Rhys Millen to Debut Mid-Engine Hyundai Genesis Coupe at SEMA

We're used to seeing wild concepts at the SEMA show, but this Hyundai Genesis Coupe, built by Rhys Millen Racing, takes the cake. RMR's Genesis is a 500-hp, V-8-powered, mid-engine monster.

"Placing the Tau V8 in the middle of the Genesis Coupe's architecture will improve vehicle handling, acceleration, and braking, and enhance the already dynamic driving experience," said RMR owner and Genesis racer Rhys Millen. "The Genesis Coupe platform combined with the Tau V8 borrowed from Hyundai's upscale Genesis sedan have allowed us to build a true show-stopper for SEMA."

That 500-hp V-8 isn't any old V-8, but Hyundai's own 4.6-liter "Tau" unit, found in the Genesis sedan. The eight-cylinder mill sports a wild 11.0:1 compression ratio, and RMR also fitted it with individual throttle bodies. RMR bolted the tweaked Tau to a five-speed sequential gearbox from Mendeola, which has been geared for a top end of 182 mph.

Millen wanted this one-off Genesis to look like a Ferrari 599xx, so the car wears a custom body kit, including an aggressive front fascia and chin spoiler. BASF supplied a custom red paint, while the spoiler and rear hatch - essentially the hood - are fabricated entirely in carbon fiber.