by Frank de Leeuw van Weenen May 7, 2008 11:29 AM
Filed Under: Hyundai
The Hyundai Genesis Coupe made its world debut at the recent New York Auto Show impressing most of the attending press with both the looks and its rubber burning entrance. And in our never ending quest to bring our readers the most accurate local news from all over the world, we bring you the Korean debut of Hyundai's brand new Genesis Coupe.
The car is painted poison green but the Hyundai display stands out in a few ways other than the vibrant color choice of the show piece. The Hyundai stand also featured a new 2.0 liter THETA I-4 twin turbo GDI engine capable of putting 290 hp to the road, only 13 hp less than its poison green big brother with the 3.8 liter V6, reports GenFans.com. Whether the engine is production ready or if it will ever leave the Korean peninsula is not mentioned in the official press release.
The Hyundai Genesis Coupe will go on sale in Korea this September, followed by the US, Chain and other regions where it will take on cars like the Audi TT, Infiniti G37, BMW 3 series and Mercedes C Class.
Hyundai Unveils Genesis Coupe at 2008 Busan Auto Show
Premium Brand Pavilion showcases Genesis and Genesis Coupe
Genesis Coupe to arrive in Korean showrooms in September
Exhibits eco-friendly concepts, advanced technologies, plus 17 production models
Hyundai Motor Company, South Korea’s largest automotive company, will showcase its latest models and advanced technologies at the Busan International Motor Show 2008.
The highlight of the exhibit was its new sports car, Genesis Coupe which made its Korean debut. Hyundai also put on display two eco-friendly concept cars, `i-Mode’ and `i-Blue’, among 17 current production models and eight new technologies at the 2,000 square meter-stand. “Leaping into a New Era to Become a Global Premium Brand” served as the company’s theme for the 2008 edition of the show.
Ahead of the public opening, Hyundai Motor held a press briefing on May 2, which was attended by James Choi, President of the company’s sales and planning, among other executives and media members.
“I’m honored to present Hyundai Motor’s advanced technology and future ideas here in Busan, the future maritime capital of North East Asia for the 21st century,” said Mr. Choi. “The Genesis Coupe, which is being introduced for the first time in Korea, has the best motor performance and braking power in its class and will be able to confidently compete with existing high-performance coupes.”
The All-New 300 Hp Genesis Coupe
The Genesis Coupe was introduced to the world for the first time in March, at the New York International Auto Show. The Genesis Coupe is a purpose-built rear-wheel drive sport coupe featuring two performance-focused engines - a 215-horsepower (est.), 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a range-topping all-aluminum, 303-horsepower (est.), DOHC 3.8-liter V6 engine.
Genesis Coupe is also unmistakably linked to several Hyundai concept cars. The powerful curves, undulating beltline, surface detail, and "Z" bodyside lines come straight from the HCD9 Talus and the HCD8 sport coupe concepts.
The 2004 HCD8 sport tourer concept´s sensual body forms influenced the overall design direction of Genesis Coupe. Genesis Coupe´s arching roofline and tapering greenhouse highlight the exterior profile and emphasize the car´s broad shoulders and wide stance. The Genesis Coupe´s rocker panels are drawn close to the ground making the bodysides extra thick and the daylight opening thin, allowing the wheels to be slammed up into bulging fenders. To complete the aggressive sports car look, the depth between the fenders and the greenhouse has been maximized. Large openings in the front fascia allow for better engine breathing. The dual exhaust tips integrated into the rear fascia with surrounding blackout repeat the design theme of the front fascia graphic. Genesis Coupe rides on standard 18-inch alloy wheels or optional 19-inch wheels, both delivering a bold stance and aggressive handling.
Interior Design
In keeping with its mission to be the most exciting, attainable sport coupe on the road, the Genesis Coupe boasts a cockpit designed to enhance the driving experience. An information display screen features an outside temperature reading and audio system information. Analog gauges include a large speedometer and tachometer positioned so the driver can immediately access critical driving information. The instrument cluster features Hyundai´s signature blue gauge illumination.
Bucket front seats with large side bolsters offer excellent lateral support for enthusiastic driving. Among the other refinements are an Infinity audio system and two-stage front seat warmers. Genesis Coupe also offers the convenience of a Smart Key and push-button starter.
Based on its superior quality, along with its dynamic exterior design and luxurious interior space, Genesis Coupe will in the future confidently compete with the Infiniti G37, Audi TT, BMW 3 series and Mercedes-Benz C Class.
Hyundai Motor will begin domestic sales of the Genesis Coupe in September, gradually expanding sales to the U.S., China and other regions.
Vadizzel: Sort of. It's been said that Hyundai will have a smaller, more inexpensive, front-wheel drive sports car. But it may take a couple of years to arrive to dealers.
If I had to choice one, I'd take the 2.0 twin-turbo, painted in "poison green".
