Autoblog

Hyundai wins Advertising Age Marketer of the Year award

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Hyundai, Luxury, South Korea

Hyundai Genesis Sedan - Click above for high-res image gallery

Allow us to set the stage. The year was 2009, the month was February. The U.S. economy, which for months had been showing signs of springing a leak, was now fully flooding into five forward compartments. Banks were dead or dying, the housing industry had ground to a halt and without massive influxes of cold, hard government cash, two thirds of the Big Three would have gone belly up.

Enter Hyundai. Amidst all the chaos and turmoil, the Korean automaker airs (during the Superbowl, mind you) a very simple commercial stating the following: "Now finance or lease any new Hyundai, and if you lose your income in the next year, you can return it free with no impact on your credit." This program, what Hyundai calls its Assurance Program, was just one of the many factors that led the editors of Advertising Age to name the resurgent Korean automaker's ad men as their Marketer of the Year - an award that isn't just confined to the automotive sector.

Aside from just appealing to "broken dreams," (i.e. bad credit, job loss) Hyundai also pushed the then new luxury Genesis Sedan to people with "intact dreams." Moreover, while the Superbowl tends to skew male, Hyundai made sure to scoop up all of bankrupt General Motors' ad spots during the Oscars, an event that skews heavily female. Long story short, Hyundai's market share is up during the first ten months of 2009 from 3.1% to 4.3% and in September, when the rest of the industry experienced a 22% sales drop, Hyundai's sales went up 27%. Tip of the hat to Vumiko!

Gallery: 2010 Hyundai Genesis sedan

[Source: Advertising Age]

Hyundai wins Advertising Age Marketer of the Year award originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

SEMA 2009: Production Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec slips into SEMA

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:40:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Hyundai

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec - Click above for high-res image gallery

If someone hadn't reread the Hyundai press release, we might have totally missed seeing the Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec. Compared to the RM460 and other tuned Coupes in the booth, the R-Spec just didn't sparkle enough for us to pursue it. And perhaps that's the point.

The 2.0T R-Spec launches a tuner-friendly line of Hyundai automobiles that have all of the best performance bits without some of the frills that add weight and expense. We saw the car previewed at the Chicago Auto Show back in February, but fittingly, this was the official debut here at tuner-friendly SEMA.

With a base price of $23,750 the R-Spec is basically a 2.0T Track model with a few options deleted. It still has the track-tuned suspension, 19-inch gunmetal-finish alloy wheels with performance summer tires, Brembo brakes and Torsen limited-slip differential, but it also gets front strut camber adjustment bolts to sharpen initial turn-in and overall responsiveness. The best thing about the R-Spec is the fact that it's showing up in dealerships across the country as we speak.

UPDATE: Hyundai has informed us that the R-Spec is 68 pounds lighter than the 2.0T Track model of the Genesis Coupe.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec

SEMA 2009: Production Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec slips into SEMA originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

SEMA Preview: RM460 Genesis Coupe with 500-hp mid-engine V8 gets rendered

John Neff — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:25:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Hatchback, Hyundai

Rhys Millen Racing RM460 Genesis Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've been keeping tabs on Rhys Millen Racing and their construction of a V8-powered, mid-engine Hyundai Genesis Coupe for the last few weeks. Called the RM460 Genesis Coupe, this car will make its official debut at SEMA in early November, but we've got the first rendering of the exterior right here for ya.

As we've mentioned before, the engine is the 4.6-liter Tau V8 normally found under the hood of a Hyunda Genesis sedan. The Gen Coupe's rear seat has been tossed to make room, and the V8 has been upgraded with eight individual throttle bodies, a set of JE pistons and an AEM engine management system that all work in concert to bump power to 500 horsepower. In order to make the engine accessible back there, RMR also replaced the trunk lid with a carbon fiber rear hatch that's vented and hinges near the roof line.

Being a SEMA car, there's hardly a bolt or nut on this car that hasn't been modified. The stock transmission was swapped out for a Mendeola five-speed sequential gearbox and the stock suspension augmented by a set of KW coilovers. HRE 560 Series 20-inch wheels, Toyo T1R tires and a StopTech braking system round out the hardware upgrades. The exterior, meanwhile, features an RMR Signature Edition kit with carbon fiber spoilers and custom RM ONYX HD paint job by BASF. The interior sports seats plus alcantara and carbon fiber trim panels from Sparco, and there's a boomin' sound system by Infinity as well.

