Autoblog

Hyundai and Rhys Millen reunite, will return to Pikes Peak with new RWD racer, Genesis Coupe

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 16:23:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hyundai, Racing

Last September, Hyundai confirmed that it was exiting all of its motorsports programs in North America. That left Rhys Millen Racing without a title sponsor for its Formula Drift and Global RallyCross Championship series challengers. It also looked to have meant the end of a partnership that last year resulted in a record-setting run at Pikes Peak when Rhys Millen established the new benchmark for a run up the Colorado mountain in a production-based race car.

Hyundai clarified that September report by saying it was "reconsidering our continued involvement in Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, having achieved the world record in a Hyundai Genesis Coupe this year." The return is official, with Hyundai saying it is going back to the peak with Millen and two cars, one of them a "purpose-built unlimited class rear-drive," the other being the Hyundai Genesis Coupe-based racer that set last year's record in the time attack two-wheel-drive class.

Hyundai wants to show off the strength of its engineering, so the unlimited car will have something like 900 horsepower and 800 pound-feet of torque while using the production block, cylinder heads, bearings and accessories of its Lambda V6 engine. You can read more about the effort in the press release below, and click the image above for an enlarged view of what's coming.

Continue reading Hyundai and Rhys Millen reunite, will return to Pikes Peak with new RWD racer, Genesis Coupe

Hyundai and Rhys Millen reunite, will return to Pikes Peak with new RWD racer, Genesis Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jan 2013 16:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rhys Millen puts his Hyundai RallyCross and WRC cars up for sale

Zach Bowman — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Hatchback, Hyundai, Racing

Rhys Millen Racing has put a few interesting vehicles up for sale. Buyers can now get their hands on both of Millen's 2011 Hyundai Veloster Global RallyCross racers. Both cars competed in the 2011 and 2012 Global RallyCross championships as well as the X-Games. Expect to find a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a 45mm restrictor, and both cars come with a spate of spares to get you racing and keep you there. Both of those machines will be for sale staring January 1, 2013. No pricing has been released for either as of yet, but we've reached out to see about how much the machines will cost you.

Want something a little more... different? RMR has also put up a 2001 Hyundai Accent WRC EVO 3.5. The team bought the car to supply parts for its other racing efforts, and while most of the components were stripped for the Global RallyCross cars, the chassis itself was never used. Right now, the machine can be set up as either a left-hand or right-hand driver, and comes with plenty of spares as well. If you want it, shine up your $135,000 and contact RMR by heading over to the team's site.

Looks like Rhys Millen is cleaning house after Hyundai announced it would no longer participate in North American motorsports.

Rhys Millen puts his Hyundai RallyCross and WRC cars up for sale originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Dec 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai pulls out of all motorsports in North America [UPDATE]

Chris Paukert — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, Hyundai, Racing

Following word from Rhys Millen Racing that its main sponsor, Hyundai, is withdrawing support from its Formula Drift and Global RallyCross Championship campaigns, the Korean automaker has confirmed to Autoblog that it is ceasing all motorsports support programs in North America.

With Hyundai building sales and financial momentum not just in NA but in virtually all markets in which it competes, the timing of the pullout from racing seems curious, but Hyundai reportedly wants to focus on new marketing strategies. Hyundai never really attempted to crack mainline motorsports series here in North America like NASCAR or IndyCar, instead preferring to get a toehold in racing via edgier (and less costly) extreme-sports-style forms of competition like rallycross, hillclimbs and drifting.

Millen's operation says it is looking for new sponsors and partners for next season, but Hyundai's support of the team will evidently remain until the conclusion of its 2012 seasons.

Hyundai will continue motorsports programs elsewhere in the world - indeed, is debuting a new i20 racecar concept at today's Paris Motor Show with which it plans to return to the World Rally Championship, a series it exited back in 2003.

UPDATE: Hyundai spokesperson Jim Trainor has provided us with the following statement:

"Hyundai Motor America has made a decision to step back and re-evaluate its motorsports strategy in order to determine what is best for the brand following the conclusion of the 2012 Global Rallycross and Formula Drift seasons. We are also reconsidering our continued involvement in Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, having achieved the world record in a Hyundai Genesis Coupe this year."

