The 2023 Hyundai RM20 N will have a mid-engine design, but that’s about all we know. We can only speculate about what other features this model has, but we believe it will include close to a 350-horsepower engine in conjunction with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. We also expect a lower curb weight, which should help it compete against more expensive mid-engine cars.
The production model will undoubtedly be more civil to drive and might develop less horsepower than the prototype’s claimed 390 ponies, but it should boast an impressive power-to-weight ratio that could help its performance compete with mid-engine stars such as the Chevy C8 Corvette and Porsche 718 Cayman.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
One of the few things that we can say for sure about Hyundai’s forthcoming sports car is that its engine will be mounted in the middle of the car. Apart from that, we can only use a combination of speculation and our recent experience with the mid-engine RM19 prototype to discuss its potential powertrain and performance. While the car we drove was based on a production front-wheel-drive Veloster, it featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that sat over the rear axle and produced a substantial 390 horsepower.
It is paired with a six-speed manual transmission to drive the rear wheels rather than the fronts. We expect the production 2023 Hyundai RM20 N will have fewer horses to help make it easier to control. It’s more likely that the mid-engine Hyundai will have about 325-to-350 horsepower and will route it through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic. Combine that with a light curb weight and the RM20 N could deliver a phenomenal driving experience and performance that even rivals pricier mid-engine alternatives such as and the Porsche 718 Cayman and Boxster.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Neither the EPA nor Hyundai have released information on how fuel-efficient the upcoming RM20 N will be in the city or on the highway. Once its fuel-economy ratings are announced, and we have a chance to test the mid-engine sports car on our 200-mile highway route, we can evaluate its real-world mpg. For more information about the RM20 N’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
We’re totally in the dark when it comes to guessing what the interior of the first mid-engine Hyundai will look like. While it could take inspiration from the current Veloster, we expect the Korean company to make the inside of the 2023 Hyundai RM20 N unique. It will likely be a two-seater with average passenger space. As long as its cabin is easier to see out of and less claustrophobic than the Supra, we should be satisfied.
The Hyundai should have a host of standard and optional features that could include the ambient interior lighting, a head-up display, heated and ventilated seats, wireless charging, and more. We don’t expect the mid-engine sports car to be especially capacious, but it should have some practical cubby storage and a small trunk under the hood that will hold one or two carry-on suitcases.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The 2023 Hyundai RM20 N will likely have a standard touchscreen infotainment system that’s loaded with desirable features. We expect Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to be included in every model. While Hyundai’s systems benefit from physical buttons and knobs, their interfaces are generally generic. Still, if the mid-engine sports car is meant to compete with alternatives such as the Supra and Cayman, it’ll probably offer a powerful premium audio system and other upscale options.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
While the regular Veloster N avoids all common driver-assistance technology, the mid-engine model might be available with some extra equipment such as adaptive cruise control and parking sensors. For more information about the RM20 N’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
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