By Hyundai Motor America
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 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.