Autoblog

click above image for big gallery of high-res pics

5:15 PM: Sitting around at Hyundai's display listening to some generic techno. T-minus 15 minutes until the press conference begins.

5:30 PM: Joel and John from Hyundai USA are talking on stage. We're about to start!

5:32 PM: They admit enthusiastic car buffs don't usually look at Hyundai, save for a few Tiburon owners.

5:34 PM: CONFIRMED: Front-wheel-drive Tiburon replacement and rear-wheel-drive coupe are two different vehicles.

5:35 PM: Showing video of RWD test mule all covered up being thrashed on the road. Now it's being chased by a photographer on a motorcycle. We're so confused here.

5:36 PM: The sheet's pulled off. Pics are on their way, but we can tell you the vehicle is very tuner-oriented. Called the Concept Genesis Coupe. Bright orange paint and vented carbon fiber hood pop. Dropping beltline behind doors is a signature design feature, helps rear passenger see out. Carbon fiber-tipped spoiler sits out back while the front is capped by a carbon fiber fascia.

5:38 PM: Engines will be a turbo four-cylinder and the 3.8L V6 from the Genesis sedan with over 300 HP. Brembo brakes and an LSD will be offered.

5:42 PM: Hyundai reportedly used the BMW E46 M3 as a benchmark!

5:39 PM: Production version will be shown at New York Auto Show in late March.

5:48 PM: Official press release added after jump. Tons of pics will be uploaded in minutes.

6:10PM: Our entire catalogue of live shots and official shots have been added to the gallery, and we've included a more robust press release after the jump. That's it! Clearly the Hyundai Concept Genesis Coupe is the hottest car of the show, and for what it's worth, the thing looks even better in person.

6:28 PM: Video of live reveal added after the jump.

click either image to view three spy shots of Hyundai's RWD coupe

The rear-wheel-drive Hyundai Coupe is mere hours away from being debuted at the 2007 LA Auto Show, but we're too excited to wait. These shots were taken minutes ago on the show floor, and reveals that the car Hyundai will have on hand is wearing orange and sporting styling cues not seen on the car that was spied at a marketing event last week. For instance, the wheels on the model debuting later today are different and much more attractive than those on the earlier car. This car's front end also appears to be different than the earlier marketing car, with a chin spoiler in black hanging off of what appears to be a larger lower air intake. Finally, there's also what appears to be black trim ahead of the rear wheel that could be for show, could be a faux scoop or may be a protective piece that's pulled off before the debut. Either way, we're happy to bring you these photos and sate your curiosity for a few hours before we can publish the mother load of info on Hyundai's new rear-wheel-drive coupe.

[Photos: Brenda Priddy & Co.]

click above image for more pics of Hyundai's RWD coupe

Now that the final design for Hyundai's upcoming rear-wheel-drive coupe has been revealed, speculation has turned to what will be powering it. The photos of the undisguised car were reportedly taken during a marketing presentation at which those in attendance were told the only two available engines would be a 2.0L turbo with 215 HP and 217 ft-lbs of torque or a 3.8L V6 with 300 HP and 280 ft-lbs. While a 300-horsepower V6 is nothing to sneeze at, Hyundai hoons are still hoping the automaker makes a V8 available, as well. The only one Hyundai has to offer is the 4.6L V8 that's destined to power the Genesis sedan. Inside Line, however, cites Korean news reports as making explicitly clear that the 4.6L V8 is only for the Genesis sedan and will not be shared with the coupe. So it appears that those in search of a RWD V8 alternative to the Mustang in this price range will not have an option to consider at Hyundai dealerships.

[Source: Inside Line]