We're interested less in the RM460's flashy bits than what the car means. It's a rolling test bed for how far both the Genesis Coupe and the 4.6-liter Tau V8 can be pushed, and hopefully RMR will pass all that knowledge onto Hyundai for incorporation into future iterations of the Genesis Coupe.

Gallery: Rhys Millen Racing RM460 Genesis Coupe

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading SEMA Preview: RM460 Genesis Coupe with 500-hp mid-engine V8 gets rendered

SEMA Preview: RM460 Genesis Coupe with 500-hp mid-engine V8 gets rendered originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

SEMA Preview: Hyundai and GReddy team up for 350-hp Genesis Coupe

Drew Phillips — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Hyundai

GReddy X-Gen Street Genesis Coupe - Click above for a high-res image

For perhaps the very first time in their history, Hyundai has a vehicle platform worthy of serious performance upgrades to display at the SEMA show. The 2010 Genesis Coupe has gobs of tuning potential, especially the 2.0T model, and we fully expect the Korean automaker to have plenty of modified examples on display in their booth at the Las Vegas convention center next month.

One of those cars will be the GReddy X-Gen Street Genesis Coupe you see here, and it features an upgraded version of the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four putting out 350 horsepower and 320 lb-ft torque. The Japanese tuner has also added exterior items including front and rear spoilers and a carbon fiber hood. Below the sheetmetal, you'll find a fully adjustable coilover suspension, larger front and rear brakes, Volk Racing G2 wheels, Sparco racing seats. Of course, there's also the less-than-subtle graphics package designed in collaboration with Hyundai's design center in Southern California.

After the show, GReddy is planning on doing additional modifications to push the engine to 500 horsepower, and will be selling many of the components developed for the car. Hit the jump for Hyundai's press release with all the details.

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading SEMA Preview: Hyundai and GReddy team up for 350-hp Genesis Coupe

SEMA Preview: Hyundai and GReddy team up for 350-hp Genesis Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Autoblog runs the 2009 Targa Trophy rally... in a Hyundai Genesis Coupe!

Jonny Lieberman — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Hyundai

2009 Targa Trophy Los Angeles - Click above for high-res image gallery

Honestly, our team - Team Korean War Machine - had low (to no) hopes going into the Los Angeles leg of the 2009 Targa Trophy. Sixty cars were entered and even though our Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 was packing 306 horsepower, most of the other cars were in the 500-horse range - *gulp.* But first, a little history before we begin.

The Targa Trophy rally started in 2007 with about 70 cars running from San Diego to Palm Springs and back. The idea, according to founder and principle Jason Overell, was to create a "One day format that offered all of the event amenities of other rallies [Bullrun, Gumball 3000], but with more of a focus on real driving scenarios that would test the cars capability, the drivers skill and really utilize the [presence] of a navigator."

The rally expanded to two events in 2008 and we would be participating in the final leg of what they're calling the Southern California Triple Crown - the last of three 2009 rallies. Not only would there be seven winners from the day's event, but three overall 2009 Targa Trophy Triple Crown winners would be, well, crowned.

All any of us on Team Korean War Machine knew is that Fiesta Agent and former Jalopniker Andy Didorosi had arranged for myself, Nada Guides' Road Test Editor Jeff Glucker, and all around car freak Tim "Mad Science" Odell to run the Genesis Coupe alongside his feisty green Ford Fiesta (a special case exception to the usual "hand-selected" entries that are allowed to participate "based on their level of sports car credibility" - a Smart Car also joined in on the fun) in the Los Angeles portion of the three-part event. As a team, we had no planning, no strategy and really no conception of what was going to be happening on this hot, Southern California Saturday. Worse, none of us had spiky hair gel and/or flat-brimmed ball caps. And our morning really wasn't going very well.

AMG showed up at the Roosevelt Hotel to let the Targa Trophy runners play with their latest big V8 toys. And while I enjoyed my ten minutes in the new, faster-than-words E63 AMG very much, Odell enjoyed himself a little too much in the C63, getting pulled over on Hollywood and Highland. After a little explaining, the officers took pity on poor Tim and wrote out a ticket with a figure considerably less than what the radar registered. It wasn't a lose your license offense, just a lose your savings and the respect of your wife infraction. Meanwhile, I managed to back the Hyundai up into the only other press vehicle in attendance - a Porsche 997 S Cabriolet - scratching the hell out of the Genesis' paint in the process. Glucker, not content to just rest in peace, spilled coffee all over his pants. And the rally wasn't even set to start for another twenty minutes...

