2011 RMR Hyundai Equus
 | |
| 2011 RMR Hyundai Equus |
2011 RMR Hyund
In his down time from racing in the Formula D championship and piloting wild cars up Pikes Peak, Rhys Millen runs a performance shop in Huntington Beach, California. While generally focusing its efforts on sports-derived vehicles, RMR recently began crafting a custom Equus for the annual Specialty Equipment Market Association show in Las Vegas.2010 marks the third straight year RMR and Hyundai are working together to bring a customized vehicle to the SEMA show. In 2008 RMR built a Genesis coupe and worked its magic inside and out. Stepping up its game, in 2009 RMR started with a similar Genesis coupe, but stripped its engine and installed the same Tau 4.6-liter V-8 as found in the Genesis sedan and upcoming Equus sedan. With go-fast parts, the V-8 produced somewhere near 500 horsepower. Generally using SEMA to launch its latest and greatest, Hyundai gave RMR a 2011 Equus to customize for the show.
Millen's work on the Equus is subtle and tasteful. RMR's line of high-end carbon fiber Signature Edition parts include the front chin spoiler, rear deck lid spoiler, and side mirrors. A two-tone paint scheme has the top half of the car sprayed to look like carbon fiber, while the bottom is Red Bull blue. A set of gunmetal multi-spoke 21-inch HRE wheels finish off the exterior's mild appearance upgrades.
2011 Hyundai Equus Front Three Quarter
From the factory the Equus comes equipped with plenty of standard niceties. RMR replaced the leather seating surfaces on the front seats with ostrich hides with suede inserts. The only other remaining interior differences from a stock Equus are the embroidered headrests and floor mats.
In stock form, the 4.6-liter V-8 produces 385 horsepower, but being a performance shop, RMR had to tinker with the engine just a little. The addition of a new air intake and stainless exhaust tack on another 30 horsepower, bringing the Equus' output to 415 horsepower. A set of 14-inch brakes bring the 4500-pound beast to a halt.
Hyundai's 2011 RMR Equus is scheduled to roll onto the SEMA show floor next month in Las Vegas.
