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Hyundai RM16 N mid-engine hatchback might be real

So, remember the Hyundai RM16 Concept? The South Korean automaker showed the mid-engine concept at the Busan Motor Show earlier this year, giving the world a glimpse of the menacing and mean future of the N performance brand. While we liked the look, we also lamented that "it doesn't seem any closer to reaching production." Looking at our latest round of photos from the Nurburgring, we might have been a smidge wrong. This car looks exactly like the RM16. Same huge flared fenders, same deep front intake, same rear bumper, and same side scoops for feeding the mid-mounted, 300-horsepower, turbocharged engine. Yes, we said "mid-mounted." While it's easy to see a mid-engine concept and figure, "Meh, it's just an auto show car, the real one will be front-engine, front-drive," it certainly doesn't seem to be the case here, judging by the swollen rear aches, camouflaged rear windows, and enormous side scoops. Really, the similarities between the car shown above and Busan's RM16 is staggering. If we're seeing the production RM16, it's a huge deal. First, because mid-engine, rear-drive hatchbacks are one of the craziest and rarest automotive species - see the Renault 5 Turbo, Renault Clio V6 Renault Sport, and Lancia Delta S4 for examples. Second, and obviously, a mid-engine Hyundai would mark a dramatic departure from today's crop of all-wheel-drive hot hatchbacks, like the Volkswagen Golf R and Ford Focus RS. We're guessing Hyundai's car would enjoy both better handling and lighter weight, while asking drivers to sacrifice most of hatchback practicality. We also don't really know what to make of Hyundai's testing regime. According to our spies in Germany, Hyundai did a single lap of the Ring before heading out. Wet conditions could have called for a shortened day, but it seems odd to come out of the garage for a single lap, weather be damned. At this point, it's genuinely difficult to predict what Hyundai's up to. This car looks relatively finalized, right down to the tongue sticking out of the grille that could be a radar unit. We can't begin to predict when or where this car will debut, if at all. The Geneva Motor Show is a good bet, but that's a total shot in the dark on our part. All we know is that we would love it if this is Hyundai's first N Performance car.

Facelifted Hyundai ix35/Tucson shows up

It looks as though Hyundai has readied a facelifted version of its ix35 crossover (known as the Tucson here in the U-S-of-A) for the Geneva Motor Show next week. While we haven't been able to get the Korean automaker to cough up the official details - or more than one image - reports indicate that the new Euro CUV will get revisions to the engine lineup, technology offerings and more.
The Hyundai's sheetmetal has been nipped and tucked from the looks of the photo, with bolder, bi-xenon headlamps and LED running lights the most obvious alterations. Inside we're told to keep an eye out for improved materials and a new, larger TFT infortainment control screen.
Expect clearer intel about both the ix35 and the home-market Tucson no later than next week, and most likely a bit earlier.

Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid plus nitrous equals FIA speed record

As Hyundai prepares its trio of Ioniq electrified cars for sale in the US, the Korean automaker is taking the opportunity to showcase its strengths. One thing that definitely doesn't hurt its pre-launch standing in the eyes of potential customers is an FIA-ratified land speed record. As you'll see in the video above, Hyundai took a race-prepped Ioniq Hybrid prototype out to the Bonneville Salt Flats, where there are no speed limits or concrete barriers to hold it back. The result was a new record for a production-based hybrid, at 157.825 mph. The car also achieved a peak exit speed of 160.7 mph. To push the limits of the eco-focused Ioniq Hybrid, Hyundai boosted power and decreased resistance. In terms of output, the company's Engineering and Quality team added low-restriction intake and exhaust systems, minimized parasitic losses by removing the air conditioning and other systems, remapped the ECU, and added a freakin' nitrous injection system from Nitrous Express. They swapped the standard hybrid model grille for that of the all-electric Ioniq, tweaked the underbody and air dam for aero, and stripped or otherwise modified interior components for weight. The lowered ride height (thanks to a Progress Competition coil-over suspension) and Goodyear Eagle rubber wrapped around aero wheels were a final visual testament to this hybrid's singular purpose. For the sake of the driver, the Ioniq received a safety cage, racing seat, six-point harness, and fire suppression system. Finally – and while style points aren't part of the FIA record — the Ioniq was equipped with a racing parachute, which looks impressive on video, especially when you remember this car will be a fuel miser for the masses when it goes on sale later this year. "We couldn't be more proud in setting the FIA hybrid-category record with our new Ioniq hybrid," says Hyundai VP of Corporate and Product Planning Mike O'Brien. "Our engineering team really pushed the limits to set this new segment benchmark while demonstrating the impressive durability of the entire Ioniq vehicle platform. We expect this will be the first of many accolades for Ioniq." Related Video: Related Gallery Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Sets FIA Land Speed Record At Bonneville View 10 Photos News Source: Hyundai, YouTube: HyundaiUSA Green Motorsports Hyundai Hybrid Videos fia land speed record hyundai ioniq ioniq