LA AUTO SHOW: The 2009 Hyundai Genesis In Detail

Hyundai unveiled its highly anticipated Concept Genesis Coupe during a press conference at the Los Angeles International Auto Show today. The concept car heralds the introduction of an all-new, rear-wheel drive 2 + 2 sports coupe scheduled to join the Hyundai lineup in the spring of 2009. Following the introduction earlier this year of the Concept Genesis sedan, Concept Genesis Coupe signals Hyundai’s second step in broadening its appeal to driving enthusiasts.

The Sonic Orange concept is complemented by a Ballistic Black carbon fiber hood, roof and ground effects for reduced weight. Strong hints of the production version are highlighted in its “Z” bodylines and powerful curves. When the production sports coupe arrives, it likely will be the most affordable 300+ horsepower car on the market, and the most dynamic performance car yet from Hyundai.

“Concept Genesis Coupe is the most thrilling, most emotional Hyundai yet,” said John Krafcik, vice president, product development and strategic planning, Hyundai Motor America. “When it hits the market in early 2009, we aim to deliver a driving experience that challenges cars like Infiniti G37, at prices more like Mitsubishi Eclipse.”

DESIGN PROCESS

“The mission for Concept Genesis Coupe was to create a pure performance car with a design that would capture the imagination of hardcore automotive enthusiasts,” said Joel Piaskowski, chief designer at the Hyundai Design Center in Irvine, Calif. “With its aggressive look from just about any angle, I think we have been able to do that.”

The powerful curves, surface detail and “Z” bodyside lines come straight from the same underlying inspiration that guided two earlier, well-received concepts: the HCD9 Talus and the HCD8 sports tourer. The undulating beltline borrowed from the Talus adds intrigue while enhancing outward visibility for both the driver and rear passengers. The HCD8 sports tourer’s sensual body forms influenced the overall design theme while also providing direction for the concept’s assertive headlight and taillight designs.

The look of Concept Genesis Coupe was in part inspired by LeMan’s race cars, drifters and by Jada Toys Dub City™ die cast vehicles. The front and rear stance of the Concept Genesis Coupe can be described as sinister.

“Beauty and danger co-exist in the design of the Concept Genesis Coupe,” said Eric Stoddard, senior creative designer. “When viewed from a distance, the car is beautiful to look at. But up close it can appear a bit menacing and even a little intimidating.”

The concept’s rocker panels are drawn close to the ground making the bodysides extra thick and the daylight opening extremely 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.

Three large heat extractors sculpted into the hood are designed to cool just about any powerful engine. When the concept becomes reality, three large openings in the front fascia will allow for better engine breathing. The dual exhaust tips integrated into the rear fascia repeat the design theme of the front cooling ducts and are surrounded by a large carbon fiber air diffuser.

An arching roofline and tapering greenhouse highlight the exterior profile and emphasize the car's broad shoulders and wide stance. Concept Genesis Coupe rides on 20-inch polished aluminum deep-dish wheels with Hankook 255/35 ZR front tires and 275/35 ZR rear tires.

CONCEPT GENESIS COUPE SPECIFICATIONS

Configuration: Front engine, rear-wheel drive sports coupe
Wheelbase: 2,820 mm / 111 inches
Overall length: 4,666 mm / 183.7 inches
Overall width: 1,902 mm / 74.9 inches
Overall height: 1,386 mm / 54.5 inches
Wheels: 20-inch, five-spoke
Tires: Hankook 255/35 ZR front and 275/35 ZR rear

PRELIMINARY PRODUCTION CAR DETAILS

Engine type: V6
Estimated horsepower: more than 300 horsepower
Estimated torque: more than 250 lb. ft.
Displacement: 3.8 liters
Block material: high pressure die cast aluminum
Cylinder head material: aluminum
Valvetrain: Dual Over Head Cam (DOHC)
Valve timing: continuous variable valve timing
Estimated 0-60 mph: under 6 seconds
Transmission type: 6-speed manual
Front brakes: Brembo, 340 mm disc, twin-piston calipers
Rear brakes: Brembo, 330 mm disc, twin-piston calipers
Limited slip differential

henbmw - 11/15/2007 10:30:25 AM

+2 Boost

Niice concept, love the lines. Hope they don't tone it down TOO much, Hyundai needs this kind of car.

r15mohd - 11/15/2007 11:12:56 AM

+4 Boost

indeed they do...the tiburon was an ok car for the money and warranty. its about time Hyundai hit a homer.

the genesis is very attractive and the announcement of this vehicle being RWD just makes me drool at the possibilites it can/will become.

chuck717 - 11/15/2007 10:32:35 AM

+4 Boost

If the price point stays withing range the car has a nice chance of doing well.

