Merc1

The new 2007 Hyundai Concept Genesis:




The Genesis concept is the first preview of the "future architecture and design of a rear-wheel drive premium sports sedan scheduled to grace the Hyundai lineup in 2008," the release says.

The Genesis concept is formed around a rear-wheel-drive architecture, a first for an American-market Hyundai. With a weight distribution of 53:47, a new "Tau" V-8 engine with more than 300 horsepower and a six-speed automatic transmission, Hyundai says the Genesis will accelerate to 60 mph in less than 6.0 seconds and will reach a top speed of 130 mph.

Hyundai hints that the new Tau engine could spawn other versions: larger or smaller displacements are possible, as is "forced induction." Other technology - including hybrid versions - are hinted.

Stability control and side airbags are designed into the Genesis concept car, and are virtually guaranteed for the production version, since Hyundai fits the safety hardware to its Azera sedan. The Genesis concept, in fact, sports eight airbags. Hyundai promises better body rigidity than the BMW 5-Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

While branded a concept, the Genesis is unusually finished. And Hyundai is already talking pricing on the new vehicle, hinting even more loudly that the Genesis will enter production in a form close to its concept shape. Features integrated into the concept car design include high-intensity discharge headlamps, Bluetooth, HD Radio, active cruise control, and a navigation system.

John Krafcik, vice president, Product Development and Strategic Planning, Hyundai Motor America, said in a release. "With Genesis, we've got a unique product position," says Hyundai's product VP John Krafcik, "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."


2007 Hyundai Concept Genesis

Base price: $29,995 (est.)

Engine: 4.6-liter V-8, 300 hp

Transmission: Six-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive

Length x width x height: 197.0 x 73.3 x 58.7 inches

Wheelbase: 115.6 inches

Safety equipment: Dual front, side, rear side, and curtain airbags; anti-lock brakes and stability control

Major standard equipment: AM/FM/CD player; 20-inch wheels

Speed: 0-60 mph in 6.0 seconds; 130 mph top speed (est.)

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A lot of the specs are like that of the original Lexus LS400. The big Korean has a half-liter bigger engine, 50 more hp, but with about 5K cheaper price than the original LS400 sold in the U.S. market in the fall of 1989.

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Curb Zone

 

MikeJ

Looks quite a bit like a 5er, doesn't it?

Choleric

Mui Bueno

I like what Hyundai has been doing lately, and this looks promising.

Merc1

I just noticed it has the LS460 style tailpipes-in-the-bumper design too. Yep the trunklid is definitely right out of the 5-Series styling handbook, looks almost identical.

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Merc1

Pics:













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Merc1

Edmunds take on it:

Hyundai's Concept Genesis makes an incredible proposition on paper — rear-wheel drive, V8 power and a full-on luxury experience for around $30,000. If the company even comes close to delivering on these promises, it could spell trouble for Honda and Toyota. — Erin Riches, Senior Content Editor

Full Article:

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I agree with Edmunds on this. The price and specification could make buying an expensive Toyota like the Avalon (priced about the same or more) pointless. I know which car looks better, as always it isn't the Toyota. Now if they're going to do a V6 version of this car, then they need to dump the stupid looking Azera.

I have always dreampt of the day when the Koreans will do to Toyota what Toyota (and Honda/Nissan) did to the Germans with their luxury divisions. Let us see how the mighty Toyota deals with Hyundai 5-10 years from now.

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Just_me

Hyundai’s new Genesis concept is an indication of the company’s ambitious plans for the US market. It’s a V8-powered RWD sedan designed to put Hyundai in the same class as brands like Chrysler.

The Genesis will be Hyundai’s first American RWD drive car and has been designed from the ground-up to be capable dynamically. Weight distribution is a healthy 53:47 and the body structure is claimed to be stiffer than a BMW 5-series or Mercedes E-class.

To give the big sedan some go, Hyundai has fitted it with a “Tau” 4.6L V8 engine developing more than 300hp. The Genesis will accelerate to 60mph in 6 seconds using the V8, but there are plans to use a range of engines, as well as the possibility of a supercharged or turbo model. Transmission duties are done by a 6-speed automatic.

The Genesis is similar in size to a Chrysler 300, which would be one of its main competitors.

Interior features fitted to the model include HID xenons, Bluetooth, HD radio, active cruise control, and sat-nav. You can expect the production model to have an up-market interior complete with woodgrain and leather seats and leather trim, too.

A production version is expected to go on sale in the second-half of 2008, with prices for a 3.8L V6 expected below $30,000.

Yannis

I 'm impressed. That looks better than Lexus GS , VW Passat and BMW 5 series.

The Emperor

We're not friends anymore...

The Emperor

Btw, kinda repost? http://www.germancarzone.com/more-as...ean-ls400.html

Curb Zone