LA AUTO SHOW: Has Hyundai finally bested Infiniti and BMW in design?

In my opinion, the most gorgeous concept at the LA Auto Show was the Hyundai Genesis Coupe.

I kept shaking my head saying 'THIS is a Hyundai?'.

From all angles, the design was really put together right.

Now the challenge is, can they keep the production car true to the concept, because virtually no one does.

By the time it hits the street, most finished cars barely resemble the icon that the manufacturer debuted at the auto show.

Let's hope Hyundai can make the final car as nice looking as the concept.

If they do, things could get REALLY interesting.

The other thing we want to know is do you think this new Hyundai bests the designs of the Infiniti G37 and BMW Coupes?

As Hyundai's new ad campaign says, 'Think about it'...

2007 LA Auto Show, LA Girls and Models Photo Gallery













2007 LA Auto Show, LA Girls and Models Photo Gallery

This year's LA Auto Show gallery is sponsored by Toyota

Don't forget to review your car today and have a chance at winning a Passport 8500 Blue*!

AutoSpies.com User Car Reviews

autopro - 11/17/2007 2:13:58 PM

-1 Boost

DUDE YOU MUST BE SMOKING CRACK!

Talli - 11/17/2007 2:21:31 PM

+3 Boost

agreed this car is gorgeous but lets wait for the production version before commenting.

enthusiastx11 - 11/17/2007 4:22:11 PM

+5 Boost

why wait to comment?
it's at the auto show. so it's ripe for comment.

adamblack - 11/17/2007 11:26:28 PM

+2 Boost

yes its true this car is very gorgeours

adamblack - 11/17/2007 11:26:38 PM

-2 Boost

yes its true this car is very gorgeours

S4cabriofoxone - 11/17/2007 2:39:26 PM

+6 Boost

001, are you kidding?

This is a concept car. Of COURSE it's going to look amazing. But the title is just absolutely ridiculous.

S4cabriofoxone - 11/17/2007 2:40:32 PM

+10 Boost

And by the way, strip away the orange, the huge wing, the silly air intakes and the shiny show-car finish... and it won't hold a candle to the designs of either the G37 or the 335i coupe.

S4cabriofoxone - 11/17/2007 2:41:29 PM

+7 Boost

Sorry, substitute "carbon fiber hood" in for "huge wing."

Agent001 - 11/17/2007 2:56:03 PM

-10 Boost

I SAID, it was the best looking 'Concept' at the LA Auto Show.

then...

Now the challenge is, can they keep the production car true to the concept, because virtually no one does.

finally

do you think this new Hyundai bests the designs of the Infiniti G37 and BMW Coupes

so what's the issue?

001

S4cabriofoxone - 11/17/2007 10:03:47 PM

+6 Boost

"And by the way, strip away the orange, the huge wing, the silly air intakes and the shiny show-car finish... and it won't hold a candle to the designs of either the G37 or the 335i coupe."

I answered the question, AFTER critiquing the title.

JUGNU - 11/17/2007 2:49:43 PM

0 Boost

Its early to say but no doubt this is very good.Quite original.

JUGNU

chris760 - 11/17/2007 5:55:01 PM

+5 Boost

original? are you kidding me? ill admit that it looks pretty good, but the headlights are from the Lexus ES and the brakelights are from the Lexus IS.
.
talk about original

enthusiastx11 - 11/17/2007 4:21:26 PM

+7 Boost

that headline is such smack. get real.

hyundai has come a long way. and they're making some great product. but they are hardly leading the way in design or technology.

again, ridiculous headline.

farabira1 - 11/17/2007 4:26:07 PM

+7 Boost

I have to agree with most responses so far, all the double touch paint jobs, added on exhaust, carbon body panels, huge wheels, and ultra aggressive headlamps are what have made this car look better than the G37 or the BMW 335i. We have to wait if the production version can do the same. If Hyundai can get 85% of the looks in the concept into production version, then this genesis coupe may infact look better than the competition, but will Hyundai do it. We all know that adding big bulges and superficial make up colors and body trims can make even a toyota corolla look amazing. So i will wait till the production version comes.

