The mid-engined Veloster spotted earlier this week has officially been unveiled. The aggressively-styled high-performance coupe concept named ‘RM15’ (Racing Midship 2015) is a lightweight two-seater and was shown today at the 11th Seoul Motor Show.
The RM15 features an aluminium space frame as its core structure, with a covering of light, stiff body panels formed in carbon-fibre reinforced plastic, which together help to achieve a significant weight saving compared to a conventional all-steel vehicle. The body panels are painted in the signature colours of the company’s which also feature on the Hyundai WRC i20 rally car.
Based on the Veloster RM shown at last year’s Busan Motor Show in Korea, the new RM15 features a host of modifications that boost the latest model’s performance, handling and efficiency. Total weight is reduced (to 1,260 kg – a saving of 195kg compared to an all-steel structure), weight distribution is more evenly balanced (43% front, 57% rear), the center of gravity is just 491 mm from the ground and aerodynamic downforce is 24 kg at 200 kph, aided by a competitive lift-coefficient.
Power comes from Hyundai Motor’s Theta 2.0-liter T-GDI engine mounted transversely behind the two-seater cabin and ahead of the rear axle, ensuring optimized weight distribution and a low moment of inertia for excellent handling agility and high levels of traction. New, vertical air-intake slots in the flanks of the car, ahead of the rear wheel arches, increase cooling airflow within the engine bay and enhance powertrain efficiency.
The four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine generates 300 ps at 6,000 rpm and drives the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. Strong torque delivery of 383 Nm at 2,000 rpm helps to reduce the 0-100 km acceleration time to just 4.7 seconds.
Integrated sub-frame and a WRC-inspired roll-cage add extra stiffness to the structure, providing a firm foundation for the aluminum double-wishbone suspension, enabling it to give precise responses and consistent handling characteristics. RM15 rides on stylish 19-inch diameter mono block forged alloy wheels fitted with 235/35 R19 tires at the front and 265/35 R19 tires behind.
The body panels, named ‘Hybrid Lightweight Body Structure’ provide further demonstration of Hyundai Motor’s expertise with carbon-fibre reinforced plastic structures. With an aluminium core structure and CFRP body panels, the RM15 is light yet extremely strong, with torsional stiffness of 37,800nm/deg.
