Filed under: LA Auto Show, Coupes, Hyundai
EXCLUSIVE: Details on the production Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Click the image above for a gallery of the Hyundai Concept Genesis Coupe.
After Hyundai's press conference wrapped up Tuesday, we took the opportunity to grill a couple of Hyundai's design and engineering heads about some of the details surrounding the Genesis Coupe Concept and its production counterpart. While its already been revealed that the new coupe won't be coming with a V8, nor will Hyundai nix the front-wheel-drive Tiburon in favor of a strictly RWD sports car lineup, there are still plenty of questions that needed answering. Hit the jump to get the scoop on what to expect for Hyundai's most exciting new product ever.
Compared to spy shots of the production coupe that were unearthed earlier this month (above), the concept is a dead ringer for what we'll supposedly see in New York next year. The tapering rear window aft of the B-pillar looks ready for prime time, as does the overall shape of the greenhouse and the dual beltlines flowing from the front fenders and defining the rear haunches. Stylistically, we think it's a hit and can only get better with what Hyundai has in store after the production version goes on sale in late 2008.
Beyond the exterior styling, we're more interested in how this new coupe will compete in the performance arena. It's been confirmed that two engines will be available: a 3.8-liter V6 producing 300 HP and "around" 260 lb.-ft. of torque (250 lb.-ft. is quoted in the press release, but we heard more) and a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four. While the Hyundai execs we talked to remained mum on the specific output of both mills, we're assured that the turbo'd four will be producing over 200 HP and a similar amount of torque, likely in the 210-220 lb.-ft. neighborhood. When we asked about the overall weight and how it would be distributed, it was made clear that keeping the pounds down and trying to achieve a 50/50 weight balance was of particular importance. Naturally, the engine's placement underneath the hood will dictate how much weight will be sitting atop the nose, but with a bonnet that long, we'd suspect that both mills could be placed pretty far into the engine bay – hopefully behind the strut towers. Continuously variable valve timing will be part of the dual overhead cam package, and power will be sent to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic 'box controllable via steering wheel-mounted paddles. Since the turbocharged inline four will have the added advantages of weighing less and the required exhaust plumbing in place for the turbo, we think that the base model might be the darling of the aftermarket; it certainly won't be left out in the cold like other entry-level offerings.
On the handling end of things, the wheelbase wasn't as long as we'd originally suspected, coming in at 2,820 mm (111 inches), or 115 mm (4.5 inches) less than the Genesis sedan on which its derived. For comparison, what some are calling the Hyundai coupe's closest competitor, the Ford Mustang, has a 2,720 mm wheelbase (107.1 inches). This is going to pay dividends in the driving department, as will the five-link rear suspension and front MacPherson setup. We mentioned earlier that the E46 BMW M3 was the benchmark for bending rigidity, and according to Hyundai's engineers, they've achieved that goal.The real question remains at what price point the new Hyundai coupe will compete. Although the original leaked information said that the turbo'd four-pot will come in at $19,900, we have our doubts that Hyundai can keep it under the magical $20k ceiling. The V6-equipped model should land somewhere in the mid-$20,000s -- we'd suspect somewhere between $24,000 to $26,000. Regardless, anything with RWD and the choice of a stout V6 or a turbocharged four has our vote. Let's just hope it has the handling credentials to redefine a segment that has long been neglected by some of the stalwarts of the industry.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
TungstonT 11:21AM (11/15/2007)
This information should scare any manufacturer who doesn't have a similar product in their design studio. I have read reports that it is !4% more structually rigid than the Bimmer and with them mentioning the weight is going to be 'down' on this, I am quite certain the 5-link suspension, the 50//50 weight distrbtion and the 111 inch whlbase seems to have the right stuff. I'm thinking if this isn't all BS that Hyundai has just shown their Asian counterparts that they have been asleep at the wheel. I am blown-away that noone saw this coming and that this car is getting this much attn. I guess the market has grown cold and it took an underdog to heat it up. I say bring it Hyundai and let the crowds come. They are certainly coming for the concept.
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Jake 11:23AM (11/15/2007)
The biggest hurdle this thing is going to have to overcome are those three little words:
"It's a Hyundai."
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YouFaceTheTick 11:31AM (11/15/2007)
Maybe in middle america that's still a problem but on the west coast most people think of hyundai as just another viable option like toyota, nissan and honda. They're no longer reviled like GM or Ford products here.
Menice 11:35AM (11/15/2007)
not if you've owned one.
had a 2003.. fantastic car. (but i crashed)
bought a 2004.... best car ive had in 20 yrs.60k+ not even a rattle.
own a 2007 S.Fe SE... kicks ass, loaded, supersafe, and paying 269. month. cant beat that.
got my sister the VAN. (safest tested vehicle in history by the IIHS) she swears by it.... she had the chevy and said she'll never go back.
if your not looking, your missing out. give it a chance.
mike 11:46AM (11/15/2007)
Prosche watch out!
Sir Mix-a-lot 11:48AM (11/15/2007)
Yeah, without a doubt. '03 Tib GT that I owned was the biggest POS I have owned. Clutch failiure, power window failures, seat issues and not to mention all the rattles and squeaks.