lexusis350 - 11/18/2007 12:46:07 AM

-1 Boost

That's because it will break down if it accelerates too quickly ;)

I can already tell you the responses I will get to this:
-Hyundais are good now.
-Hyundai has improved a lot.
-Hyundai is way better than Nissan.
-I have a bunch of upgraded Hyundais that will smoke even a Bugatti.
-I love my Hyundai so much I lick the tires clean after I drive it.

autopro - 11/17/2007 5:02:44 PM

+2 Boost

Even the model is ugly!

lexusis350 - 11/17/2007 6:12:35 PM

+2 Boost

Hyundai can't "best" Infiniti or BMW, they can just copy. That's the one thing Hyundai is good at, copying the designs of other cars.

farabira1 - 11/17/2007 7:18:49 PM

-2 Boost

I am sorry, but I don't think Hyundai has copied from anyone. The design looks very genuine, and seems to be derived from the previous Tibourn theme, although this car looks way better. Hyundai should get accolades for their genuine effort, no chinese mark ups here. But we should not compare it to Infiniti and BMW already, let's wait for the road tests to come.

Agent004 - 11/17/2007 9:47:48 PM

+4 Boost

farabira1, Hyundai blatantly copies design from other companies. Go look at the latest Hyundais and then go look at the latest Mercedes and 5 Series.

S4cabriofoxone - 11/17/2007 10:05:39 PM

+2 Boost

Agent004, I looked, and they have less in common with Merc/BMW designs than Lexuses do.

lexusis350 - 11/18/2007 12:42:38 AM

+4 Boost

Good crap, take a chill pill, all of you. Hyundai may not have copied BMW or Infiniti, but that doesn't mean they haven't copied other cars. Look at the Hyundai Corolla (Elantra), Hyundai Accord (Sonata), or Hyundai RX (Veracruz). They rarely have an original idea.

lexusis350 - 11/18/2007 1:05:29 AM

+2 Boost

Actually, come to think of it, this car looks like a Lexus ES coupe. The resemblance of the headlights and taillights are very similar.

Htay7500 - 11/18/2007 12:22:19 PM

0 Boost

I hate bringing this in but... can someone tell me what other car resembles the current jetta?






yes the last gen corolla!!

ThierryHenry14 - 11/17/2007 6:14:08 PM

-1 Boost

Looks...ok...

but not a realistic production car for hyundai...

MunichRob - 11/17/2007 6:55:27 PM

+3 Boost

I still feel this design is okay I guess, at least it has potential. It's ultimately killed by its after-market appearance & that terrible styling no-no in the form of a dip behind the cars B-pillar. The 350Z looks a lot better without trying so hard.

As for matching Infiniti & BMW in terms of design or anything for that matter, probably not in our lifetime.

Agent001 - 11/17/2007 7:02:30 PM

+2 Boost

We're only talking exterior design here...not how it will drive/perform.

001

mikeydred20 - 11/17/2007 7:32:00 PM

+7 Boost

This will be a stripped down cheap looking imitation when it actually hits the market!

lexusis350 - 11/18/2007 1:09:26 AM

+3 Boost

I highly doubt that.

lexusis350 - 11/18/2007 1:10:27 AM

+2 Boost

Holy crap, I think I just peed my pants a little from laughing so hard.

Agent63 - 11/17/2007 9:58:22 PM

0 Boost

I don't care what you guys say whether you my friend or foe on autospies.com. The design is hot and if a toned down version like this can hit the streets coming out of a Hyundai dealership, every Japanese brand and some European brands should keep a watchful eye because they will definitely be more affordable and bang for buck. However that is IF they will transform this concept into a production model.

I like the way Hyundai is headed. So what if it may look like an Infiniti or BMW. It's not like Lexus got to it's success right now without 'boring' a few ideas from the '3-points'.

Take it for what it is..a concept. A beautiful one at that. Until a production model comes out lets not jump to conclusions. However the fact that they have come up with such a creation is already a positive thing as they are heading towards better designs and hopefully better technology in their lineups in the future.

Agent63 - 11/19/2007 5:20:05 PM

+1 Boost

deboost me because you all are scared of Hyundai :P. Give credit where credit is due. This is the best look Hyundai has unveiled as far as I can remember.

