Hyundai's Mid-Engine Dream: A Decade in the Making
The Genesis of Mid-Engine Exploration
For more than ten years, Hyundai has been covertly exploring the concept of mid-engine cars. This ambitious undertaking commenced in 2012 with the Racing Midship (RM) initiative. Early iterations, such as the RM14, featured a Veloster platform reconfigured with the engine positioned between the axles, followed by the RM15, RM16, and RM19 prototypes, all based on the distinctive hatchback design. Despite these advancements, a production version of these mid-engine concepts has yet to emerge.
Unveiling the Current Development Stage
Despite the lack of a production model, Hyundai's pursuit of a mid-engine vehicle remains robust. A recent video released by the company's Korean division confirmed that an MR (midship, rear-wheel-drive) engine is actively under development. This engine, characterized as a high-revving, high-performance unit, has encountered various hurdles, as acknowledged by the engineering team. However, Hyundai is systematically addressing these issues, indicating a strong possibility of future production.
The Quest for Market-Ready Power
Hyundai's explicit objective is to create an engine that not only fulfills stringent market performance demands but can also be mass-produced without complications. This statement suggests the company is focused on a distinct powertrain, likely separate from the twin-turbo V-8 engine designed for Genesis Magma Racing's GMR-001 race car.
Distinguishing the New Engine's Identity
The company describes this novel engine as unprecedented, boasting a unique design and configuration unlike anything seen before. In contrast, the GMR-001's V-8, developed by Hyundai Motorsport since 2024, shares a significant portion of its components with the 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine used in the World Rally Championship (WRC) program, highlighting a fundamental difference in their origins and structure.
Future Trajectories and Speculations
The precise application of this new engine remains a subject of speculation. It could be the V-8 for endurance racing, or perhaps Hyundai is developing a similar powertrain for road-legal vehicles under Genesis' new Magma performance sub-brand or Hyundai's N division. Another scenario involves parallel development: a V-8 for LMDh racing and a separate internal combustion engine for a mid-engine street car under either the Hyundai or Genesis marque.
The Anticipated N Vision 74 Supercar
Meanwhile, the automotive community eagerly awaits the production launch of the Hyundai N Vision 74 supercar, which the company has been showcasing for some time. Although this concept does not feature a traditional combustion engine, its innovative combination of dual hydrogen tanks and a battery pack is highly captivating. With an impressive 671 horsepower and a futuristic aesthetic reminiscent of the iconic DeLorean DMC-12, the N Vision 74 has certainly captured widespread attention.
The Potential for a V-8 N Car
While many enthusiasts might prefer a V-8 engine in a flagship N car, Hyundai has not provided any indications that its radical sports car will incorporate a gasoline engine. This leaves the door open for various powertrain possibilities for the highly anticipated N Vision 74.