That was the first and last Hyundai for me.
Jake 12:25PM (11/15/2007)
You can't deny that there's a distinct market bias against this company. They're very much the underdog. They've got quite a strong reputation for quality and performance, or lack thereof, rather.
And I seriously doubt Porsche's worried about this. Thanks, and Gig 'em.
Pat 12:41PM (11/15/2007)
Consider the enthusiasm this car generates on this site alone.
Suddenly lots of people are saying gimme gimme and are comparing Hyundais to other products --I guess you can say that those commercials comparing Hyundais to luxury cars have paid off.
Like it or not, Hyundai has achieved its stardom and it is becoming a real challenger --even to Middle-Amercians.
Jeff 3:10PM (11/15/2007)
"They're no longer reviled like GM or Ford products here."
Ha, yeah, because I never see Escalades, Tahoes, Suburbans, Yukons, Corvettes, or CTSes in Southern California. Hell I even saw some Enclaves when I was last there.
Surely you won't see Impalas or Tauruses or Fusions nearly as much there as in Middle America, but I think use of the word "reviled" is maybe just projecting your own opinions as the opinion of millions of people.
Adam 11:28AM (11/15/2007)
I'd go for the Turbo'd 4, no doubt. I'm sure you could put a few grand into it upgrading the turbo, and have it faster than the V6 and cheaper. Paddle shifters would be very cool. Not sure why it matters where it is made, unless you want to get there and apply for a job first.
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TungstonT 11:33AM (11/15/2007)
If someone takes a comprehensive look this vehicle and walks away with their focus on the 4 inch 'H', they neither understand automotive design, engineering or marketing strategy. Hyundai is ripping Toyota and Honda at their own game. They caught them off-guard just like the big three was caught off guard in the early nineties. Can you say Prelude? Does everyone get this. This is not about the 'H' anymore. This is the most significant car to be released by anyone since I have been a follower of the automotive market. Hyundai is now world-class and their sales are going to skyrocket because its all about perception. This car is a paradigm shifting, perception altering machine. Wait til the rags test it and it lives up to the hype. They didn't spend 5 years develping this so it could be a mid-packer. It's not called 'Genesis' for nothing.
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AlmsFan 11:49AM (11/15/2007)
I am a car enthusiast not a brand loyalist. I bought Toyota/Nissan 4x4s back in the early 80’s due to the best bang for the buck. Way before Toyota had a cult like following. I would buy this car if was right out of college and wanted an entry level performance car. With the money left over you can have fun tuning it.
I just want manufactures to make exciting cars reliable cars. Many of my friends are hung on brand loyalty. Be it German, American or Japanese. If someone makes a great car after putting out crap I don’t hold their past against them. One of my friends had his Audi bought back via the lemon car law and still tries to tell me that Audi is the best made car.. talk about blind loyalty.
Kia and Hyundai were the antithesis or reliability on their first go round. They did a 180 when they found out the lowest price without quality will kill your repeat business.
Kia and Hyundai are what Nissan and Toyota were in the 80’s, keep up the good work.
Spankee 11:43AM (11/15/2007)
Y'know, this is why American car fans should be happy that Toyota are (or will be by the time I finish this post) our ne Automotive overlords. Companies that want to get to the top try harder than companies that are already there.
Cheers to Hyundai. Now if they can just make me a wagon...
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Christopher H. Kim 11:43AM (11/15/2007)
This car will change many, many peoples perception on Hyundai
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Tarik 11:45AM (11/15/2007)
I just hope the drivetrain parts are durable.
a nice getrag 6speed. it looks as if the I4 version is gonna weigh about 3150lbs If they keep weight down! the v6 will prolly weigh about the same as the 350z (more luxury stuff).
i really wish nissan and honda and hyundai would release striped down versions of thier cars. honda does it in japan! you can buy a civic type R BRAND NEW for 15k (although it is a race car without the crash bars or airbags, you could put them back in) but still, thats an insane price.
and since it's hyundai it's gonna be low $$$. and if this car goes into production as seen above
(the silver version) it's going to destroy the mustang.
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TomZ 11:49AM (11/15/2007)
the six speed is a ZF-6speed
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SamanthaBraun 11:49AM (11/15/2007)
I see Joel P, the guy they stole from GM designed this. I also read that they hired Audi's second in command to head up the engineering department. And that shot of the greenhouse with the dip in the window is the sexiest thing I have seen. Just look at that! So distinctive and fresh. Such a slap-in-the-face of 'safe'. Can that car really be only $20k?
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Bob-omb 12:00PM (11/15/2007)
I reeeeeeeally doubt the sticker price could be under 20K...that'd be amazing if it were true, though. This is a pretty big honkin' car, and dynamically it's gonna be WAY more refined than the Mustang.
dap7298 12:02PM (11/15/2007)
Only thing missing is AWD.
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Jake 12:21PM (11/15/2007)
Very true. If Hyundai got into the WRC game... Damn. That would be more than enough to establish the street cred they're currently lacking, especially if they were competitive.