Rhys Millen Racing RM460 Genesis Coupe Previewed for SEMA

Rhys Millen Racing RM460 Genesis Coupe

By Zack Newmark
October 23, 2009 6:50 PM
Filed Under: Asian, Hyundai, SEMA, Tuners

California-based tuning outfit Rhys Millen Racing will be bringing their adapted mid-engined V8 Hyundai Genesis Coupe to Las Vegas next month for the SEMA Show.  The company built their RM460 Genesis Coupe with the Genesis sedan's 4.6-liter Tau V8 engine modified to produce 500 horsepower. 

"We've enhanced the original performance features and created a rear hatch for complete engine access and viewing pleasure," wrote company head Rhys Millen in a press release.  "Placing the Tau V8 in the middle of the Genesis Coupe's architecture will improve vehicle handling, acceleration and braking and enhance the already dynamic driving experience."

Engineers stripped out the rear seating, opting to place the V8 in its place.  The engine has a new management system, as well as upgraded pistons and throttle bodies.  With the engine compression ratio at 11.0:1, the tuners then mounted a five-speed sequential transmission from Mendeola.  Top speed is rated at 182 mph, but the driver can rein that power in with the StopTech performance brakes.

The RM460 comes with 20-inch wheels wrapped in Toyo T1R tires.  Carbon fiber was also used on the spoiler and rear hatch, which incorporates glass for viewing the engine.  Inside, the car features carbon fiber panels, and Alcantara and Chrono sports seats from Sparco.


Press Release (Click to expand)

RHYS MILLEN RACING CONVERTS GENESIS COUPE INTO PREMIER SPORTS CAR WITH MID-ENGINE V8 FOR SEMA

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Oct. 22, 2009 - As the centerpiece of this year's Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show, Rhys Millen Racing (RMR) fabricated a Genesis Coupe with the award-winning 4.6-liter Tau V8 powerplant to develop the RM460 Genesis Coupe. The mid-engine configuration and enhancements create a 500-horsepower street car worthy of taking on any track or road course. Millen was drawn to the design similarities between the Genesis Coupe and the new Ferrari 599XX, which influenced the vehicle's classic low profile and race-inspired look. This marks the second year of the partnership between RMR and Hyundai creating show-stopping Genesis Coupes with the ultimate in aftermarket appeal.

"We've enhanced the original performance features and created a rear hatch for complete engine access and viewing pleasure," said Rhys Millen, owner, Rhys Millen Racing. "The Genesis Coupe platform combined with the Tau V8 borrowed from Hyundai's upscale Genesis sedan have allowed us to build a true show-stopper for SEMA. Placing the Tau V8 in the middle of the Genesis Coupe's architecture will improve vehicle handling, acceleration and braking and enhance the already dynamic driving experience."

The Tau V8 engine replaces the original back seat and maintains most of its original architecture with upgrades to eight individual throttle bodies and a set of JE pistons that bumps the compression ratio to 11.0:1. An engine management system by AEM has been added to speak to the factory Engine Control Unit (ECU) while maintaining all factory dash and gauge cluster functions. A Mendeola five-speed sequential transmission has been mounted to the V8 and tuned for a maximum speed of 182 mph. Suspension will be maintained by the original MacPherson strut dual-link front suspension and a five-link rear suspension setup, and upgraded with a KW coilover component.

"The RMR RM460 Genesis Coupe perfectly showcases the rear-wheel drive platform of the vehicle as well as the performance capabilities of the powerful Tau V8 engine, available in the 2009 North American Car of the Year Genesis sedan," said Michael Deitz, manager, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. "Rhys Millen Racing has taken the best of both worlds - the Tau's flexibility and the Coupe's tuner-friendly driving architecture - to create a hybrid powerhouse for this year's show."

The RMR RM460 Genesis Coupe will showcase HRE 560 Series 20-inch wheels, Toyo T1R tires and an industry-leading high-performance braking system by StopTech. Modifications to the chassis have been made to better accommodate the engine, including an impressive custom rear glass hatch conversion allowing better access to the engine.

On the outside, the RMR RM460 Genesis Coupe will feature a RMR Signature Edition kit, a carbon fiber spoiler and custom carbon fiber rear hatch. Custom RM ONYX HD paint is provided by BASF. Inside the vehicle will have Sparco Chrono sports seats, Sparco Alcantara and carbon fiber interior panels, and Infinity Kappa Perfect Speakers and power amplifier.


RHYS MILLEN RACING

R. Millen Motor Sports Sales (RMR) was founded 15 years ago by Rhys Millen to fulfill a huge demand for quality aftermarket products created by the Millen Racing heritage. Similar to motor sport clothing merchandise to a race fan, RMR offers proven race products to street customers primarily based on its motor sports associations. Since its creation, RMR has built itself up become one of the industries most respected tuners for Toyota, Lexus and Mitsubishi. In addition to RMR's excellent relationship with auto manufacturers, the company has custom built many private vehicles for celebrities such as basketball star Dennis Rodman, actor Jason Priestley and rock star Alex Van Halen. RMR has also built cars and worked closely with the producers of the blockbuster hit franchise "The Fast and the Furious."

RMR currently offers more than 100 products that are designed and produced in its facility or private labeled exclusively for RMR. These parts are carefully designed to provide the customer with quick and easy installation instructions with the highest quality. In many cases, its parts have met or exceeded factory specifications allowing dealers to warranty their installation keeping the cars under the factory warranty.


HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 790 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by The Hyundai Advantage, America's Best Warranty. In addition, Hyundai Assurance is now offered on all new vehicles leased or purchased from a certified Hyundai dealer. The program is available to any consumer, regardless of age, health, employment record or financed amount of the vehicle. The program is complimentary for the first 12 months.

 

Comments

majorsja
October 23, 2009 8:38 PM
You've got to admit that Huyndai is really becoming a player. The styling is classic and will look good for at least 10 yrs in the future. Which means if things under the hood measure up, the depreciation value will not be too bad at all.

GRAVE
October 23, 2009 8:51 PM
It looks fantastic, and this engine modification is really nice

Schizo0223
October 23, 2009 9:53 PM
The guys at Hyundai should be impressed by what Millen has done to one of their cars. It's probably the most exotic car with a Hyundai badge to date.

911fnatic
October 23, 2009 10:37 PM
Its possible for any manufacturer to become a quality brand, just deliver the goods. Kia's doing well for themselves lately as well.

BTB505
October 24, 2009 1:49 AM
Hyundai own Kia thats why!!

sj0808
October 24, 2009 6:49 PM
Hyundai bought Kia long long time ago..

Xanavi23
October 24, 2009 12:06 AM
I really really appreciate the lack of tacky/ugly decals on the car. The addition of the TAU engine is godly, though i would like to see a good set-up with that V6.

GRAVE
October 24, 2009 12:12 AM
The problem with this car is the interior, it looks so cheap! some one should modify the interior and replace the cheap plastics.

jerry05cod4
October 24, 2009 6:24 AM
the front looks life the lexus Lf-a concept... the original concept

Dolomight 74-86
October 24, 2009 8:56 AM
Normally hyundais are the butt of some of the most crude of my jokes but I'm somewhat impressed with this one. Good job rmr and hyundai, I guess...

MadAboutCars
October 24, 2009 11:13 AM
Fantastic job, I wonder how they sorted out the cooling system.

radmeister
October 27, 2009 1:07 AM
probably the same as most of the other mid/rear engined cars. long tubes that run from the front of the car to the back.

R0ADR4G3
October 27, 2009 5:12 AM
the mass producing companies are making their cars more appealing, impressive, they should make it there AMG

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