Gallery: 2009 Targa Trophy Triple Crown Los Angeles

[Photos: Tim Odell & Ryan Siu]

Continue reading Autoblog runs the 2009 Targa Trophy rally... in a Hyundai Genesis Coupe!

Autoblog runs the 2009 Targa Trophy rally... in a Hyundai Genesis Coupe! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mid-engine Hyundai Genesis Coupe by Rhys Millen in the works for SEMA

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Performance, Hyundai, Specialty

A year ago at the annual SEMA show in Las Vegas, Rhys Millen Racing made a splash with it's Hyundai Genesis coupe concept, and this year the team's back with an even more extreme example. Last year's car retained the front engine, rear drive layout of the production car and its turbocharged 2.0-liter four cylinder. This time around, Millen's crew is going with the 4.6-liter Tau V8 from the coupe's big brother sedan.

Rather than trying to pack the oversize powerplant into the coupe's smaller engine compartment, the RMR staff have discarded the pretty much useless rear seat and most of the floorpan. The engine and five-speed sequential gearbox will now occupy the space behind the two remaining front buckets. Most of the suspension is being retained and the trunk-lid and rear glass will be combined into a hatch for engine access. For the most part, the Tau V8 will remain close to stock with the limited mods raising output to around 450 horsepower. No word yet on whether this will be strictly a one-off or whether it will be offered to paying customers... feel free to join the line at the rear.

[Source: Inside Line]

Mid-engine Hyundai Genesis Coupe by Rhys Millen in the works for SEMA originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Review: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T Track makes more out of less

Dan Roth — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Hyundai, Reviews

2009 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T Track - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2.0T is the low man on Hyundai's Genesis Coupe totem pole, disappointing the power addled and whooping it up too much for pinkie-waving tea drinkers. However, raw power isn't what this turbo model is all about, and once that's made clear, the coupe becomes a delightful flavor in Hyundai's best recipe. All the careful execution of the Genesis Sedan carries over, with an extra dollop of involvement. It's a driver's car, pure and simple. And that's a recipe we enjoy as much as Mom's London Broil.

While the car-crazies have hotly anticipated the Genesis Coupe's retail arrival, mainstreamers have yet to get the memo that Hyundai has its afterburner lit. Entirely different than the Tiburon it sent packing, the Genesis Coupe is a rakishly good looking car with crisply pressed, creative styling. So it looks good, but how's it drive?

Gallery: Review: 2009 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T Track

All photos copyright Dan Roth / Weblogs Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T Track makes more out of less

Review: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T Track makes more out of less originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Aug 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

EXCLUSIVE: Sneak peek at Hyundai Genesis Coupe's next-gen nav system

Chris Paukert — Wed, 27 May 2009 19:27:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, I.C.E., Technology, Hyundai

Hyundai Genesis Coupe navigation system prototype - Click above for high-res image gallery

When Hyundai's sparkling Genesis Coupe debuted earlier this year, we heard from many of you who were excited about the rear-drive model's performance prospects. More than a few we spoke with, however, expressed disappointment that it did not arrive in showrooms with an optional in-dash navigation unit, particularly since Hyundai was plainly targeting premium competitors like the Infiniti G37. Well, we've just returned from the company's HATCI facility (Hyundai-Kia American Technical Center, Inc.) in Ann Arbor, and we're happy to report that we've been given an in-depth look at a prototype of the company's next-generation system that will find its way into the Genesis Coupe beginning later this summer.

Fair Warning: The accompanying photographs are of a rough engineering prototype unit, but we thought our readers would appreciate the early look. As is typical of such mules, the instrument panel is more than a bit tired looking from having its "head unit swapped out more often than you change your underwear" (so says Dan Bedore, Hyundai's quick-witted P.R. manager).

Click on the jump to get the full skinny.

Gallery: Hyundai Genesis Coupe navi sneak peek

Continue reading EXCLUSIVE: Sneak peek at Hyundai Genesis Coupe's next-gen nav system

EXCLUSIVE: Sneak peek at Hyundai Genesis Coupe's next-gen nav system originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 May 2009 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Beyond Redline passes the 300 hp mark with 2.0L Genesis Coupe, 400 hp around the corner

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 19:32:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Coupe, Hyundai

When the Hyundai Genesis Coupe was announced, there was no doubt it would find favor with the aftermarket - particularly when equipped with the turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four. With all the necessary exhaust hardware already in place, it was just a matter of (R&D) time before enterprising tuners began swapping turbos, figuring out engine management and hitting the dyno.

