Hyundai N has just published a video with the story of the RM project. According to the company, the five mid-engined performance-focused concept cars that have been unveiled up to date are “rolling labs” for the technology used in production cars with the N emblem.
The RM project started in 2012 at Namyang R&D Center where a group of engineers volunteered to work on “something special”. In the following years, the Korean company presented the RM14, RM15, RM16, RM19, and RM20e concepts, which represent the evolution of the same theme aiming for maximum performance.
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All of the RM prototypes were built on heavily modified Veloster chassis, featuring a mid-engined rear-wheel-drive layout and a wide bodykit with extreme aero components. The more recent RM19 and RM20e were built on the Veloster N TCR racecars, with the latter being the first electrified N.
As you would expect, the RM20e is also the most powerful of the bunch, with the mid-mounted electric powertrain producing 794 hp (592 kW / 805 PS) and 708 lb-ft (960 Nm) of torque. Those specs bring another level of performance with a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration in less than three seconds and a top speed in excess of 155 mph (250 km/h). At the same time, the quick charging capability allows the 60 kWh battery to reach an 80 percent charge in only 30 minutes.
Besides looking cool and going fast, the RM concept cars allowed Hyundai engineers to test a number of technologies before applying them to production models. For example, the e-LSD was tested on the RM16 before being used in the production i30 N, while the eight-speed DCT gearbox was tested on the RM19 before being fitted in the whole N range. At the end of the video, we also get a hint on the next RM concept which will feature a hydrogen fuel-cell powertrain.
A production version of the mid-engined hot hatch envisioned in the RM concepts has been long-rumored as a halo model and performance flagship for the N brand. The current range of Hyundai N models includes the i20 N, the i30 N in both hatchback and fastback form, the Veloster N, the Kona N B-SUV, and the Elantra N sedan.