Could the Hyundai Genesis lead to a rear-wheel drive Tiburon?
click above image to view 15 high-res pics of the Hyundai Genesis concept
Hyundai "officially" unveiled the rear-wheel drive Genesis concept on Tuesday by issuing a press release and high-res versions of the pics that were already floating around. The release got us thinking that Hyundai's new rear-wheel-drive platform underpinning the production version of the Genesis when it arrives Stateside in 2008 would make a killer chassis on which to build the next Hyundai Tiburon. The Tiburon has more than run its course as a value-based, front-wheel-drive sport compact coupe with an eensy-weensy V6. We have no idea when a Tiburon replacement will surface, but the arrival of Hyundai's first rear-driver gives us hope that the South Korean automaker may decide to grab a gun and stand to post in the upcoming pony car wars. Even if the intended target turns out not to be the Mustang, Camaro and Challenger, Hyundai could easily aim at the Infiniti G37 Coupe, BMW 335i and upcoming Audi A5 with a coupe powered by a 300-horsepower 4.6L V8 driving the back wheels. The mind reels at the possibility, and we hope Hyundai has the foresight to let the chassis flourish under models other than the new Genesis luxury sedan.
Check out Hyundai's official press release on the Genesis Concept after the jump, as it reveals many details that could easily apply to a coupe. Also check out the gallery of desktop wallpaper-sized pics.
[Source: Hyundai]
Gallery: Hyundai Concept Genesis
PRESS RELEASE:
HYUNDAI TO UNVEIL CONCEPT GENESIS PREMIUM SPORTS SEDAN
Rear-Wheel Drive and V-8 Engine Promise World Class Dynamics and Refinement
Hyundai will present the world debut of Concept Genesis during a press conference at the New York International Auto Show on April 4. The concept car heralds the future architecture and design of a rear-wheel drive premium sports sedan scheduled to grace the Hyundai lineup in 2008.
"Concept Genesis extends our product range into new territories from a performance, design and packaging perspective," said Steve Wilhite, chief operating officer, Hyundai Motor America. "When it arrives in 2008 it will catapult Hyundai into competition against some potent rivals, and Genesis is up for the challenge." Concept Genesis rides on a prototype of Hyundai's all-new rear-wheel drive platform, signaling the brand's desire to broaden its appeal to discerning driving enthusiasts. Concept Genesis is powered by Hyundai's newly developed Tau DOHC 32-valve V-8 powertrain. Concept Genesis marks the beginning of premium performance for the Hyundai brand.
"Concept Genesis is a manifestation of Hyundai's extraordinary desire to deliver world-class products across all model segments," said John Krafcik, vice president, Product Development and Strategic Planning, Hyundai Motor America. "With Genesis, we've got a unique product position -- an all-new, highly capable, rear-wheel drive platform; a high-performance powertrain; and premium, progressive design – all at a price starting well under $30,000."
NEW REAR-WHEEL-DRIVE ARCHITECTURE IS A FIRST FOR THE U.S.
Concept Genesis features a rear-wheel-drive architecture, its first application in a U.S. Hyundai model. Rear-wheel drive provides a 53:47 front/rear weight distribution for optimal handling as well as more refined steering characteristics. Concept Genesis' premium handling and steering performance is further controlled by Electronic Stability Control (ESC), the industry's most important new safety technology. Hyundai leads all popular car brands in the standard application of ESC, with more than 70 percent of 2007 Hyundai sales volume featuring this life-saving technology as standard equipment. ESC continually analyzes road speed, steering input, throttle position, lateral yaw rate and other factors. An onboard microprocessor determines if the vehicle is starting to understeer or oversteer, and can brake appropriate wheels and reduce engine power to keep the vehicle safely on course.
Utilizing ultra high-tensile steel in critical areas in the unibody provides Concept Genesis with a 12-14 percent higher dynamic torsional rigidity and a lower body-in-white weight than the BMW 5-series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. This stiffer, lighter, larger body provides a terrific foundation for world-class dynamics and lowering noise levels inside the vehicle.
Tau v-8 powertrain
Adding to the Concept Genesis' performance factor is the all-new Tau 4.6-liter V8 engine mated to a ZF 6-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC® manual control and a limited-slip differential. The Tau delivers well over 300 horsepower to fit the demands of performance-oriented consumers. This powertrain combination will launch Genesis to 60 miles per hour in well under six seconds. The Tau engine is built with flexibility for the future. Future Tau variants may offer larger displacement, forced induction options and other technology enhancements.
