM15 focused on the application of new technologies associated with materials and construction. Compared to the previous prototype, the RM15 is lighter by 195 kg, in a total of 1260 kg, the result of a new aluminum space frame structure, covered with composite panels of plastic materials reinforced by carbon fiber (CFRP).
Weight distribution has also improved, with 57% of the total weight falling on the rear drive axle, and the center of gravity is just 49.1 cm. More than a saloon car, the RM15 is fully functional, and can be driven in a rage, as you can see in the video we provide. As such, nothing was overlooked in the development of the RM15, including the aerodynamic optimisation, which guarantees 24 kg of downforce at 200 km/h.
Motivating the Hyundai RM15, and behind the front occupants – where the mundane Veloster are the rear seats – is a supercharged 2.0 liter Theta T-GDI engine, positioned transversely. Power rises to 300 hp at 6000 rpm and torque to 383 Nm at 2000 rpm. The 6-speed manual transmission allows the RM15 to reach 0-100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds.
The vast four ground support points should contribute to that amount of acceleration. Wrapping the 19-inch wheels forged from monoblocs are 265/35 R19 tires at the rear and 225/35 R19 at the front. These are attached to a suspension of overlapping aluminum double wishbones.
To make its behavior even more effective, the Hyundai RM15 features a structure that is not only light but extremely rigid, with substructures added to the front and rear and a rollcage inspired by those used in the WRC, resulting in a high torsional resistance of 37800 Nm/g.
Will the Hyundai RM15 be a conceptual or spiritual heir, as you prefer, to the phenomenal Renault Clio V6? Hyundai claims that this is just a development prototype for the application of new technologies, but nothing like ensuring the spotlight with a compact monster with power capable of truly animating the rear axle. Hyundai, what are you waiting for?