Click the image above for our gallery.
Apparently, Hyundai just lifted an embargo on the first round of images of its Genesis concept, due to be unveiled at next month's New York Auto Show.
Although labeled as a "concept," Hyundai's heads are already speaking as if the Genesis has been green-lit for production, saying that the all new, rear-wheel-drive sedan will look very much like the concept and will carry a price tag "well under $30,000."
What badge will appear on the trunk lid when it hits dealerships in 2008 is up in the air, but according to The Car Connection, several details seem to be decided on. First, a new "Tau" V8, producing over 300 HP, will find its way under the hood, giving the RWD sedan a 53:47 weight distribution and propelling it to 60 in less than six seconds. The automaker made overtures that the new powertrain may come in different displacements, possibly sporting a 3.6-liter V6, and could even be produced with some form of forced induction. Hybrid versions seem to be on the table as well.
As for features, expect the Genesis to come with HID headlamps, nav, active cruise control, HD radio, Bluetooth, stability control and side airbags; the last two being designed into the concept. All those features allow Hyundai to set its sights squarely on much higher priced German metal, and that's exactly what they've intended.
Check the gallery below for ten images of the concept.
[Source: The Car Connection]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
irony... @ Mar 26th 2007 2:34AM
sweet specs. props for rwd.
but it looks a lot like a camry
DPC car videos @ Mar 26th 2007 2:37AM
What a great looking car. Infiniti G35/G37 and Lexus IS are in serious danger of getting some of their sales taken away from them with this car. With a price tag of under 30K I doubt you will find anything that can compete with this car with the same options and appearance.
http://www.dpccars.com
DPCcars
antonio @ Mar 26th 2007 2:41AM
It looks very similar to the Toyota Camry. The korean plagiarism.
papercliprebel @ Mar 26th 2007 2:46AM
53:47 puts it at a g35 weight ratio. if this isn't a porker then it will be very competitive, and at under 30k it will be impossible to ignore. this is upsetting because all these new entries will make the rwd sedan market i want honda to be in will be cost prohibitive.
jnik @ Mar 26th 2007 2:59AM
Why no pictures of the interior?
naggs @ Mar 26th 2007 3:06AM
"... but it looks like a camry"
and the camry looks like a bangle bmw... so does this
doglet @ Mar 26th 2007 3:10AM
hopefully this will be the 'genesis' of a hyundai that is fun to drive.
Pboy @ Mar 26th 2007 3:26AM
This looks GORGEOUS! Way better than Camry. Please bring it under a luxury brand name like Genesis or Dynasty. Hyundai is moving up; they have my respect.
Brian @ Mar 26th 2007 3:33AM
2007 Hyundai Concept Genesis
Base price: $29,995 (est.)
Engine: 4.6-liter V-8, 300 hp
Transmission: Six-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Length x width x height: 197.0 x 73.3 x 58.7 inches
Wheelbase: 115.6 inches
Safety equipment: Dual front, side, rear side, and curtain airbags; anti-lock brakes and stability control
Major standard equipment: AM/FM/CD player; 20-inch wheels; Navagation System (optional)
Speed: 0-60 mph in 6.0 seconds; 130 mph top speed (est.)
I'm speechless.
Brian @ Mar 26th 2007 3:43AM
Here's another good article about the car.
http://www.motortrend.com/future/concept_cars/112_0705_hyundai_concept_genesis
This car has been in development for the last 5 years.
Bryan @ Mar 26th 2007 3:48AM
Looks better than any Hyundai ever made, but it is still a Hyundai. 30k for a Hyundai? No thanks. It does look like an avalon in the front, which is nothing to brag about.
sd @ Mar 26th 2007 3:54AM
SHAME SHAME
They stole the trunk lid and rear lights of the new 3-series, the side profile of the M45 and grille styling from Nissan. So, a nice hybrid knockoff.
Drew @ Mar 26th 2007 4:23AM
I love it how everyone is so offended that Hyundai is borrowing from other cars to create this one. Name me one car company that hasn't ripped off another - it's probably among the most incestuous industries out there! The bottom line, this car is WAY better looking than a Toyota/Lexus (except IS) OR a Nissan/Infiniti OR a BMW (except 3-series coupe)!! (I'll draw the line at Mercedes and Jaguars since they've been gorgeous lately). On top of that, they will be thousands less and offer RWD with a great engine (on paper). If Hyundai can pull off a production version that looks 90% like this (and that's a big if) we have a serious winner.
Deezee @ Mar 26th 2007 4:45AM
I'm impressed with it on paper. Its gonna give the G35 a run for its money.
deep @ Mar 26th 2007 5:05AM
Hyundai doesn't have any souls.
Engine ? design ? engineering ? history?
new system? new invention?
When did Hyundai surprise the world?
luxury Hyundai is joke.
DPC car videos @ Mar 26th 2007 5:25AM
#9 Brian,
Thanks for the info, 0-60 in 6 seconds is awesome. For some reason I think when Hyundai was making this car they had Infiniti G35 in mind. Everything about this car even the stance screams G35.
brackie @ Mar 26th 2007 5:31AM
First of all, isn't a luxury Hyundai an Oxymoron? Secondly, if they are going to do one, can it be a wee bit more innovative than a pastiche of a Camry and a 7 series? Seriously of the the things to mimic of a Camry, the grille would be the last thing among them...ugh
Deezee @ Mar 26th 2007 6:29AM
Actually I just read the V6 will be priced under 30k. Who knows how much the V8 will be. Looks like the g35 will still be the value leader in that class. Offering 306hp for 31k. Still nice ride tho.
JB @ Mar 26th 2007 7:20AM
It looks OK, but is just an amalgam of other designs. Heck, most cars are anyway these days. Take off the oversized badges and most people couldn't tell them apart.
That situation is the real problem for car companies - cars are becoming (or are already) interchangeable appliances for most. No passion, no distinctiveness. Most people never just walk around a car and examine its lines, how the light and shadow interact, elements there not for any real purpose except for style.
I think one reason M-B is struggling is that its cars look like melted lozenges. No presence on the road, completely blending in at the parking lot.
This Hyundai looks OK, but I think the Koreans are starting to get a taste for high prices, and are trying to move up market in general. Maybe they realize when the Chinese do show up, they won't be able to compete on price alone.
Ryan @ Mar 26th 2007 7:44AM
Hmmm... 300-hp for just under $30k. I wonder how the G8 is going to fare against this car. Granted the G8 has 62 more hp, but I dont think there is any way for them to release the V8 G8 for less than $35k if the Koreans can only make 300-hp for $29k.