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.
LOS ANGELES, 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.
CONCEPT GENESIS COUPE HIGHLIGHTS
Second rear-wheel drive performance car from Hyundai
300+ horsepower from enhanced 3.8-liter V6 from Genesis sedan
The production version of the sports coupe arrives in the spring of 2009
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
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.
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...
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!
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.
