350 HP Mid-Engined Hyundai RM16 N Laps Nurburgring, Manual Gearbox Reported

Yes, the Hyundai that gave us the otherworldly RM16 N concept in June. Back then, it seemed like the study, which could preview the next-gen Veloster, was the kind of non-showroom proposal that goes away once events such as SEMA come to an end.

Well, here we are, looking at the prototype of a production car following that concept. We spied the RM16 N while lapping the Nurburgring earlier this week and now we're back with a video of the thing, albeit a short one - we must tip our lens to BridgeToGantry (BTG) for the clip.

The mid-engined nature of the development should make this the hottest hatchback of them all. When it comes to the output of the thing, we have nothing more but speculation to work on. However, given the 296 hp (300 PS) of the concept and the fact that German premium spicy compacts are on their way to the 400 hp mark, we could expect this South Korean proposal to go past the 300 hp level.

The said concept delivers its power to the rear wheels and it remains to be seen whether the production car will keep this recipe of go for all-wheel-drive.

Speaking of which, the last such hatchback I can remember was the Renault Clio V6. However, that machine's aura was dented by its snappy handling. Well, since we now live in an era when drifting has almost become the norm, Hyundai can't afford to make such a mistake with its mid-engined hatch.

Speaking of tech goodies, the BTG Facebook page reports that the prototype seen here comes with a manual gearbox, which would turn this into an absolute crowd pleaser.

Regardless of the transmission choice, Hyundai's N performance arm is growing stronger by the day. In fact, if we go for a bit of a stretch, we could see future Hyundai Ns turning into Porsche alternatives...