Posted on Monday 26 March 2007
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.
Click ahead for a high-res image gallery.
I don’t like Hyundais that much, but this thing is exceptional nice starting at under $30,000!
A Korean made rear wheeled drive, 300 hp 4 dr. sedan. Please leave the muscle cars to the American experts Hyundai.
American experts? So why did GM call on Australia to develop its new global RWD platform and import the GTO and upcoming G8 from the Aussies as well.
Jason is a silly boy, his comment makes no sense. I would much rather have a reliable Hyundai 300hp car than a miniscule warrany domestic that falls apart in 2 years. My supercharged tib is nearly in the 12’s now with very low boost and is super reliable as a daily driver. Jason simply shows his ignorance about the cars, do not say something about them if you have no recent experiences owning or driving them. That is just silly.