LONG BEACH, California — Hyundai's entry into the Formula Drift Series — a 2010 Genesis Coupe built by Rhys Millen Racing and co-sponsored by Red Bull — will make its competition debut this weekend at the opening round of the Formula Drift series on the streets of Long Beach, California.
Driver and team owner Rhys Millen told Inside Line the car came together in an unbelievable nine weeks. It takes only a quick glance at this machine to know what a feat this is.
Under the hood is Hyundai's Lambda V6 which has been stroked from 3.8 to 4.0 liters and utilizes a single turbocharger to produce 560 horsepower and 542 pound-feet of torque at 14 psi of boost. An HKS five-speed sequential transmission and Winters quick-change rear differential put power to the ground through 245mm front and 265mm rear Toyo R-compound tires.
Massive weight reduction was made through the use of carbon fiber body panels. In fact, just about the only panel that isn't formed from the exotic material is the rear bumper — even the roof was replaced. The result is a race-ready weight of 2,790 pounds, down from almost 3,500 pounds in stock trim.
Part of Millen's deal with Hyundai includes plans to compete in select time attack events as well. He'll campaign the car at Pike's Peak in July where he already holds numerous records including the Time Attack 2WD record which he set last year in his Pontiac Solstice drift car.
Inside Line says: The RMR Genesis Coupe is one of the most advanced drift cars in the series driven by one of the most competitive and accomplished drivers. Sounds like a winner to us.— Josh Jacquot, Senior Road Test Editor
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