Hyundai Unveils Rear-Wheel-Drive Genesis Coupe Concept
This is effectively strike two of an action plan by Korean firm Hyundai aimed at broadening their appeal to driving enthusiasts. And so the Concept Genesis Coupe is introduced. A vehicle based on the Concept Genesis Sedan unveiled earlier this year, the concept car signals the arrival of a new rear-wheel-drive 2+2 sports coupe set for release in spring 2009 - a model seperate from that of the front-wheel-drive Tiburon replacement.
Beautiful from afar but more menacing and intimidating up close, the Genesis Coupe Concept is a car that aims to 'capture the imagination of hardcore automotive enthusiasts', giving strong indications as to the production model's design. Among such indications are its powerful 'Z' bodylines and 'assertive' front and rear lamp designs. “With its aggressive look from just about any angle, I think we have been able to do that,” says Chief Designer at Hyundai's Californian Design Center, Joel Piaskowski.
The Genesis Coupe Concept draws on inspiration from two conceptual predecessors as well as that of LeMans race cars and a range of die cast vehicles. A stark 'Sonic Orange' paint scheme combines with 'Ballistic Black' carbon fibre bonnet panel, roof and ground components for weight-saving purposes, while adding a more sinister look. Sculpted into the hood of the car are three large heat extractors which not only visually aid the car's sporting appeal but can cool an engine of any power output. In production form, three slats at the front will aid engine cooling.
To be powered by a 3.8-litre V6 engine estimated to have power in excess of 300 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque, performance is expected to allow a 0-60 mph sprint of under 6 seconds via a 6-speed manual transmission.
At the rear, front air intakes are mimiced by rear fascia-integrated twin exhausts, while the profile is emphasised by an arching roofline and tapered greenhouse. Stylish five-spoke 20-inch polished alloys finish off the dynamic appeal of the Genesis Coupe Concept. The production model is to hit showrooms in spring of 2009.
I agree on the rear quarter window thing. It still irritates me. Someone commented on it being a new design trend within Hyundai, and compared it to the Hoffmeier window kink - but I've always thought the BMW trait looked good, and I don't know if I'll ever feel the same way about this...
The bmw trait of course looked good. this car will fizzle out like its predecessor, the tiboron, without leaving a mark. The m3 is a legend.
This is much more interesting looking than any BMW ever did (of course except for the Z8). It actually has a bit of design innovation, something that German cars aesthetically lack many times.
bluemagic u have toom much German in your blood. Even though i am a big fan of BMW, i must say this is a great car designed in California. It's a breakthrough for Hyundai.
Without getting to far away with German biases, which in itself shows a general lack of knowledge about cars, lets keep it in perspective. Think about how far Hyundai has come, to see them design a car like this with so much emotion and character, it impresses the hell out of me. Surely its not to everyones taste but still, its a hug step for Hyundai irrespective of the competition and I applaud them.
There's no way this car will fizzle out. It will be the cheapest 300 horsepower car on the market. Every lower middle class kid in America will want this car!
i see a mix of G35 rear and lexus is-f in the front. this car will look nothing like this when it comes out, lets be serious for a sec. carbon fibre on a hyundai?? also the design is too modern for a first entrance into the RWD coupe market it will be greatly toned down for production.
I think the car is very good looking (the actual production car photos recently published on several sites), especially compared to the somewhat 'dated' design of the new Honda Accord coupe. The Genesis coupe looks much more modern, and the inclusion of a 300hp engine might win converts from Toyota, Nissan and even Honda over to Hyundai. I too remember when Hyundai cars were nothing more than very inexpensive transporation. Now they're competitive with other brands in their markets and at better prices. I have a Honda Prelude and I'm seriously considering this new Hyundai coupe.
another clone of the mysterious unknow car that is the mother of all s-classes, is' and know this hyuandia-thing. Terrible! Argh! It is so terrible to look at with it's obviously stolen deisgn-elements everywhere... burn in hell, Hyundai!
just curious, what stolen design elements besides the fact that the front resembles the Lexus IS sort of.
I’m an Infiniti (M45) man but I’m into the 2008 CTS and the 2008 WRX STI... What’s I’m getting at is that young people want and need to try something NEW. Yes BMW, AUDI and others have been out there for a while and has tattoo there names on the market but you could win anyone’s heart if you sale the same performance for less money. Hyundai isn’t my field but you can’t stop them until they prove there point on the track. BIG-UPS for Changes!!!
I commend Hyundai on what they are doing! They are trying to be competitive! They are offering you PERFORMANCE! for less money! less than Toyota, Honda and Nissan. The average American can't afford a BMW, Mercedes let alone maintain them so why not have that sports with a Sonata price tag and a 10year warranty. How many sports cars do you know have that.
that little bump under the greenhouse is quite irritating. But nonetheless I love the headlamps and i hope the hood is some modification to the original.