The original RM19 concept used a smaller unit of 2.0-liters.
If you aren’t familiar with Hyundai’s mid engined ambitions, it all began in 2014 with the Midship concept. The Busan showcar was built around a Veloster that had a mid-mounted engine and drove the rear wheels with almost 300 horsepower. The RM15, RM16 concepts were followed by various updates that culminated in the RM19 with nearly 400 horsepower for the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show.
Although the South Korean marque suggested that a production version would be released, it has not been revealed. Jean Pierre Kraemer, from JP Performance tuning company, was able to see the RM19 in progress. He also had a conversation with Albert Biermann (head of research and development at both Hyundai and Kia).
According to the man in charge, two prototypes were built. One was tested at home in Korea while the other was put through its paces in Europe. The video shows a test vehicle with a 2.3-liter engine, rather than the 2.0-liter unit used in previous RM concepts. It produces around 350 horsepower in its current form, but Hyundai is still working to improve the four-pot engine to comply with European emissions regulations.
This is a 40 hp drop from the RM19 design, which used the 2.0-liter engine from the Veloster TCRracecar. 350 horsepower is still nothing to be ashamed of, especially for a mid-engine package that has a close-to-ideal weight distribution. The updated prototype features an eight-speed dual-clutch, dual-clutch auto gearbox, rather than the original RM19’s six-speed sequential.
Biermann claims the engine and gearbox combination give the sports car an “enormous appeal”, before noting that the production version will not have the fat 305 rear tires. According to the R&D chief, the fully electric RM20e has a peak power of 750 HP and requires them. JP continues the video by getting behind the wheel of his car and learning from a member the development team that the 2.3-liter engine was designed for the updated RM19.
The engine produces 460 Newton-meters (339-pound-feet), when driven on public roads and wearing a license plate. According to the man responsible for the engine’s drivability, the turbocharged four-cylinder unit revs at 7,000 rpm. This confirms a rumor that Hyundai is working on a high revving 2.3-liter engine.
The company spent EUR500,000 (roughly $590,000.00) to make this prototype. A production model would have a Porsche 718 GTS price and offer 718 GT4 performance. The Hyundai employee claimed that the fastest acceleration time to reach 62 mph (100 km/h) was 4.3 seconds. However, his best performance was 3.88 seconds.
It is possible that the final version will be on display in a Hyundai showroom within the next few years.