Rhys Millen has finally built the Hyundai Genesis Coupe we've wanted since oh, about February 2009. The RM500 Genesis Coupe unveiled at the Vegas Convention Center today has a 5.0-liter Tau V8 in it making about 450 horsepower (although Millen says 430 in the video that follows). It's hooked up to a six-speed manual gearbox with a custom Rhys Millen Racing clutch and flywheel. The exhaust is custom-fabricated by RMR but incorporates some Greddy hardware.
"This engine is amazing and it belongs in this coupe," Millen observes. We couldn't agree more and if this concept doesn't point the way to an eventual limited-run production model, we're hoping for a crate version of the Tau V8. (Then again, Hyundai is also showing a Genesis coupe with a supercharged V6 that also makes 450 hp at SEMA -- the Hurricane SC -- and we've actually spotted a running S/C prototype, so perhaps that's still the more plausible scenario.)
Of course, there are countless other enhancements on this showcar, including carbon-ceramic brakes with 15.5-inch front rotors with 6-piston fixed calipers and 15-inch rear discs with 4-pot calipers. The wheels are HRE 793-RS and measure 19-by-8.5 inches in front and 19x-by-9.5 in rear. The tires are Hankook Ventus V12 size 245/40ZR19 in front and 275/35ZR19 in back.
With the exception of the yellow foglights, all of the exterior retrofits (spoiler, skirts, rear diffuser) are carbon-fiber-based, and Hyundai intends to offer these pieces via dealers. Inside, Sparco seats are evidently compatible with the coupe's working-man's three-point belts.
v8vader says:
01:35 PM, 11/ 1/11
see, it does fit! what's with you, Hyundai?
shaddai says:
01:35 PM, 11/ 1/11
Such a great engine covered with such shameful plastic.
Sigh.
addicted2sp33d says:
02:10 PM, 11/ 1/11
This is what Nissan should have been doing instead of screwing around with that ridiculous Juke-R.
They're getting beaten at the whole import sports coupe game that they invented with the 240/260/280Z!
smrtypants44 says:
02:11 PM, 11/ 1/11
That bodywork is pretty tasteful for SEMA
haub says:
02:41 PM, 11/ 1/11
Absolutely outstanding job done. Tasteful choices and great overall package. And wow, those brakes...
graspthefact says:
02:52 PM, 11/ 1/11
Exterior looks pretty stock to me.
Ditch those fog lights and hyundai emblem and it will look better.
ilovecars12 says:
04:12 PM, 11/ 1/11
I am no Hyundai fan, but I have to admit this car has great potential if ever making production. I never understood the car mags putting this car in the pony car shootouts. With the Tau, it actually makes sense.
ilovecars12 says:
04:15 PM, 11/ 1/11
I am certainly no Hyundai fan, but this car with a Tau makes a lot of sense and would be a true pony car competitor.
jmaroun says:
05:04 PM, 11/ 1/11
A Korean Pony car. hmm.. Why the F not?
Bring It!
blackdynamite1 says:
09:23 PM, 11/ 1/11
This guy has the maracas Hyundai doesn't.......
BD
sniperruff says:
05:41 AM, 11/ 2/11
Looks good, BUT - why only focus on the engine? No mentioning of any suspension improvements, which is cited as a shortfall of the production car.
And no, lowering the car doesn't count.
fordson1 says:
05:45 AM, 11/ 2/11
Way too tasteful for SEMA. And ONLY 19s!
partsguru says:
05:51 AM, 11/ 2/11
Clear foglights and chrome tips please. What are those tips supposed to match, the washer bottle cap?
menacingllama says:
06:12 AM, 11/ 2/11
@partsguru: +eleventybillion
Take off the blued exhaust tips, yellow fogs, and put in some real seats, and that's a sure-fire winner right there.
Of course, they'd also have to put some standard brakes, wheels, and body parts on it on it for showroom duty, but offering those upgraded components via Hyundai dealers? Yes please.
j2j says:
04:24 PM, 11/ 2/11
"This guy has the maracas Hyundai doesn't......."
Does that mean Toyota's got peas for "macaras" since they won't even give us a V6 powered coupe?
velocity_x says:
08:33 AM, 11/ 3/11
Any ideas on this setup actually making it to production ?
I ask because I noticed that Hyundai also had a Supercharged 3.8L V6 (with development input from Millen) with the same quoted HP output on hand at SEMA; I doubt both 450HP models would ever make it to production.
It almost seems like Hyundai is trying to gauge demand/desire for and public response to both versions to help them decide which model ( NA 450HP V8 or Supercharged V6) gets the production green light.
Please share any insights that IL gained from Millen about this.