INNOVATIVE AND SOPHISTICATED SPORT-TUNED SUSPENSION
Genesis features a suspension design that is among the most sophisticated and refined anywhere, at any price. The front five-link suspension features upper and lower arms linking the front wheels to the chassis. This artfully articulated arrangement creates a virtual king pin axis which dramatically reduces unwanted kickback through the steering wheel as well as improving responsiveness. The five-link independent rear suspension is equally sophisticated, enabling precise suspension geometry for an incredible level of ride and handling prowess. The capabilities of the advanced front and rear-suspension are maximized through driver selectable dynamic settings allowing tailored ride and handling characteristics according to need ... or desire.
MODERN DESIGN
Genesis' design is a progressive interpretation of the modern rear-wheel drive sports sedan. To match its dynamic powertrain capabilities, Genesis combines strong, sculpted forms which integrate precise details, natural materials and innovative lighting to provide a well-crafted, premium design aesthetic.
SAFETY FEATURES
Maintaining Hyundai's emphasis on delivering leading safety technology, Concept Genesis boasts world class active and passive safety features to both prevent accidents, and maximize the well being of its occupants in the event of a collision. The Genesis continues the Hyundai tradition of standardizing key life-saving active safety technology such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with traction control, eight airbags and active headrests.
Concept Genesis is brought to a halt by large four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD). The 12.6-inch front rotors have single-piston floating calipers and the rear brakes feature 12.4-inch rotors with single-pistons.
TECHNOLOGY
· Advanced adaptive cruise control
· Electronic Stability Control
· Eight airbags
· Heat / cool seats
· High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with adaptive leveling
· Push-button start
· Navigation with backup camera
· Electric parking brake
· Bluetooth technology
· USB / Auxiliary input jack
· HD Radio™ Receiver
· XM Satellite Radio®
· Infinity® Discrete Surround Audio System
GENESIS PREMIUM SPORTS SEDAN SPECIFICATIONS
· Configuration: FR Engine RWD Sport Sedan
· Wheelbase: 2935 mm / 115.6 inches
· Overall length: 5005 mm / 197.0 inches
· Overall width: 1863 mm / 73.3 inches
· Overall height: 1490 mm / 58.7 inches
· Track, f/r: 1575 mm / 62.0 inches, 1580 mm / 62.2 inches
· Wheels: 20-inch multi-spoke
· Engine type: V8
· Estimated horsepower: Well over 300HP
· Estimated torque: Over 300 lb. ft.
· Displacement: 4,627 cc
· Block material: High pressure die casting aluminum block
· Cylinder head material: Aluminum
· Valvetrain: Dual Over Head Cam (DOHC)
· Valve timing: Continuous variable valve timing
· Variable induction system
· Fuel delivery: Multi-port fuel injection
· Bore & stroke: 92 x 87
· Estimated 0-60 mph: well under 6.0 seconds
· Top speed: 130 mph (restricted)
· Recommended fuel: Unleaded
· Transmission type: ZF 6-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC manual control
· Suspension: Front multi-link (5-link) / Rear multi-link (5-link)
· Stabilizer bar (front/rear): 26 mm/18 mm
· Weight distribution front to rear: 53:47 · Brakes: Power-assisted 4-wheel disc
· Front brake diameter (mm / in): 320 / 12.6 ventilated disc
· Rear brake diameter (mm / in): 314 / 12.4 solid disc
· Steering type: Speed-sensing rack-and-pinion
· Steering ratio: 14.86
Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 750 dealerships nationwide.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Tool 3:32PM (3/28/2007)
That's a heck of a nice looking vehicle. And a huge move up market by Hyundai that might actually pay off. Looks like they are imitating the early Lexus play book by putting in tons of content at a great price.
If I bought it, I would remove all Hyundai logos because the real problem with this car is cache.
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Tool 3:36PM (3/28/2007)
Oh, one more thing, Hyundai is also missing a strong, long-term reputation for bullet-proof quality. And Hyundai has no brand imagery whatsoever in the U.S.
