So, what’s missing from the Hyundai Genesis Coupe (other than a little bit of history, that is) to enable it to play in the big boys league? Why a V8 powerplant of course, and who better to make the transplant than Rhys Millen and his performance shop.

Making its world premiere today at the Las Vegas 2011 SEMA Show is the RM500 Genesis Coupe complete with Hyundai’s most powerful stock engine under its hood, the 5.0-liter Tau V8.

“From the moment I saw the Tau V8 engine in the Genesis R-Spec and Equus, I knew it would be a perfect fit for the Genesis Coupe, adding even more performance and power to the dynamic coupe,” said Rhys Millen, owner, Rhys Millen Racing [RMR].

Even though RMR’s goal was to keep everything else as sleek and stock as possible, the tuning firm couldn’t resist some mild modifications to the 5.0-liter mill that gained a titanium tip exhaust, oil cooler and rear differential cooler for an extra 20 horsepower boost, lifting output to 449-horses.

The RM500 also debuts a new line of RMR products for the South Korean maker’s rear-wheel drive coupe including a comprehensive but not over-the-top, carbon-fiber aero package comprising of a front lip, spoiler, rear diffuser, side skirts, fog light ducts and grill, plus new 19-inch alloy wheels and Brembo carbon ceramic rotors with Brembo six and four piston calipers.

The only changes to the interior include an RMR suede trim package and Sparco accents.

Mechanical components RMR modified include:

  • Hyundai 5.0-liter Tau V8 Engine
  • RMR Custom Stainless Exhaust with Greddy SE Rear Section
  • RMR Custom Adapter Plate
  • RMR Custom Light Weight Clutch & Flywheel
  • K&N Panel Filter
  • AEM Engine Management System
  • Brembo Carbon Ceramic Rotors (Front – 15.5-inch, Rear – 15-inch)
  • Brembo Six Piston Front Calipers Four Piston Rear
  • HRE 793-RS II-Spoke Rims (Front – 19×8.5, Rear – 19×9.5)
  • Hankook Ventus V12 Tires (Front – 245/40ZR19, Rear – 275/35ZR19)

Interior enhancements include:

  • RMR Interior Suede Trip Package
  • Sparco Chrono Sport Seats with RMR Accents
  • Sparco Track Sliders
  • RMR Seat Brackets
  • Sparco Tecno Leather Shift Knob
  • RMR 1-inch Steering Column Extension

RMR also made the following exterior enhancements:

  • RMR Carbon Front Lip
  • RMR Carbon Side Skirts
  • RMR Carbon Rear Diffuser
  • RMR Carbon Three Piece Spoiler
  • RMR Carbon Grill
  • RMR Carbon Overlay Roof
  • RMR Carbon Fog Light Vents with Brake Ducts
  • RMR Yellow Fog Light Covers

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