While 0-60 magazine has its own thing going on with the help of Design Craft, Beyond Redline is cooking up its own turbo kit that utilizes a V-Band adapter that allows different turbos to be fitted while retaining the stock manifold. The company currently has a prototype manufactured and claims that almost any Garrett turbo can fit (we're thinking a GT35R would do the turbo'd four nicely). After installing the adapter, fitting a GT30 turbo, 600cc injectors, tuning it with an AEM FIC and running 16 pounds of boost, they pulled off a 306 hp and 245 lb-ft run on a Dynojet, and later put out 344 hp to the rear wheels.

Since the kit is still in early development Beyond Redline hasn't announced availability or pricing for the complete package, but judging by their work so far, it's right around the corner. And for those who chose the 3.8-liter V6 Genesis Coupe, SeoulfulRacing (out of Korea) already has a supercharged, 430-hp version for sale across the Pacific and hopes to bring that kit to the States in the near future.

[Source: GenesisDriven, GenCoupe]

Beyond Redline passes the 300 hp mark with 2.0L Genesis Coupe, 400 hp around the corner originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Apr 2009 19:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Hyundai CEO Krafcik sees Genesis as a Lexus-like sub-brand

Chris Shunk — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 14:35:00 EST

Filed under: Hyundai

Hyundai Equus: Click above for photo gallery

Hyundai may have started off as a value brand devoid of high end transportation, but over the past few years, efforts such as the Azera and Veracruz have demonstrated that Hyundai can elevate its game. This became abundantly evident with the introduction of the the new Genesis sub-brand, which shows that Hyundai can do full-blown luxury. Hyundai USA CEO John Krafcik feels that Genesis could eventually be a model lineup all its own, much like Toyoda's Lexus brand. Krafcik told Wards Automotive that Hyundai didn't want to ask its dealers to spend $5 to 10 million on new showrooms to peddle a whole new brand. Instead, the decision was made to sell the Genesis at existing Hyundai dealerships, just separated from the rest of the lineup.

The Genesis lineup is in its fledgling state at this point, but it holds promise. The Hyundai Genesis sedan has its sights trained on luxury competitors like the Lexus GS, while the Genesis Coupe obviously places a premium on sport over luxury. Hyundai's high-end, home-market Equus sedan, displayed for the American audience in New York over the last week, looks ready to compete with the LS460 in terms of size and amenities, while costing thousands of dollars less. Hyundai's Equus flagship sedan could arrive Stateside within 2-3 years.

Beyond Genesis, Hyundai has plans for turbocharging and direct injection in its vehicles beginning next year with the all-new Sonata. The goal is increased sales in the lucrative US market, but given the current economic state of affairs, volume projections take a back seat to sustaining the sales Hyundai has already achieved.

Gallery: New York: Hyundai Equus

[Source: Wards Automotive]

REPORT: Hyundai CEO Krafcik sees Genesis as a Lexus-like sub-brand originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 Apr 2009 14:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Hyundai reveals Prada edition Genesis ahead of Seoul debut

Noah Joseph — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:40:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Hyundai, Misc. Auto Shows, Specialty, South Korea

Hyundai Genesis Prada - Click above for high-res image gallery

The devil may wear Prada, but what does he drive? Playing the field, the Italian fashion house has jumped into bed with both Audi and Hyundai for its foray into the automotive sphere. The outcome of Prada's venture with Audi has yet to be realized, but Hyundai has revealed this special edition Genesis Sedan it developed with Prada, previewed last November, for debut at the upcoming home-market Seoul motor show.

The Genesis Prada you see here is a one-off, painted a matte-finish purplish-blue with a white "saffiano" leather interior featuring illuminated floors and door panels, along with 20-inch wheels and an "outer antenna with edge shape." It's one of three distinct versions that will be auctioned off for charity, so don't go looking for your own designer edition down at the local Hyundai dealership. Details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Seoul 2009: Hyundai Genesis Prada

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Hyundai reveals Prada edition Genesis ahead of Seoul debut

Hyundai reveals Prada edition Genesis ahead of Seoul debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

First Drive: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Michael Harley — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 11:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Hyundai, First Drive

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

Full throttle down the back straight, the speedometer sweeps past 100 mph. The approaching turn is a 90-degree right, but it looks like we can still put more asphalt behind us before letting off the gas. At the last possible moment, we lift and then lean hard on the brakes. Deceleration forces us against the shoulder belt as the four contact patches ferociously search the line for traction. As the orange cones begin to fill our front windshield, it's obvious that we're carrying too much speed. A turn now and we'd spin.

