UPDATE: Video of Hyundai's live reveal of the Genesis added after the jump
click the above image to view our high-res gallery of the Hyundai Genesis Concept
Hyundai wants you to forget what you know about its design chops (or, um, the lack thereof), recalibrate your expectations to something on par with the German or Japanese, and lay your eyes on the Genesis.
Sure, there aren't many original lines on the car, but it neatly avoids the awkwardness of previous Hyundai design efforts and appears to be a credible threat in the mid-size luxury sedan market. The Genesis rides on a new RWD platform that is said to offer a lighter body-in-white weight than the 5-series or E-class while providing more torsional rigidity. Our camera also caught some aluminum goodies in the suspension (namely, the lower rear control arms and rear uprights) as further evidence of the Korean manufacturer's attempt to play with the big boys.
A laundry list of features makes it sound like someone has the Lexus LS squarely in the crosshairs, but there's little actual evidence of technology such as HD radio and active cruise control on the concept. In fact, the blacked-out windows provided not a glimpse of the interior, and it's there that Hyundai's battle in the luxury market will likely be won or lost. Stay tuned, for this should be an interesting fight.
There's the press release after the jump, tons of live shots are in the gallery - and of course there's the rest of our New York Auto Show coverage.
PRESS RELEASE:
HYUNDAI UNVEILS CONCEPT GENESIS PREMIUM SPORTS SEDAN
Rear-Wheel Drive and V-8 Engine Promise World Class Dynamics and Refinement
NEW YORK, March 4, 2007 – Hyundai presented the world debut of Concept Genesis during a press conference at the New York International Auto Show today. 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: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive sports 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: 4.6 liter
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
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)
SherbornSean @ Apr 4th 2007 6:12PM
Very impressive. If Hyundai can execute this concept well, then the G8, Impala and 300C are in deep trouble.
Not to mention Avalon, Lucerne, Maxima and Taurus.
polar @ Apr 4th 2007 6:14PM
Bring on the price lists!
sd @ Apr 4th 2007 6:19PM
I have deep misgivings about this design - the BMW styling cues are everywhere. While the car does look good, there's nothing new here. If they want to make a cheaper 5-series, they are welcome to, but I'd rather see them come up with a design language all their own.
Jeremy @ Apr 4th 2007 6:21PM
Interesting that you instantly think that the american brands will see this as a threat. The G8 has significantly more hp and looks much better and the Impala will more than likely beat it by 100 hp. This is a COMPLETELY different class than a G8/Impala. The article doesn't even compare it to those vehicles. Let's compare apples to apples and not wannabe lux sedans to a real sedan like the Impala or G8.
SherbornSean @ Apr 4th 2007 6:25PM
Jeremy,
First of all, not every G8/Impala will have the 'Vette's V8. Secondly, there is a lot more to making a sport sedan than hp. We'll see which is better once the actual production cars come out.
All I'm saying is that 2008 is looking like a good year to have $30K in your pocket.
ChevRev @ Apr 4th 2007 6:25PM
I wonder when Hyundai will finally release pictures of the interior? I'm real anxous to see them
Tool @ Apr 4th 2007 6:31PM
Hyundai is not exactly breaking new ground in design, but may well do so in terms of execution. It appears to be a very handsome, competent and VERY well equipped game-changer.
It has been said that Toyota doesn't worry about GM or Ford . . . they worry about Hyundai. This beauty should add to their anxiety.
bgdc @ Apr 4th 2007 6:38PM
Good for Hyundai. I hope they crush BMW/Acura/MB/Lexus/Audi, et al.
FWIW, we own 2 BMWs and an Audi, so it's not like I'm a hater.
DPC car videos @ Apr 4th 2007 6:42PM
Every time I see this car I am impressed even more. If they to manage to offer this car at under 30K then they sure have a big winner on their hands.
http://www.dpccars.com
DPCcars
Sandeep @ Apr 4th 2007 6:45PM
Another credible entry into the market.
