Hyundai’s Mid-Engine Project Lives On
You might be surprised to learn that Hyundai has been experimenting with mid-engine prototypes for over a decade. The company’s RM (Racing Midship) project began in 2012, and although the subsequent RM14, RM15, RM16, and RM19 prototypes were based on the Veloster hatchback, a production version never materialized.
However, it seems Hyundai hasn’t abandoned its pursuit of a mid-engine car. A new official video posted on YouTube by the company’s Korean branch confirms the project is still alive. In the video, a researcher from the engine design team reveals that an MR (midship, rear-wheel-drive) engine is currently in development.
The Engine: A High-Revving, High-Performance Unit
Described as a high-revving, high-performance unit, the engine’s progress hasn’t been without challenges. The engineers admit they’re “experiencing many difficulties,” but Hyundai appears to be gradually ironing out the kinks, suggesting there’s a real chance the project could eventually reach production.
The company’s stated goal is to “develop an engine that meets the performance requirements of the market and to mass-produce it without any problems.” While it’s impossible to be certain, that statement makes it sound unlikely that Hyundai is referring to the twin-turbo V-8 designed for Genesis Magma Racing’s GMR-001 race car.
What’s Next?
Hyundai calls the new engine one “that has never existed before,” featuring a “very different” design and configuration. Until Hyundai or Genesis clarifies the situation, we can only speculate about the engine’s intended use. Perhaps it’s for a road-legal car under Genesis’ newly formed Magma performance sub-brand or the Hyundai N lineup. Alternatively, it could be a completely new project.