Gallery: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe - First Drive

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

First Drive: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

REMINDER: Hyundai Genesis Coupe press intro live streaming webcast at 11am EDT

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hyundai

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe - Click above for high-res gallery

In just a little bit, Hyundai will be allowing fans and gawkers the rare opportunity to participate in the official press introduction of its new 2010 Genesis Coupe. When new models come to market, automakers typically invite members of the media to some location where they get to listen a presentation on the technical details and marketing plans before going out for a first drive. The information shared during these events eventually gets passed on to you, the readers. Hyundai is holding its Genesis Coupe launch event as this you read this, and now you can join in by tuning in to a live streaming feed right here on the internet.

Those of you looking for insights on the Genny Coupe can head over to http://genesispresspass.com/live/ at 11am EDT. You can even still submit your questions now to the Hyundai executives via a form on the site, and they may be answered live during the Q&A part of the event. Those of you watching online will obviously have to wait for an opportunity to drive the Coupe, but you might learn something new when you tune in.

Gallery: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

REMINDER: Hyundai Genesis Coupe press intro live streaming webcast at 11am EDT originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Hyund-"eh" Genesis wins Canadian Car of the Year Award

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 06:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Hyundai, Canada

Another trophy has been thrown at the Hyundai Genesis by the Automobile Journalists' Association of Canada: 2009 Canadian Car of the Year. To get to the top spot, the Genesis beat an odd assortment of cars, including the Audi A4 and TTS, the Lexus IS F, Mazda6, and Mercedes CL550 and SL63 AMG. Among the other vehicles joining the Genesis on the podium: the Ford Flex took the Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year, and the Honda Fit snagged Best New Design. Kudos, Hyundai. Again...

[Source: The National Post]

Hyund-"eh" Genesis wins Canadian Car of the Year Award originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Feb 2009 06:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Smashing idea: Hyundai giving away Superbowl ads soundtrack

Chris Tutor — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 13:36:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Hyundai, Celebrities

How did you like Hyundai's Genesis Coupe ads during the Super Bowl? They rocked, right? With that hard-driving soundtrack from The Smashing Pumpkins, of course they rocked. The song is called "FOL," and it isn't available for purchase anywhere. But you can get it for free just by giving Hyundai your e-mail address. Click here to fill out the two-question (name and e-email) form, then click on download. Hit play, close your eyes and you'll be lapping the track with Billy Corgan any time you wish. We're not sure how long the offer is available, so if you're interested, click here. Don't want to give up personal info to Hyundai? Watch the ads as much as you like right here.

[Source: DealMac]

Smashing idea: Hyundai giving away Superbowl ads soundtrack originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 08 Feb 2009 13:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: Hyundai Genesis Coupe gets pre-Super Bowl workout

Chris Paukert — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hyundai

Click above to watch behind-the-scenes footage of "Epic Lap"

We love the undulating flume of asphalt that is Road Atlanta, and any excuse to lay rubber on its storied curves is usually good enough for us. But Hyundai is going at least one better with its forthcoming Super Bowl ad featuring the new Genesis Coupe.

The Korean automaker enlisted the help of top drifting, truck almost-flipping, former rallyist Rhys Millen to showcase the rear-drive coupe. The Kiwi ran around Road Atlanta around 50 times with tires blazing to nail down footage for Hyundai's "Epic Lap" spot.

Even more interesting is that Hyundai will make footage clips available to consumers on their website so that they can edit together their own Genesis commercials.

While the final commercial won't be released until February 1 during the big game, the folks at Motor Trend were on hand for a behind-the-scenes sneak peak at the commercial. It's worth a look - and not just because of the comely yellow Hyundais. Watch closely and you'll spot a pair of killer blacked-out camera cars: A Porsche Cayenne and a Mitsubishi Evo. Check out the high-res Hyundai Genesis Coupe gallery below and video footage after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

[Source: Motor Trend]

Continue reading VIDEO: Hyundai Genesis Coupe gets pre-Super Bowl workout

VIDEO: Hyundai Genesis Coupe gets pre-Super Bowl workout originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Jan 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Next Hyundai Equus is one angry stallion

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Hyundai, Rendered Speculation

Click the rendering for high-res images

This is the sketch that follows an earlier rendering of the third generation Hyundai Equus, due in 2010. As far as sedans are concerned, it looks like Hyundai is moving toward the Aston Martin school of design -- make something everyone loves, and then make it a little different and give it another name. The coming Kia luxury sedan started it, and beneath the cartoonish anger of this Equus sketch there's a Genesis on a bad batch of nandrolone.