Don't forget Toyota/Honda/Nissan all had to start somewhere. They were all once little chumps trying to make a name for themselves and look at them now.

EL34 - 11/17/2007 10:03:12 PM

+5 Boost

That Hyundai is grotesque.

It looks abnormal :(

lexusis350 - 11/18/2007 1:11:28 AM

+2 Boost

It's scary when I can agree with you.

lexusis350 - 11/18/2007 1:13:01 AM

+1 Boost

Here's a little tip when buying anything: If it seems to good to be true, it probably is. The same goes for this.

ICON - 11/17/2007 10:42:48 PM

0 Boost

It is OK for what it is, but much too racer-boy for my taste.

I am pretty sure that Hyundai hired a hotshot designer from one of the European Makers(don't remember which one) but he stated his mission was to create a corporate look-identity for Hyundai. I wonder if this is his first salvo.

Matthew1 - 11/18/2007 3:34:03 AM

-1 Boost

If I were BMW I'd be flattered.

the rear of this coupe is extremely similiar to that of the Z4 Coupe.

In fact, the entire car seems to have been heavily influenced by BMW's flame surfacing.

And I do believe that ps1982k is a great nominee for 'Broken Record of The Year'.

007vehispy1 - 11/18/2007 10:38:04 AM

+1 Boost

UNF the production version will be a watered down version of this.

M3E92chick - 11/18/2007 11:54:18 AM

+1 Boost

this car is just plain old ugly.....

Jag_xfr - 11/18/2007 12:18:06 PM

+1 Boost

Anyone can design better cars than BMW these days!!!

lexusis350 - 11/18/2007 12:47:04 PM

+1 Boost

Have you even seen a BMW these days? They're incredibly nice.

S4cabriofoxone - 11/18/2007 1:03:43 PM

0 Boost

Yes, thank you.

It seems that anyone can design better cars than Jaguar, though.

Sorry, just had to. The XK is fantastic and the XJ is great, but the rest...

lexusis350 - 11/18/2007 1:36:57 PM

+2 Boost

I like the Jaguar XF.

BMW995 - 11/18/2007 2:32:49 PM

+2 Boost

A great concept, except:
those silly groves on the side (please tone it down a bit, Hyundai),
I seems the Genesis sedan will have many details not carried over from its impressive concept. The production grill is a dead-ringer for the LS460. The tail lights are completely different from the concept.

M35MT - 11/19/2007 12:49:57 PM

0 Boost

except they look nothing like them?

idiot.

This thing is nasty, I dont care what badge it wears, even the tiburon looks better...

cRacKhEaDaLLeY - 11/19/2007 1:45:35 PM

0 Boost

I will only buy a Hyundai if it comes with plastic wheel hubcaps.

minimalist - 11/19/2007 7:39:18 PM

0 Boost

the genesis concept is the replacement for the tiburon.

who designed the tiburon? thats right. pinafarina. design cues from the 599?

Eman171 - 11/19/2007 10:43:12 PM

+1 Boost

Hyundai, better than Infiniti or BMW?
This better be a joke!

acronis - 11/20/2007 12:20:19 PM

+1 Boost

I think the title of this thread is provacative not misleading as some have claimed. But I do believe it might be pre-mature to say Hyundai has bested Inifiniti and bimmer. But what if it Hyundai does manage to pull it off and bring 85% of this concept to production?

Hello? This car like it or not will be a runaway best seller. You may not like it nor like the Hyundai brand but there is a market for this car and if they do it right the market will be ready and hungry for it.

Drive on.

ElSparquito - 11/20/2007 12:41:52 PM

+2 Boost

I don't understand the caption under the pics.
"See the full line up at Toyota.com"...hmmm...

I understand that concepts are supposed to drive emotion & enthusiasm for the product/brand, but I'm not sure what segment Hyundai is trying to capture with this one. The Genesis sedan is supposed to be the mature luxury vehicle & the Genesis coupe is geared towards the F&F crowds? I don't get it. It doesn't look anything like the Genesis sedan, so why not just come out with another name?