Hyundai Africa and Middle East has been demonstrating the company's high-performance and high-tech credentials at the 2016 Busan International Motor Show in South Korea. At the show, held just a short distance from Hyundai's main manufacturing base, a delegation of media from the region has seen first-hand some of the carmaker's ambitious plans for the future. Generating great excitement was the new Genesis G80, which was revealed for the first time at the show. A development of the highly successful Hyundai Genesis sedan, the Genesis G80 luxury sedan made its debut alongside a more driver-focused Genesis G80 Sport, and is the second model in the new stand-alone Genesis brand's line up to be revealed after the flagship G90. The new prestige brand, which represents a significant investment for Hyundai, is expected to build quickly on the success of Hyundai-branded flagship models when it arrives in Africa and Middle East markets later this year. Other Hyundai cars on display included the RM16 concept Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo concepts, pre-production versions of the INONIQ alternative-fuel car, due to be launched on the market globally this summer, and a diverse range of successful Hyundai models already sold around the world, including Elantra, Veloster, i40, Sonata, Azera, Aslan, Tucson, Santa Fe, and Santa Fe Sport. Mike Song, Head of Hyundai for the Africa and Middle East Region, said, "Busan International Motor Show is special to Hyundai, being so close to where our story began, so we always ensure our presence at the show offers something special. We have so many exciting projects in development, including for luxury, performance and alternative-fuel cars, all bringing together such advanced technology, that at most motor shows we can only show part of what we are achieving. At Busan, we bring everything together, and the result is truly amazing." With Hyundai's record of bringing concept cars to life as production models, the Busan display offered a tantalizing taste of what the company has in store for showrooms. The RM16 concept proved particularly exciting for driving enthusiasts. This is no hollow styling exercise, but rather a highly advanced performance car, and a working development vehicle for technology to be included in the planned ‘N' sub-brand of high-performance cars. The concept is the latest in Hyundai's Project RM (Racing Midship) series, following the previous RM14 and RM15 concepts, further developing their high-performance engineering in the form of a mid-engine, lightweight, high-performance two-seat concept. The latest in the RM line inherits characteristics from the earlier RM14 and RM15 models – in particular the RM14's six-speed manual transmission and mid-mounted 2.0 theta T-GDI engine – tuned to develop 300PS. Additionally, the RM16 boasts the same sports-focused weight distribution (43% front, 57% rear), as its predecessors, benefitting from a center of gravity less than 500mm from the ground. Styling is optimized for aerodynamics, featuring an aggressive front with low-extended hood, slim headlamps and wide air intakes that sets the tone of its low-and-wide stance, created to accommodate high-performance technologies. Weight-saving innovations, first seen on the RM15, help boost the new concept's handling and acceleration. A specially designed aluminum spaceframe is covered by light, rigid carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) body panels, which save considerable weight versus a traditionally-constructed steel-based car. Albert Biermann, Head of Hyundai Motor's Vehicle Test & High-Performance Development said, "RM models will continue to play an important role as the ‘rolling lab' in the development of our future high-performance ‘N' cars." High-Performance for the Zero Emissions Age Looking further ahead was the Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo, which shows Hyundai's long term ideas for performance driving. The concept's powertrain is based on the world's first mass-produced Hyundai hydrogen fuel cell system, highlighting Hyundai Motor's passion for performance and sustainability. The total system output is 650kW (884PS), with the dual fuel cell stacks providing 500kW (680PS), and the super capacitor system generating an additional 150kW (204PS) by using energy regeneration when braking. This unrivalled power is delivered through four high-powered, independent in-wheel motors that provide uncompromised traction and immediate response. The compact, lightweight fuel cell stacks and rigid CFRP monocoque structure help to keep weight down to 972kg, giving it a power-to-weight ratio that rivals the most exotic supercars in the world. Combined with a low center of gravity, this power and performance sets the car up to perform on the most challenging of race tracks, encapsulating the thrilling premise of ‘N' cars. All this futuristic engineering is wrapped in stunning good looks. Inspired by aerodynamics and formed by speed, the Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo presents itself like a jet fighter on wheels that blurs the line between air and asphalt. Hyundai Motor designed this car to appear more like a crafted machine for grounded aeronautics. The car actually looks like it is floating.
