The RM500 Genesis Coupe. Image: Hyundai Motor America
We couldn’t make it to this year’s SEMA show, since no one picked us up hitchhiking on I-95. Instead, we’re at the mercy of the manufacturers, many of which flood our mailboxes with press releases on the latest SEMA decal kit or paint job. Some build cars that we’d really like to drive, and topping that list is the Hyundai Genesis Coupe built by Rhys Millen Racing (RMR). In fact, we’d go so far as to say it’s a car that Hyundai itself should be building.
The RM500 Genesis Coupe. Image: Hyundai Motor America
RMR started out with a 2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe, then shoehorned in a 5.0-liter Hyundai Tau V-8, good for 450 horsepower thanks to some tuning and an RMR exhaust. Next came some tasteful carbon fiber trim, which RMR will be bringing to market soon. To ensure the RM500 handles and stops as good as it looks, RMR bolted on 19-inch forged HRE wheels and used Brembo carbon ceramic rotors in all four corners.
The RM500 Genesis Coupe. Image: Hyundai Motor America
Inside, the driver and passenger get Sparco Chrono sport seats and an RMR interior suede package, which gives the Genesis Coupe an upscale feel. The car is sprayed in black, which only adds to its “don’t mess with me” demeanor.
Also, don’t forget that you can get discounted new car pricing with a free quote through qualified local dealer partners.
The RM500 Genesis Coupe. Image: Hyundai Motor America
John Krafcik, CEO of Hyundai Motor America, is said to be a big fan of the 5.0-liter Genesis Coupe, but that doesn’t mean it will see production. Hyundai has dismissed the car as “too expensive to build,” and believes that a V-8 Genesis Coupe may steal buyers away from the Genesis R-Spec sedan. We’d beg to differ, since a 5.0-liter Genesis Coupe could be positioned to combat the Ford Mustang GT and the Nissan 370Z, something the current 3.8-liter Genesis Coupe doesn’t do well.
The RM500 Genesis Coupe. Image: Hyundai Motor America
Production versions would have to see some cost saving measures, so things like the HRE wheels and giant carbon-ceramic brakes would likely get the axe. The oil cooler and rear differential cooler would probably be cut, too, since these are only needed for serious track duty. Still, there’s enough of the good stuff left over to make a V-8 Genesis Coupe interesting, and we’d bet that Hyundai could bring one to market for around the same $30k starting price of a Mustang GT.
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