Hyundai pulls out of all motorsports in North America [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Sep 2012 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai and Rhys Millen Racing show off Tau V8-powered RM500 Genesis Coupe

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 16:35:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Hyundai

Ever since Hyundai debuted its Tau 5.0-liter V8, we wondered just how tough it would be to shoehorn the naturally aspirated monster under the hood of the Genesis Coupe. After much anticipation, the Korean automaker has teamed up with Rhys Millen Racing to bring us this, the RM500 - a 450-horsepower Genesis Coupe with a free-breathing, eight-cylinder heart.

The 5.0-liter powerplant is obviously the big story for the RM500, but there are plenty of other upgrades that make this one-off Genesis Coupe all the more interesting. RMR has added a custom stainless exhaust with a GReddy rear section muffler, oil cooler and rear differential cooler - all good for 20 additional horsepower. What's more, RMR has added things like a lightweight clutch and flywheel, new engine management system (natch), Brembo carbon ceramic brakes and new 19-inch tires on super-slick Z-rated tires (245/40 front, 275/35 rear) mounted on custom HRE wheels.

Specific RMR visual enhancements include a whole bunch of carbon fiber aero tweaks. Specifically, a new front lip, side skirts, rear diffuser, spoiler, grille, roof overlay, foglamp vents and foglamp covers. The end result is a sinister-looking Genesis Coupe that we'd love to get our mitts on.

Moving inside, RMR and Hyundai have added an interior suede package (because it wouldn't be a SEMA car without a touchy-feeling interior), sport seats, a new shift knob and a small steering column extension, among other little details.

Like most SEMA cars, we don't expect a factory version to come along anytime soon. But we'll say this: It's very good to know that the big V8 will fit under the Genesis Coupe's hood so cleanly. You know, just in case Hyundai might have something else up its sleeve...

Gaze in wide-eyed wonder at our high-res galleries, then check out the official press release for more after the jump.

Continue reading Hyundai and Rhys Millen Racing show off Tau V8-powered RM500 Genesis Coupe

Hyundai and Rhys Millen Racing show off Tau V8-powered RM500 Genesis Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 16:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How Rhys Millen prepares for the 2011 Pikes Peak Hill Climb

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hyundai, Racing

Rhys Millen and his PM580 inch closer to Pikes Peak - Click above to watch video after the jump

The 2011 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is nearly upon us. We got to spend some time with Rhys Millen and father Rod, as the Rhys Millen Racing team gets its cars ready for Colorado, and now Red Bull has put together a video clip that shows how the RMR team is progressing.

Remember we said that the Weismann tranmission was giving Millen fits? It's gone. The Hyundai-powered PM580 is no longer a semi-automatic transmission car, with Rhys instead opting for a manual gearbox. The new transmission was a gift from Rhys' father Rod, as the unit came out of Millen Sr.'s famous hill-climbing Toyota Tacoma.

Rhys is clearly more happy with the manual transmission. The car appears ready to break through a longstanding barrier, and it seems that history might just be made this year. Click past the jump to see why.

Continue reading How Rhys Millen prepares for the 2011 Pikes Peak Hill Climb

How Rhys Millen prepares for the 2011 Pikes Peak Hill Climb originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Jun 2011 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rod Millen joining Rhys for his own run up Pikes Peak

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 27 May 2011 19:25:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hyundai

RMR Hyundai Pikes Peak 2011 Test Session - Click above for high-res image gallery

Chances are you've heard of Rhys Millen. The man pushes cars over dirt, into extreme sideways angles, through the air and up challenging mountain roads. If you're a bit younger, however, you may not have heard of his father, Mr. Rod Millen... and that's a problem, because you should know that name.

Rod Millen, born in New Zealand and possessor of the best driveway on the planet, is a racing legend. Typically known for his off-road records, the elder Millen has been hustling rally cars and trucks across tough terrain since the 1970s. The company he founded, MillenWorks, is responsible for the development of technical innovations used in racing, and by the military. Enjoying that cushy suspension setup in your Chevrolet Corvette or Audi R8? You can think MillenWorks for that.