BMW995 - 11/15/2007 10:40:01 AM

+1 Boost

Of course this car will be a tremendous success and the executives at Toyota and Nissan in Tokyo have just yelled out "Oh S**T!!". The game has changed for them.
My only gripe with the design of the coupe is the large sculpted areas in the side that the production pics shown also have. Hyundai, you don't have to go over the top with your designs. The rear side windows are terrific though.

w209w114 - 11/15/2007 11:15:26 AM

-3 Boost

WOW! I like it. This puts the G37 to shame in terms of styling. Its very clear thats what Hyundai wants to go after with this curvaceous beauty.

montyz81 - 11/15/2007 11:21:58 AM

+4 Boost

I disagree. The G37 has much sportier tone to it. This is just a kids car trying to be a sports car. It is a horrible attempt at trying to mimic the G37.

w209w114 - 11/15/2007 11:33:16 AM

-1 Boost

I know youre a Nissan fan but the G37 was too conservative in its redesign, it looks like more of the same and people will eventually get tired by the end of the life of the vehicle. This car is more affordable and very well designed with a "fresh" look and performance to match.

S4cabriofoxone - 11/15/2007 5:21:04 PM

+5 Boost

The G37 looks amazing.

atomicbri - 11/15/2007 11:30:20 AM

+2 Boost

Love it!! Sure there is a bit of Infiniti G37 coupe and a bit of other Japanese styling cues, but let me say, this is perhaps the best Korean car I have ever seen... and it is RWD!!!!!! Wow, now everyone needs to wake up,now if only Hyundai can get their bread-and-butter vehicles to look a bit better it will be great!

w209w114 - 11/15/2007 11:36:06 AM

0 Boost

They will get their bread and butter vehicles to match. Have u sat inside a 2008 model lately? I did at the car show here last week and WOW!!! I was extremely impressed. Everything was put together nicely and felt very solid. Much better than Mazda, Subaru, and some others.

vdiv - 11/15/2007 2:15:18 PM

0 Boost

Well, they have made their bread and butter vehicles look better. Look at the Sonata, the Santa Fe, the Tiburon. Now, if/when they make them more capable as well is when the Japanese will be in real trouble. I always use the Samsung/Sony analogy, Sony has been in trouble and is losing market share badly.

zorbeeze - 11/15/2007 1:07:11 PM

+1 Boost

Great design and great numbers, can`t wait to see the final outcome. Another model that should look closely at this car that noone has mentioned is the Ford Mustang. They should be keepin a close eye on Hyundai.

vdiv - 11/15/2007 2:22:35 PM

+2 Boost

Mustang has a cult following. You will need a few human generations before it's possible for it to disappear. It doesn't matter whether you have cheaper, more powerful, better handling or better looking alternatives, you have a faithful bunch of people who will always drive a 'stang. It is really the Japanese that will feel the sting more than anyone, as they currently do not have affordable, fun to drive and practical sports cars. Z350, RX-8, Eclipse, Celica, S2000 just do not cut the cheese for me.

DaHarder - 11/15/2007 1:14:23 PM

+1 Boost

Those side 'scallops' that looked so strange from a distance, work very well now that all has been revealed.

Both the front and rear 3/4 views are actually quite handsome... even beautiful in some ways, especially in the chosen color (great lighting in these photos).

The 'interesting' side window treatment is not the least bit off-putting and (in fact) gives the vehicle a unique/signature look that might keep the design fresh for quite some time.

Excellent Job!

PerformanceGuy - 11/15/2007 1:31:11 PM

+2 Boost

Looks pretty good. This will be a good car to compete with the Nissan Z, but not the G37, as it is in a totally different class.

M35MT - 11/15/2007 2:04:38 PM

+2 Boost

^Yup

For some strange reason I see the knew XF in the headlights

cRacKhEaDaLLeY - 11/15/2007 2:00:03 PM

-1 Boost

Where is the model I will get? The fwd 2.0L 132hp 4-speed auto with plastic hubcaps?

DaHarder - 11/15/2007 4:27:52 PM

+3 Boost

That was the 1st Gen TIBURON, and they're probably Dirt Cheap at Charlie's Cheap Car Lot and Oil Change... Just South of CRACK ALLEY - BTW... LOL!

This vehicle looks to be destined for those Actually Who Want a Nice Car, NOT those Who Simply Need Transportation.

S4cabriofoxone - 11/15/2007 5:23:39 PM

+1 Boost

Remember those spy shots of the new Hyundai coupe at a meeting, with the same window line?

Well, this is it.

In concept form, of course. But the production version looks just about as good as long as you correct for some sci-fi details.

I'm not sure if I love that scalloped window line, though. Otherwise it's good.

Spectator - 11/16/2007 9:59:00 AM

+1 Boost

For all those who are undecided on the scalloped windows...I know it's strange, however look very closely.

Specifically at the body line coming from the front of the car.

If they didn't put in the scallop, they would have had to continue the top line from the front fender into the rear quarter of the car and would have forced the top line and the line running through the door handle to converge in the back right over the rounded fender or would have forced the rear quarter of the car to have two flat spots (think volvo but much more exaggerated and not nearly as flowing). This would have disruped the entire flow of the car past the door and lookd somthing like below (I hope it posts correctly):
___________
___| |___
___| |___

Spectator - 11/16/2007 11:06:56 AM

+1 Boost

of course it didn't post correctly