This may come as a surprise, but Hyundai has been experimenting with mid-engined prototypes for more than a decade. Work on the RM (Racing Midship) project began in 2012, but it wasn’t until two years later that the RM14’s cover was unveiled as a rear-wheel-drive Veloster with its engine mounted between the axles. RM15, RM16 and subsequent RM15 19 Malaysian Ringgit It was also based on the quirky hatchback model, however a production version was never produced.
However, it seems Hyundai She has not given up her quest for a mid-engined car. A new official video has been posted on YouTube By the company’s Korean branch confirms that the project is still very much alive. In it, a researcher from the engine design team records that an MR (midship, rear-wheel drive) engine is currently under development.
Described as a high-performance, high-revving unit, the engine’s progress has not been without challenges, with engineers admitting they are “facing many difficulties”. However, Hyundai appears to be gradually ironing out the kinks, suggesting there’s a real chance the project will eventually reach production.
The company’s stated goal is “to develop an engine that meets the performance requirements of the market and mass-produce it without any problems.” Although it’s impossible to confirm, this statement makes it unlikely that Hyundai is referring to a twin-turbo V-8 designed for Genesis Magma Racing GMR-001 race car.
Hyundai describes the new engine as “never existed before,” and features a “very different” design and configuration. By contrast, the GMR, which has been developed by Hyundai Motorsport in Germany since 2024, is based on the 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine from the WRC programme, and shares nearly 60 percent of its parts with that smaller unit.
Until Hyundai or Genesis clarify the situation, all we can do is speculate. Perhaps the new V-8 engine for endurance racing is the engine mentioned in the video. Another plausible scenario is for Hyundai to develop a similar powertrain for road-legal cars under the newly formed Genesis. Magma Performance sub-brand Or the Hyundai N lineup. A third possibility is that two different engines are being developed: a V-8 for the LMDh and another internal combustion unit for a regular mid-engine car badged as a Hyundai or Genesis.
Meanwhile, we’re still eagerly waiting for Hyundai to deliver it The N Vision 74 production-ready supercar It’s been teasing for a while. Even if it doesn’t use a combustion engine, the concept’s combination of dual hydrogen tanks and battery pack is interesting. With 671 horsepower and a futuristic design reminiscent of a modern DeLorean DMC-12, it certainly caught our attention.
Enthusiasts might argue that shoving a V-8 behind the seats of the flagship N would be a much better option, but Hyundai has said nothing about putting a gas engine in its extreme sports car.