Like Rhys, Rod also has a passion for competing. Before Nobuhiro Tajima came along, Rod Millen was the Pike's Peak record holder. Driving a Toyota Celica All Trac in 1994, Millen smashed the previous record by 40 seconds. He broke his own record four more times, until the Monster took him down, and Rod hasn't been back since 2001.

Father's day is around the corner, and the Millen boys are ready to spend some time together. They're going to do so in Colorado, because Rod is coming back to the mountain, and Rhys is planning to destroy it.

Continue reading Rod Millen joining Rhys for his own run up Pikes Peak

Rod Millen joining Rhys for his own run up Pikes Peak originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 May 2011 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rhys Millen's new 500-hp Hyundai Veloster rallycross machine drifts into Chicago [w/sound]

Noah Joseph — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 10:45:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Motorsports, Coupe, Hyundai, Racing

RMR Hyundai Veloster rally car - Click above for high-res image gallery

There are more famous racing families than the Millens, but not many. While Steve Millen was closely associated with Nissan, his brother and nephew have long been associated with Hyundai That nephew is Rhys Millen, the drifting champion we know and love. And this is the latest tool of his trade.

Rhys Millen Racing started with the new Veloster coupe that debuted last month at the Detroit Auto Show and stripped it down to nothing. They stripped the chassis to its bare metal, soaked it in alkalai for five days and then reinforced the welding. They replaced the metal body panels with carbon/Kevlar to cut 75 percent of the shell's weight, dropping the scales down to 2,656 pounds. The company stripped out the interior and fitted a custom eight-point roll-cage, firewall and Sparco bucket. What's more, the Veloster rallycross car uses an unspecified custom long-travel suspension, with 18-inch HRE wheels, Hankook rubber and 14-inch Alcon brake discs (12-inch in the back) gripped by six-piston calipers all around.

The real treasure, though, sits under the louvered hood: Hyundai's 2.0-liter four-cylinder bolted to an HKS ball-bearing turbocharger driving a whopping 500 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque through an X-Trac six-speed sequential to all four wheels. Hot diggity damn.

Hear Hyundai's rally engine starting up

Rhys will be pivoting the Veloster around the 2011 U.S. Rallycross Championship, and sharing it with motorcross two-wheeler Robbie Maddison at the Summer X-Games. A second car will be built for Maddison to share with rally champ Marcus Dodd also in the U.S. Rallycross Championship, while a third front-drive car will be constructed for celebrity drivers. Follow the jump for full details in the press release and an official video, and check out the additional images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Hyundai Veloster Rally Car

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Rhys Millen's new 500-hp Hyundai Veloster rallycross machine drifts into Chicago [w/sound]

Rhys Millen's new 500-hp Hyundai Veloster rallycross machine drifts into Chicago [w/sound] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Rhys Millen finishes what he teased - Climb Attack Brazil

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 19:39:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, South America

Rhys Millen's Climb Attack Brazil - Click above for to watch video after the jump

Rhys Millen recently teased a video of him sliding up the slopes of Serra do Rio do Rastro, and now the tease has been expanded upon in tropical glory. It's a three-minutes-and-change blast of sideways slithering and vulcanized clouds for which few words are needed. In fact, the only words in the entire four-minute vid are: "The course is clear." You'll find the accompanying smoke and fury after the jump.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Rhys Millen finishes what he teased - Climb Attack Brazil

Video: Rhys Millen finishes what he teased - Climb Attack Brazil originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 27 Nov 2010 19:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Rhys Millen releases Climb Attack Brazil teaser

Jeff Glucker — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Hyundai, South America, Racing

Rhys Millen and his Time Attack Hyundai Genesis Coupe tear up Brazil - Click above to watch video after the jump

Rhys Millen has packed up his passport, many sets of tires, a camera crew and his RMR-prepped Hyundai Genesis Coupe. Destination: Brazil.