Underneath and inside, the car won't be lacking in either power or pleasures. Pushed by the rear wheels this time, an Equus first, initially it will be offered with the Genesis' 4.6-liter V8 and Hyundai's in-house eight-speed automatic transmission. Later, a 5.0-liter V8 will get up to 420 hp, and some speculation hints that the lump will be direct injection and cylinder deactivation. Other chatter suggests that engine will be joined by an optional 5.5-liter supercharged variant.

The bulging sheetmetal on the previous rendering won't be the only thing the car shares with the Mercedes S-Class; it will also be loaded with tech. Features will include a Lane Departure Warning System, Pre-Safety Seatbelt System, and LED-equipped headlights and taillights. Hyundai's newest flagship is expected to be in South Korean dealerships in February.

Gallery: 2010 Hyundai VI Equus rendering

[Source: Hyundai]

Next Hyundai Equus is one angry stallion originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: RMR Genesis Coupe runs, turns and poses for pictures

Merritt Johnson — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, SEMA Show, Performance, Videos, Hyundai

Click above for a high-res gallery of the RMR Genesis Coupe

Rhys Millen Racing's Hyundai Genesis Coupe enjoyed some time in the spotlight at SEMA, but it's hard to see the potential of the new coupe sitting stationary on the show stand. So RMR brought out the Genesis Coupe to take up space in their pit during the Red Bull Drifting World Championship and the crew at Streetfire.net captured some video of the Genesis running around, posing or pics. In the clip, the pilot of the coupe never put his boot down, but it still sounded mean with a deep gurgle and the Turbonetics turbocharger whirring at low rpms. In person, the build also came across as very well constructed with a lot of attention to detail. Regardless of the advertised build time, it was carefully pieced together by a knowledgeable bunch.

Be sure and check out the galleries below for the whole collection of RMR Genesis Coupe images and hit the jump to check out the video.

Gallery: RMR Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Rhys Millen Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Gallery: RMR Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Continue reading VIDEO: RMR Genesis Coupe runs, turns and poses for pictures

VIDEO: RMR Genesis Coupe runs, turns and poses for pictures originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Review: 2009 Hyundai Genesis

Michael Harley — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Sedan, Hyundai

2009 Genesis Sedan - Click above for high-res image gallery

The all-new 2009 Hyundai Genesis sedan has been capturing more than its share of the spotlight this year. The luxury-oriented four-door sedan was launched with much ballyhoo over the summer. With a long list of standard features, a choice of six- or eight-cylinder power, and its sights pointed directly at some heavy-hitting established competition, the sedan rolled into showrooms with high expectations. After a few short introductory drives, Hyundai put both models in the Autoblog Garage so we could spend some time getting a bit more intimate with its new players. How solid is the chassis, engine and powertrain? How does the sedan hold up to the daily grind? How does the late-arrival fare against its status-laden competition? Find out after the jump.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Hyundai Genesis

Continue reading Review: 2009 Hyundai Genesis

Review: 2009 Hyundai Genesis originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Nov 2008 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Hyundai goes even more upscale with Prada Genesis

Chris Tutor — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hyundai

Click above for two high-res pics of the Hyundai Genesis Prada

Nobody blinked when Subaru and L.L. Bean hooked up. Or when Mercury and Nautica got busy. And remember those Levis Edition Jeeps? That actually worked.

But South Korea's Hyundai and Italian fashion house Prada? Ummm. Just a few years ago it would have been laughable, and possibly an enormously bad business decision for Prada. But Hyundai's gone all upscale with the Genesis and, in this economy, Prada's not nearly as picky about where it gets publicity.

In April, Hyundai will show one of three Prada Genesis sedans at the Seoul Motor Show. The other two cars will be auctioned for charity at the Prada Transformer, which is some kind of temporary building that will showcase art, cinema and fashion events. Whatever. All we know is that buyers of the Prada cars can probably expect some of the best leather seats they've ever sat in for probably the most money ever paid for a Hyundai. At least it's for charity.

Gallery: Hyundai Genesis Prada

[Source: Carscoop]

Hyundai goes even more upscale with Prada Genesis originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments