As the centerpiece of this year's Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show, Rhys Millen Racing (RMR) fabricated a Genesis Coupe with the award-winning 4.6-liter Tau V8 powerplant to develop the RM460 Genesis Coupe. The mid-engine configuration and enhancements create a 500-horsepower street car worthy of taking on any track or road course. Millen was drawn to the design similarities between the Genesis Coupe and the new Ferrari 599XX, which influenced the vehicle's classic low profile and race-inspired look. This marks the second year of the partnership between RMR and Hyundai creating show-stopping Genesis Coupes with the ultimate in aftermarket appeal.

"We've enhanced the original performance features and created a rear hatch for complete engine access and viewing pleasure," said Rhys Millen, owner, Rhys Millen Racing. "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. 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."

The Tau V8 engine replaces the original back seat and maintains most of its original architecture with upgrades to eight individual throttle bodies and a set of JE pistons that bumps the compression ratio to 11.0:1. An engine management system by AEM has been added to speak to the factory Engine Control Unit (ECU) while maintaining all factory dash and gauge cluster functions. A Mendeola five-speed sequential transmission has been mounted to the V8 and tuned for a maximum speed of 182 mph. Suspension will be maintained by the original MacPherson strut dual-link front suspension and a five-link rear suspension setup, and upgraded with a KW coilover component.

"The RMR RM460 Genesis Coupe perfectly showcases the rear-wheel drive platform of the vehicle as well as the performance capabilities of the powerful Tau V8 engine, available in the 2009 North American Car of the Year Genesis sedan," said Michael Deitz, manager, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. "Rhys Millen Racing has taken the best of both worlds – the Tau's flexibility and the Coupe's tuner-friendly driving architecture – to create a hybrid powerhouse for this year's show."

The RMR RM460 Genesis Coupe will showcase HRE 560 Series 20-inch wheels, Toyo T1R tires and an industry-leading high-performance braking system by StopTech. Modifications to the chassis have been made to better accommodate the engine, including an impressive custom rear glass hatch conversion allowing better access to the engine.

On the outside, the RMR RM460 Genesis Coupe will feature a RMR Signature Edition kit, a carbon fiber spoiler and custom carbon fiber rear hatch. Custom RM ONYX HD paint is provided by BASF. Inside the vehicle will have Sparco Chrono sports seats, Sparco Alcantara and carbon fiber interior panels, and Infinity Kappa Perfect Speakers and power amplifier.

It's arrived. Finally. The wickedly awesome Rhys Millen Racing mid-engine V8 version the Hyundai Genesis Coupe is here, and it took every fiber of our being not to hop in and drive it off the SEMA show floor.

The RM460 is why we're in Sin City -- it's the embodiment of the originality and DIY-ethic of the aftermarket extravaganza in Vegas. Its Genesis sedan-sourced, 4.6-liter, Tau V8 occupies the spot normally reserved for a backseat in lesser Coupes, and is boosted via a handful of go-fast parts to produce an even 500 HP. The stock transmission was tossed in favor of a Mendeola five-speed sequential gearbox, KW coilovers were used in place of the stock dampers, and HRE 560 Series 20-inch wheels wrapped in Toyo T1R tires nicely frame the new StopTech braking system. Given Millen's reputation for performance we don't doubt this is one seriously fast vehicle.

It's also a looker. As a matter of fact, we're starting to think it might be in the hunt for best-looking car at the show. The body kit is tasteful and looks OEM. The gorgeous custom RM ONYX HD paint job by BASF is a perfect contrast to the carbon fiber used on the roof, air intake blades, diffuser and other trim. While the press release mentions the Ferrari 599XX as inspiration, we're seeing a bit more Nismo 370Z in the overall design. Not that there's anything wrong with that. The interior wasn't overlooked either, with new Sparco sports seats, alcantara and carbon fiber trim panels coddling passengers as they listen to the new Infinity sound system. We can't wait to see how it runs -- and we intend to find out. There's a more detailed rundown after the jump and a great gallery of pics below.