Now its time to see if all the talk about the Hyundai stigma is really true- it's not hard to drop 15k on a "good value" civic/corolla, but to drop upwards of 30k on a Hyundai (no matter how good it may be) will require a marketing scheme like none other.
Either way, props for Hyundai for trying. Have to get your foot in the door eventually.
Be Oh Be @ Apr 4th 2007 6:59PM
Wow, it looks just like a G35.
I've said it in another post about this car - the stigma of the name Hyundai is just too much for people to spend more than $30k on it. Moreover, fans of the G8/Impala probably aren't going to be shopping for cars like the Genesis anyway.
Jeff Banks @ Apr 4th 2007 7:05PM
Hmmm...where does Hyundai/Kia come up with all these great designs?
Oh yeah, all that money gained from their home-country monopoly that guarantees that American cars are taxed with crippling tariffs. Why bother with competition and free-market ideals when you can use the state to eliminate it? I vote we pull our thousands and thousands of troops out and let their government deal with North Korea themselves.
Lets not forget the fact that they have yet to come up with one single original idea.
Tal @ Apr 4th 2007 7:30PM
Hyundai continues to be impressive.
Like the Genesis design despite its possible resmblence to other vehicles. Appears it will be a lot of vehicle for the $$$ as are other Hyundai vehicles.
Many vehicles in the differrent classes have a similar appearance of one kind or another. The Subaru Tribeca was one exception and it will now be built to fit the acceptable "normal" look of the other vehicles of its class.
Guess if one were to compare all sedans/coupes being produced today each individual comparing them will find one or more design lines somewhere in or on the vehicle that is similar to, or that reminds him of of another vehicle. To say a designer or particular company has stolen or copied another car makers design exactly or closely is just an opinion.
If you don't like the design or the vehicle then don't buy it. I say don't bash its design unless you are a designer or an design expert. Most of this bashing sounds like a bunch of school kids talking about something they have learned nothing about or know nothing about. Too bad.
MikeW @ Apr 4th 2007 7:30PM
Uncork that top speed. 300hp V6 base engine?
Unfinished side pipes?
http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/hyundai-concept-genesis/203951/
Castle @ Apr 4th 2007 7:34PM
Luxury market is already ultra competitive, and the Japanese as well as American makes (like Cadillac) are already under-cutting the European brands significantly; there really is little room for a "value" brand.
Infiniti has just shown off a gorgeous 330hp RWD coupe in the $30k range, there really is no more value then that.
Michael Karesh @ Apr 4th 2007 8:03PM
#12 Jeff Banks: The U.S. and Korea just signed a trade pact that will eliminate auto tariffs.
This car will be more expensive than the new GM large sedans. $30,000 will be the base price for the V6. I think we can count on a loaded V8 reaching and even exceeding $40,000.
Essentially, Hyundai is doing to Lexus what Lexus did to Mercedes back in 1989: offering a lower-cost alternative that borrows liberally from the target.
Bob-omb @ Apr 4th 2007 8:16PM
Michael, $30,000 will not be the base price for the V6. The whole reason there's now a GLS Azera is so the base Azera price isn't so close to the base Genesis price. The Genesis will start at no higher than $27,900, mark my words. And the loaded one will not cross $40k.
Allen @ Apr 4th 2007 8:16PM
Damn fine looking car. Damn fine.
JC3 @ Apr 4th 2007 8:36PM
Looks like somebody refined the design of the BMW 5 series.Could be the 5 series better looking twin brother
MIKE @ Apr 4th 2007 8:39PM
THE BETTER CAR IS AND ALWAYS WILL BE THE TOYOTA AVALON. HYUNDAI HAS NO CHANCE AT ALL. ITS A REAR WHEEL DRIVE PIECE OF JUNK. LOOKS OK AS A CONCEPT BUT PRODUCTION VERSION WILL VERY LIKELY BE VERY DIFFERENT.