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Kowell 3:44PM (3/28/2007)
"Could the Hyundai Genesis lead to a rear-wheel drive Tiburon?"
With a 230HP 3.3L, a 260HP 3,8L and a 300HP V8... one can only hope...
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kevin 3:50PM (3/28/2007)
In about 5 years if Hyundai keeps trying to move upscale they'll either be out of business or selling 10,000 $80,000 cars a year. there eager to ditch the economy routes they came from. and yes they are missing a strong long term reliability claim. sure they score well in short toerm reliability but how bout long term? its still a hyundai.
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naggs 3:54PM (3/28/2007)
i dont know if anyone but a domestic can pull off a $25-30k v8 rwd pony/muscle car. obviously hyundai has the ability to build such a vehicle, but would it sell?
to me it makes more sense to make the next gen tiburon into a more affordable 350z fighter with a back seat. i dont know if the genesis platform would allow for that type of vehicle. maybe a v8 version to under cut more upscale german and japanesse vehicles under a different name. its hard to imagine anyone cross shopping a 3 series coupe and a tiburon.
it would clearly be a missed opportunity if the next tiburon was another fwd also-ran in the extremely competative civic si/mazda3/GTI/cobaltss segment.
maybe they could take that segment head on with a rwd alternative?
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naggs 3:57PM (3/28/2007)
"and yes they are missing a strong long term reliability claim"
i know more than one person who will swear by the long term reliability of their hyundai. i think the quality is there but it always takes time for the perception gap to close.
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Michael Karesh 4:01PM (3/28/2007)
A RWD Tib has been rumored for a while. But this platform seems too large for such a car, unless it was going to be the size of a Camaro or BMW 6-Series. Which seems just way too big.
It'll be interesting if they keep the Tib name while totally changing the car. Detroit would start over with a new name. Time to find out if the name makes tne car or the car makes the name.
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Bob Whitey 4:10PM (3/28/2007)
This new generation will be testament to Hyundai's new found long term reliability. Moreover, most cars built since the recent CEO took over in 2000 have been bulletbroof in reliability. References to the Hyundai's early 90's models is irrelevant today. Hyundai has over 50% market share in Korea and I bet over there their long term reliability is a must or else there would be damage to the country's economy.
A rear-wheel drive Tiburon with agreesive looks, building on the current great looking model, while infusing the quality, design and technology of its current line-up will give Hyundai the "image" they so long deserved. People will buy Hyundai's car simply because they blow away the competition on every factor that a smart consumer would consider.
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Chris 4:14PM (3/28/2007)
"Could the Hyundai Genesis lead to a rear-wheel drive Tiburon?"
Yes it will. Production starts in 1.5-2 years. We should start seeing prototypes fairly soon since Hyundai/Kai test their cars on public roads earlier than most other OEMs.
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Mike 4:16PM (3/28/2007)
ILL BE INTERESTED WHEN THEY START USING QUALITY PARTS AND STOP PUTTING CRAP IN THE CAR TO MAKE IT CHEAP THEN OFFERING A LONG WARRANTY AND HOPING NOTHING BREAKS. ALL THEY ARE DOING IS HEDGING THE RELIABILITY OF THE INFERIOR PARTS THEY SELL.
I WANT A CAR THAT PERFORMS AND LOOKS GOOD NOT ONE THAT HAS EDGY STYLING AND IS INEXPENSIVE BUT IS BACK IN THE SHOP EVERY OTHER WEEK.
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bgdc 4:29PM (3/28/2007)
I think of one thing: Lexus in 1989. Naysayers better read up. Learn from the past, friends. Lexus blew the Germans away with a quality, uber-cheap RWD luxury sedan (35k msrp). Infiniti stormed back into existence with one car: G35. A 3 series fighter, the G35 staked out turf and became the true flagship of the Infiniti lineup with a car costing on average 6k less than a comparable BMW.
Cheap plus near segment leading quality/performance = sales success. If this thing really does cost below 40k decked out with a V8, Hyundai will see sales go through the roof.
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Rocket Punch 4:33PM (3/28/2007)
Given the "drift" trend being force feed into the kids today by various media, A RWD Tiburon will work very well and take away some of the market share from the Japanese brand.
