While we were digitally thumbing through the latest virtual issue of Winding Road (subscribe here for free if you haven't already), we were struck by a particularly well done article on the forthcoming Genesis sedan from Hyundai. The WR folk dug deep and unearthed a lot of info about the sedan, and what its new BH platform means for the Korean automaker. For one, the BH platform will spawn four vehicles in total: the Gensis, a long-wheelbase Genesis Plus, a Genesis-esque Kia model, and (drum roll, please) a sporty rear-wheel-drive, V8-powered coupe that may look like the rendering above. Now, no one knows what this coupe will look like or even how far along in development it is, but kudos go to the WR-commissioned artist who created this image, because it looks great.
Assuming a heavy dose of parts sharing will go on between the BH platform mates, we should expect this RWD coupe to be offered with either a V6 or the new "Tau" V8 that will power the Genesis. The "Tau" is said to be capable of "well over" 300 horsepower and we already know the company's 3.8L V6 is a gem, so Hyundai's forthcoming coupe has plenty of powerplant potential. Reportedly, however, none of the BH cars will be offered with a true manual transmission. Instead, we should expect some sort of manually controlled automatics.
Considering that a Genesis equipped with a V6 is rumored to carry a price tag below $30,000, we're curious to know which other RWD coupes you think will be the biggest competition for this car. Would its combination of a low price tag and powerful engine make it attractive to the Mustang crowd, or is Hyundai staring down the grille of Infiniti's new G37? Time will tell, and we can't wait.
[Source: Winding Road - illustration used with permission]
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felipe @ Apr 30th 2007 4:00PM
can't freaking wait.
do it do it now.
TheChaz @ Apr 30th 2007 4:03PM
Hyundai's pattern (indeed, their entire value proposition) has been to benchmark cars a class above the one where they'll compete (based on price). So it's likely you're right on both counts: they'll be offering a G37 competitor for Mustang GT money.
MaxP @ Apr 30th 2007 4:06PM
I'LL BUY!
Frogwhistle @ Apr 30th 2007 4:07PM
I'm ready for V8-powered, RWD coupes from every carmaker.
bgdc @ Apr 30th 2007 4:09PM
3 series and G35 would be the only real competition. There aren't many RWD coupes available.
Do they still make that mustang thing?
stefan @ Apr 30th 2007 4:14PM
Ill take a G37 and say no to koreaan crap.
Benjamin Pohl @ Apr 30th 2007 4:15PM
No manual transmission? Not a serious sports car.
Aetius @ Apr 30th 2007 4:19PM
Do you people only buy sports cars based on how much HP you're getting for the $ or do you actually take the complete experience into account? The Tiburon is a great value, but...
Rob @ Apr 30th 2007 4:26PM
This site bags the Mustang constantly. Its not gonna steal any GT sales and would be hard to steal v6 sales if it starts 10k more. Gee, I wonder what this might do to 350Z sales? RX-8? Way to miss the obvious. Not a lot of Infinity/BMW/Benz shoppers are stopping by the Hyundai dealer. Take the blinders off once in a while.
jordan @ Apr 30th 2007 4:29PM
Re: Benjamin
Not a serious sports car? You might want to tell the GT-R then, since it'll only offer paddle shifters, and I believe the Z06 is offered with paddle shifters?
Rob @ Apr 30th 2007 4:30PM
Also, there seem to be a lot of serious sports car shifted with paddles.
Jason @ Apr 30th 2007 4:31PM
Very very impressive. Hyundai is on a roll and should be applauded. Well done.
Drewboy @ Apr 30th 2007 4:38PM
It looks sweet, but I doubt a kimchi car will ever be able to compete with Mustang for the same audience. I would buy a Mustang for its heritage, looks, and then performance. Anything new will be lacking in the heritage obviously... Although this (render) has the looks and power.
Chris @ Jul 26th 2007 6:27PM
Heritage doesn't matter. Just because some company won the LeMans or world rally championship a few times doesn't mean it makes a good car. And just because a model's name has existed for 50 years doesn't mean it's a good car either. The best car is one that fits the owner perfectly, one that doesn't need anything added, changed, or taken away(lol next reference) from it regardless of brand or name.
stefan @ Apr 30th 2007 4:41PM
#jordan
There is a diverence between a automatic with a manual mode and a twin clutch DSG that the GT-R is gonna have.
Bryan @ Apr 30th 2007 4:43PM
First thing I saw was the current Monte Carlo with a bigger grille opening. Then you see the mazda inspired fenders, and a Lexus rear quarter. Ah, the Koreans will never learn. So how far below 30k are we talking? V6 Only? You can buy a base Mustang with a V6 and a manual for under 20k. This thing is already on the wrong track. Next.
Derek Kreindler @ Apr 30th 2007 4:48PM
No, the Z06 only has a manual, and I agree that Hyundai NEEDS a manual in this car or else it will be completely written off, despite it's awesome packaging and price. All this brand needs is one final push to propel it into legitmacy and stop it from being a butt of jokes. A PROPER sports car, along with the Genesis will do that.
bgdc @ Apr 30th 2007 4:51PM
I think MANY G37 owners will take a look at a V8 powered coupe if it's about the same price and offers 85% of the G's refinement.
People scoffed at the G35 too. Yet even though the first gen was rough and not nearly as refined as a 3 series, the car sold by the thousands. The G37 is much improved and more expensive now...it's about 95% bimmer.
The same folks looking for a bargain will now look to the Hyundai instead of a 3/G.
ryann @ Apr 30th 2007 4:51PM
better said:
"serious sports cars don't have torque converters"
bgdc @ Apr 30th 2007 4:56PM
This is a COUPE, not a sports car. Porsche 911s and Caymans are sports cars. The G37/335i are sports coupes. They're not sports cars by any stretch.