More specifically, Millen has taken his 750 horsepower smoke monster to the Serra do Rio do Rastro mountain range. Located in southeastern Brazil and coated in some delectable tarmac, it's yet another photogenic location for the Genesis Coupe to practice burnt rubber calligraphy.

Of course, this won't the Millen's first hill climb. In 2009, he set the Pike's Peak 2WD Time Attack class record while issues with his PM850 hampered an attempt at true glory in the unlimited class. You can check Rhys and the RMR/Red Bull Hyundai Genesis Coupe running the hills of Brazil after the jump. It's only a teaser clip, but it does it's job and will certainly leave you wanting more.

Gallery: Rhys Millen Racing Hyundai Genesis Coupe

[Source: Youtube]

Continue reading Video: Rhys Millen releases Climb Attack Brazil teaser

Video: Rhys Millen releases Climb Attack Brazil teaser originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rhys Millen's Hyundai PM580 Pikes Peak challenger shown in final livery

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hyundai, Racing

RMR Hyundai Genesis PM580 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Before loading the Hyundai Genesis PM580 onto the truck for the trip to Colorado, the Rhys Millen Racing crew polished up their new race car its final photo shoot. The tube-frame hill-climb special is now wearing its official Red Bull livery in preparation for Millen's record attempt on Sunday.

Millen will be doing his best to recapture the outright record that his father Rod held for 13 years and in the process hopes to become the first driver to ever get under 10 minutes for the "run to the clouds." Our man Drew Phillips will be on site in Colorado all weekend to provide us with coverage, so stay tuned for more beautiful pictures than you can shake a stick at.

Gallery: RMR Hyundai Genesis PM580

[Source: Hyundai]

Rhys Millen's Hyundai PM580 Pikes Peak challenger shown in final livery originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Jun 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA Preview: RM460 Genesis Coupe with 500-hp mid-engine V8 gets rendered

John Neff — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:25:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Hatchback, Hyundai

Rhys Millen Racing RM460 Genesis Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've been keeping tabs on Rhys Millen Racing and their construction of a V8-powered, mid-engine Hyundai Genesis Coupe for the last few weeks. Called the RM460 Genesis Coupe, this car will make its official debut at SEMA in early November, but we've got the first rendering of the exterior right here for ya.

As we've mentioned before, the engine is the 4.6-liter Tau V8 normally found under the hood of a Hyunda Genesis sedan. The Gen Coupe's rear seat has been tossed to make room, and the V8 has been upgraded with eight individual throttle bodies, a set of JE pistons and an AEM engine management system that all work in concert to bump power to 500 horsepower. In order to make the engine accessible back there, RMR also replaced the trunk lid with a carbon fiber rear hatch that's vented and hinges near the roof line.

Being a SEMA car, there's hardly a bolt or nut on this car that hasn't been modified. The stock transmission was swapped out for a Mendeola five-speed sequential gearbox and the stock suspension augmented by a set of KW coilovers. HRE 560 Series 20-inch wheels, Toyo T1R tires and a StopTech braking system round out the hardware upgrades. The exterior, meanwhile, features an RMR Signature Edition kit with carbon fiber spoilers and custom RM ONYX HD paint job by BASF. The interior sports seats plus alcantara and carbon fiber trim panels from Sparco, and there's a boomin' sound system by Infinity as well.

We're interested less in the RM460's flashy bits than what the car means. It's a rolling test bed for how far both the Genesis Coupe and the 4.6-liter Tau V8 can be pushed, and hopefully RMR will pass all that knowledge onto Hyundai for incorporation into future iterations of the Genesis Coupe.

Gallery: Rhys Millen Racing RM460 Genesis Coupe

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading SEMA Preview: RM460 Genesis Coupe with 500-hp mid-engine V8 gets rendered

SEMA Preview: RM460 Genesis Coupe with 500-hp mid-engine V8 gets rendered originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2008: Rhys Millen's RMR Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 14:45:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Tuners, Coupe

Click above for a high-res gallery of the RMR Genesis Coupe

Rhys Millen Racing (RMR) took delivery of one turbocharged 2.0-liter Hyundai prototype on August 8th and after 12 weeks of stripping, fabricating and building, created this: the "Art of Speed" Genesis Coupe.

