Picture credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien
The RM16 N concept was first shown earlier this year at the Busan Motor Show and a prototype has now taken to the tar at the Nürburgring in Germany for testing. The big news for Hyundai’s potential N-powered hot-hatch is that it’s based on the Veloster but it will feature a mid-mounted, rear-wheel drive layout, as opposed to a front-engine, front-wheel drive layout seen in the current Veloster.
Power in the RM16 N concept comes courtesy of a turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine coupled with an electrically-aided turbocharger producing at least 220 kW and 383 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels using a 6-speed manual transmission.
The Hyundai RM16 N prototype showcases progressive styling with a mid-engine, rear-wheel drive layout.
In terms of styling, the RM16 N is vastly different to the current Veloster and it gains wider fenders, new headlights and larger air intakes both at the front of the vehicle and behind the doors. The spy shots also reveal Brembo brakes and large rear spoiler.
Reports suggest that if the car goes into production, it will featurecarbon-fibre body panels for less weight and improved weight distribution,an adjustable rear-wing spoiler,an adjustable exhaust valveand a dynamic driver's seat that can automatically increase the level of bolstering when cornering hard.
Although Hyundai is keeping its cards close to its chest regarding the release of a production version of the RM16 N, the fact that a near-production ready prototype has been spotted on the Nürburgring is enough reason to believe that Hyundai might be considering it. Based on the above images, let’s hope they do…
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