Rhys Millen Racing Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Rhys Millen Racing is a California-based builder of high performance race cars. They teamed up with Hyundai to build a one-of-a-kind racing machine to compete in the Formula Drift series in the United States and various other events. Built to compete in the Time Attack class in the grueling Pikes Peak International Hill Climb competition, the RMR Genesis Coupe has set two consecutive world records.
HYUNDAI RMR GENESIS COUPE TIME ATTACK RACER
Before being turned into a specialized hill climb monster, the RMR time attack racer began life as a regular-production, street-going Genesis Coupe with a 3.8L V6 engine. To prepare it for the rigors of Pikes Peak, all unnecessary interior and exterior components were removed before installing a roll cage and other critical safety equipment. An aerodynamic package complete with front splitter, a wide body, and an enormous rear wing creates the downforce required to maintain traction at high speed. Mechanical grip is provided by ultra-wide Hankook Ventus F200 racing slicks mounted on custom HRE lightweight wheels. In Pikes Peak trim, the Hyundai V6 engine yields an incredible 700 horsepower and 710 lb-ft of torque thanks to a Brian Crower 4.1L stroker kit and a Garrett GTX35R turbocharger. All elements of the car, from the engine to the brakes, are optimized to perform while racing at the extremely high altitudes of Pikes Peak.
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For its 2013 world record run, the RMR Genesis Coupe was fitted with a new clutch-type rear differential for improved traction on corner exit and stiffer springs for reduced understeer. The vehicle’s staggered tire sizes were also adjusted, decreasing the overall diameter of the front tires relative to those in the rear. By increasing the rear-to-front rake, the team was able to create a larger front contact patch and improve the car’s weight balance.
2013 PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB
Paul Dallenbach set a new world record in the Time Attack class at the 2013 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on June 30, 2013. Dallenbach set the record at the wheel of the same Hyundai Rhys Millen Racing (RMR) Genesis Coupe that Rhys Millen used to set the all-time world record in 2012. Dallenbach reached the summit at a furious pace, needing only 9:46.001 to make the full ascent.
Hyundai has been expanding its motor sport presence around the world in recent years and this race car is just another example. They plan to develop an i20 WRC rally car for competition in the FIA World Rally Championship in 2014.