Hyundai has been very open about its
intentions to launch a mid-engined sports car and in Korea, a prototype for
such a car was recently spotted on the back of a flatbed. This image, first
published by Bobaedream, shows that the prototype is adorned with graphics
reading ‘MR23T.’ Most of the prototype’s bodywork is shared with the current
Hyundai Veloster N but the flared rear-wheel arches similar to those of the
mid-ship RM19 all but confirm this tester has its engine behind the passenger cell.
A report from TKCB (The Korean Car Blog)
claims that the name ‘MR23T’ refers to a mid-engine, rear-wheel drive layout
and a 2.3-liter turbocharged engine with direct injection. Hyundai’s current
N-branded models use a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with up to 271 hp
and it is claimed this larger 2.3-liter unit will be good for 312 hp. As if
that wasn’t enough, it’s claimed this prototype sports an electric motor that
adds an extra 80 hp, bringing combined power up to the same 390 hp as the RM19 concept.
In May 2019, the Hyundai Motor Group
announced a strategic partnership with Rimac Automobili to invest approximately US$ 90 million into the Croatian company. It is understood that Rimac will help
with the development of Hyundai’s mid-engined sports car and, presumably, be
responsible for the aforementioned electric motor that it will feature.
While the mid-engined prototype in
question wears the body of the current Hyundai Veloster, the finished product
is expected to have a look of its own. It remains to be seen when the car will
launch but we’ll be happy to wait for it to materialize regardless of the
timeframe with the knowledge that it will likely eclipse the almighty i30 N in
every performance realm.
