KW automotive » Rhys Millen’s Hyundai Genesis RM 460

Rhys Millen’s Hyundai Genesis RM 460 ( 11.11.2009 )

Forget the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo FQ400 or the Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec-C RA-R. If you’re looking for the ultimate manifestation of a production street car, few can top this Hyundai Genesis Coupe built by Rhys Millen Motorsports RMR). While the title RM 460 isn’t quite as long or overwhelming as the others, it far exceeds the competition when it comes to the mechanics.

The RM 460 is Rhys Millen’s vision of the ultimate Hyundai Genesis super car. Having built and raced the Red Bull Racing Genesis based off the production V6 coupe in the Formula Drift series and at the Pikes Peak hill climb, Millen and his team at RMR Motorsports wanted to show the world what could be done with Genesis Coupe in street form for the 2009 SEMA show.

The recipe starts with a standard Genesis Coupe, yank out the front mounted 3.8L V6 engine and graft in a longitudinally mounted 4.6L V8 (Tau engine) from the Genesis Sedan, attach a Mendeola S5 sequential transaxle to the engine, and build the rear subframe and structure around the stock rear subframe and suspension pick up points.

But the details reveal quite a bit more. The RMR guys also increased the compression ration and power output of the stock Tau motor with a set of 11.0:1 compression JE pistons and a custom set of individual throttle bodies based on a TWM design. The fuel tank was removed and replaced under the hood with an 18 gallon fuel cell as well as a spar tire and trunk. Between the now new engine bay and cabin, a structural firewall was built and also separated by a piece of glass pillaged from an old Toyota pickup truck. The entire rear bay was lined with custom cut and formed carbon fiber panels to seal off the rest of the car.

Few people realize that while the RM 460 is a great concept and show car, the machine actually runs, drives and is structurally sound. RMR went to great lengths in the build process to ensure the chassis and frame all stayed within stock Genesis dimensions. Even with the structural firewall, the rear subframe was further stiffened with two additional pickup points. And with all this weight shifting, the car actually comes closer to a 50/50 weight ration compared to the stock 60/40. Everything was kept so true to the original car that the KW Variant 3 coilovers for the OEM car bolted directly back into the car using the original spring rates. Even the Stoptech Trophy Sport big brake kit was a direct bolt on for the front and rear wheel uprights. And to manage all this, an AEM EMS version 2, was piggybacked onto the stock ECU to run the engine, transmission, variable cams and the ITBs, while the ABS, traction controls and all the CAN-BUS chassis controls still remain functional through the OEM computer.

Even with the massive overhaul of components in the rear, the RMR team insisted on OEM hardware in front. Aside from the custom rear carbon-fiber trunk and wing, the RMR Signature Edition and Alcantara wrapped Sparco Chrono Sport seats all bolt on to the stock locations.

So whats next for this Hyundai Supercar? Obviously it will make the show circuit, but its built so well and functionally that there are talks about putting it out on the track just to see what it can do. The problem is finding the right class to put the car in…

Spec Box	RM 460: V8 powered mid-engine Hyundai Genesis
Engine	4.8L Hyundai V8 from Genesis sedan (Tau motor), RMR custom induction, exhaust, manifolds, individual throttle bodies, JE 11.0:1 CR pistons
Driveline	Mendeola S5 transaxle, Driveshaft Shop Axles
Engine Management	AEM EMS
Suspension	KW V3 coilovers
Brakes	Stoptech Trophy Sport brake kit
Wheels and Tires	HRE 560 series wheels Front 20 X 9.0 Rear 20 X 10.0 Toyo T1R tires front 255/35R20 rear 285/30R20
Exterior	RMR Signature Edition body kit, Custom CF rear spoiler and trunk
Interior	Sparco Chrono sport seats, Sparco Alcantara and Carbon Fiber Interior
Electronics	Infinity Kappa amps and speakers