The project began with RMR removing all the body panels and creating carbon fiber pieces to replace the front bumper, fenders, doors, side skirts and more. RMR wouldn't divulge how much weight was trimmed from the Genesis Coupe, but figure a production door weighs 68 pounds and the carbon fiber unit comes in under nine pounds, there's a lot of mass missing here compared to its stock counterpart.

The 2.0-liter turbo is equipped with a Turbonetics turbocharger, wastegate and blow-off valve, along with a custom intake manifold, while suspension duties are handled by two-way adjustable KW coilovers. New sway bars and adjustable lower control arms were also fabricated, helping to keep the 18x9.5 (front) and 18x10.5-inch (rear) SSR Type-F wheels and Bridgestone Potenza slicks planted on the ground.

The interior, complete with roll cage, custom gauges and fire suppression system is ready to race, and don't be surprised to see Rhys campaigning a similar car in the coming time attack season.

Hit the jump for all the details, along with a video of the build up, and see the galleries below for a host of live and studio shots.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Rhys Millen Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Gallery: RMR Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Continue reading SEMA 2008: Rhys Millen's RMR Hyundai Genesis Coupe

SEMA 2008: Rhys Millen's RMR Hyundai Genesis Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Rip Off? Racy Genesis coupe illustration called into question

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hyundai, Lexus, Rendered Speculation

Yesterday's announcement that Hyundai would be bringing three Genesis coupe concepts to SEMA has been met with some skepticism surrounding the legitimacy of the first rendering Rhys Millen Racing released.

John Sibal posted the RMR Genesis coupe illustration on his site today, along with his own LF-A rendering that we featured back in April. There's a striking similarity between the LF-A's front bumper design - specifically the molded winglet, side air intake, air dam and tow-hook placement. We've tried contacting Hyundai about the matter, hoping they could provide contact information for the artist who drew up the coupe, but got stuck in voicemail Hell instead. While this could just be a case of indirect inspiration, we somehow doubt it and are looking forward to getting the full story soon. Thanks to all who tipped in.

[Source: JonSibal]

Rendered Rip Off? Racy Genesis coupe illustration called into question originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Jul 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA Preview: Rhys Millen and Hyundai team up on Genesis coupe

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:04:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Tuners, Coupe, Hyundai

Click above for a high-res image of the RMR Hyundai Genesis coupe.

Hyundai is planning a big showing at this year's SEMA show, dispatching with orange Elantras and be-winged Accents in favor of highlighting the automaker's first foray into rear-wheel-drive performance. Six concepts are planned - three Genesis sedans and three Genesis coupes - with both vehicles getting the attention of the country's top aftermarket specialists.

Hyundai will be releasing teasers of the three Genesis coupe projects in the coming weeks, but the first is proof that the aftermarket is taking Hyundai's new turbocharged 2.0-liter coupe seriously. Rhys Millen Racing has rendered up its own interpretation of what the Genesis coupe is capable of, with an eye on the Pikes Peak Hill Climb, Formula D drift series and Redline time attack.

The RMR coupe will benefit from a prototype wide body kit and turbo setup, built in house by Rhys and his team, sending power to the rear wheels through an HKS heavy-duty sequential gearbox. Suspension duties are handled by a set of K&W coilovers, along with Enkei racing wheels and Bridgestone RE-01 tires. Brembo brakes are mounted fore and aft, and inside a Sparco steering wheel and seats join an carbon fiber dash and an eight-point roll cage.

According to Hyundai's PR man, Miles Johnson, Millen is making regular calls to Hyundai engineers to extract every last bit of performance from the coupe, and expect more details on final output and the other two coupes throughout the summer.

Continue reading SEMA Preview: Rhys Millen and Hyundai team up on Genesis coupe

SEMA Preview: Rhys Millen and Hyundai team up on Genesis coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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