If they market the car right and keep the price low enough. Kids today are so easily fooled by simple marketing ploy such as sticker tune the RWD hyunda, hire some high profile Japanese drifters and host some exhibitions. They bascially will workship anything with wheels on them with 3 stickers, a bunch of gauge pod and a rear wing.
Tragic.
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doglet 4:57PM (3/28/2007)
the genesis is similar in size to a chrysler 300. so a coupe version of that vehicle would be challenger-ish in size. a v6 would be terribly pokey for something with sporting intentions in a vehicle that big. noone has ever taken the domestics head on in the pony/muscle/entry sportscar/whatever-you-want-to call-it market.
would be interesting if hyundai tried to move the tiburon into that space.
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naggs 4:59PM (3/28/2007)
"ILL BE INTERESTED WHEN THEY START USING QUALITY PARTS AND STOP PUTTING CRAP IN THE CAR TO MAKE IT CHEAP"
their goes that perception gap i was talking about
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EnviroBob 4:59PM (3/28/2007)
As a former manager of a Hyundai store, I can tell you that the people cite the marques poor quality don't know much about the brand.
Although the late 80's Excels were far from being the best cars on the road, part of Hyundai's image problem came from the fact that customers did not maintain the vehicles becuase they saw them as being disposable. When you offer people free oil changes and barely 25% of them take advantage of FREE, how much effort do you suppose they put into maintenance they have to pay for?
Having personally seen many early 90's Hyundais with over 300k miles on them, I can attest that their quality- even 15 years ago, was not as bad as people perceived.
Seeing as it took Toyota nearly 30 years to earn a reputation as a quality brand, Hyundai has improved its reputation much faster. Too many people forget that from 1957 when Toyota first arrived in the states, to the early 80's, it was considered a flimsy rust bucket.
On this blog, most of the entries appear to be from 20 - 30 year olds who have only known mommy & daddy's mid-90's + Toyondas. If these people were to ride in a Honda 600 or Toyota Crown they wouldn't believe that people gave either brand a chance.
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Jeff the Baptist 5:00PM (3/28/2007)
"i know more than one person who will swear by the long term reliability of their hyundai."
I know some people who decided to test hyundai's claims of quality. So they bought one. The wound up pretty disappointed. Every survey I've seen indicates that the Koreans haven't caught up to the domestics in quality, let alone the Japanese.
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Cody Peterson 5:05PM (3/28/2007)
I say keep a similar tiburon size, yet make it RWD and power it with 250+ hp... mate it to a six speed and hold on for dear life....
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Jellodyne 5:08PM (3/28/2007)
Hey, Rocket Punch -- If they market a nice RWD sports car and keep the price low enough, I'll be "fooled" too. Regardless of stickers and drift racing/tire-buying-contest promotions. The early 80's lightweight RWD cars were terrific fun to drive. The fact that modern traction control systems can mitigate most of the downsides of RWD should mean the format's back in a big way. If Hyundai can expidite that by selling it to the drift kids, good for them.
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olddavid 5:08PM (3/28/2007)
I have to wonder what the business case was for this car? But, I am also one of the Philistines that cannot understand the so-called "Halo" cars, so I guess this all should be taken with a pinch of salt.
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naggs 5:14PM (3/28/2007)
"12. Given the "drift" trend being force feed into the kids today by various media, A RWD Tiburon will work very well and take away some of the market share from the Japanese brand.
Kids today are so easily fooled by simple marketing ploy such as sticker tune the RWD hyunda, hire some high profile Japanese drifters and host some exhibitions. They bascially will workship anything with wheels on them with 3 stickers, a bunch of gauge pod and a rear wing.
Tragic."
screw you old man, i happen to think its pathetic that people buy into the nascar that they are being force fed by the media...
the real tragic thing is that we have been forced to suffer thru decades of "fwd performance". its not drifting that is bringing back RWD but better lap times. a $20 200 hp 2500 lbs car will be godlike in autoX. nothing gimiky about it.
drifting is a showcase that only RWD cars can compete in. that doesnt mean its the only showcase for RWD.
your post makes you sound like an old man out of touch. thrice fast thrice furrious gets laughed at just as much among younger automotive enthusists as it does on these boards if not more. you give zero credit to the next generation of sportscar buyers who have been stripping out e30 BMWs and putting roofs on mx5s and s2000s for years. the manufactures are just now getting around to offering us what we have been building ourselves.
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