First look: New RWD Hyundai Genesis Coupe

[GMusa]

First look: Hyundai Genesis Coupe




Just last week, Hyundai released two teaser sketches of its forthcoming rear-wheel drive Genesis Coupe, and today several images of the production model surfaced online. Allegedly taken a marketing event back in June, the photos give us the first clear images of the upcoming coupe.

According to the information accompanying the photos, the Genesis Coupe will be powered by a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine — rated at 215 horsepower and 217 ft-lbs of torque — or an optional 3.8L V6 with 300 horsepower and 280 ft-lbs. A V8 powered version of the coupe remains a distinct possibility.

Prices for the base model will reportedly start at $19,900, with V6 models priced from $25,900.

Hyundai is touting its new Genesis Coupe as a Mustang fighter, and would explain why Ford's pony car can also be seen in the shots.

The Concept Genesis Coupe will make its world debut at the 2007 Los Angeles International Auto Show on Wednesday November 14th, the Korean automaker said. "Concept Genesis Coupe hints at design direction for a future rear-wheel drive sports coupe from Hyundai," a press release read.

The car will be based on Hyundai's BH rear-wheel drive platform.


Production model images


www.Leftlanenews.com

[GMusa]

Actually from the pictures it looks really good!! But they cant call that thing a muscle call if its going to have a four-cylinder engine. The V6 puts out good power but with the Mustang getting mid-life changes soon, the GT is most likely going to put out more then 300hp. And with the Genesis only getting 300hp with the V6 I think they are going to need a V8 to compete with the Mustang and the up coming Camaro!

[King Riffle]

Originally Posted by GMusa

Actually from the pictures it looks really good!! But they cant call that thing a muscle call if its going to have a four-cylinder engine. The V6 puts out good power but with the Mustang getting mid-life changes soon, the GT is most likely going to put out more then 300hp. And with the Genesis only getting 300hp with the V6 I think they are going to need a V8 to compete with the Mustang and the up coming Camaro!

They're most likely still testing the "Tau" V8, as it's a new engine for Hyundai. I imagine the four cylinder will probably stay if they put the "Tau" into this new Tiburon, with the v6 dropping. It's probably a good idea to have a nice four-cylinder option with fuel prices climbing like they are. It's a pretty powerful 4 banger.

It does look good though.

[paul8488]

Maybe Hyundai has learned its lesson and is going to stop trying to bite off more than it can chew. Instead of trying to tackle an established car like the Mustang head-on, they're going to try and eek out a small corner at the bottom end of the Mustangs range. They're in under the ever-so-important 20 grand psychological barrier. Mustang GTs don't have to worry, yet, but I can see this being a popular choice for people wanting a stylish RWD coupe.

[Sal Collaziano]

Originally Posted by GMusa

Actually from the pictures it looks really good!! But they cant call that thing a muscle call if its going to have a four-cylinder engine. The V6 puts out good power but with the Mustang getting mid-life changes soon, the GT is most likely going to put out more then 300hp. And with the Genesis only getting 300hp with the V6 I think they are going to need a V8 to compete with the Mustang and the up coming Camaro!

Just before everyone starts going crazy spreading rumors, Hyundai has not called the Genesis coupe a "muscle car".

[63GrandSport001]

Musclecar's in their true form are dying (cars with sub par braking and handling but above par engines) in a market with so many good choices out there.

I think that the biggest problem with the Mustang is that the V-6 model isnt one bit a performance car. In todays market your car has to stop and turn as good as it brakes because their are enough choices that plenty of people can find something else that they like.

This Coupe can be a big hit if equiped right, and adding a V-8 engine might not be the best thing to do given current fuel prices. If this car is don right its not this car that will have to be made to compete with the Mustang but the Mustang, Camaro, and Challanger will have to change to compete with it.

[Michael_S]

The real question is whether that 300 horsepower, 280 pound feet V6 becomes the base engine on the Genesis sedan. If it does, and the sedan costs $28,000 or less, then unless it drives terribly I'd say the G8 V6 has a real fight on its hands.

Originally Posted by GMusa

Actually from the pictures it looks really good!! But they cant call that thing a muscle call if its going to have a four-cylinder engine. The V6 puts out good power but with the Mustang getting mid-life changes soon, the GT is most likely going to put out more then 300hp. And with the Genesis only getting 300hp with the V6 I think they are going to need a V8 to compete with the Mustang and the up coming Camaro!

Well, a turbo 4 for $20,000 is okay, that's right in line with the Mustang V6. I also think the appearance is decent.

But I am surprised by the price. I think the direct competitor to this is the Mustang, and the Mustang GT is going to be cheaper. I thought for sure Hyundai would undercut Ford on price. Unless the Genesis Coupe V6 has a ton of nifty features, I would think people shopping in this segment will prefer the Mustang for getting more torque and better looks.

[rueben44]

I hate to say it but that is pure G35.

[Sal Collaziano]

Originally Posted by rueben44

I hate to say it but that is pure G35.

All these little sports cars look like Mitsubishi Eclipses to me.. The Cougar did as well.. The G35, the 350 Z, the Altima Coupe, The Gensis Coupe.. They all look similar to Mitsubishi Eclipses and Eagle Talons...

[E. Haskell]

The power sounds good NOW, but isn't the Mustang getting a ~350hp+/350lb-ft+ V8 and ~260hp V6 soon (2009)?

The Camaro should be priced similar to the Mustang and Genesis with 400+hp and a ~270hp V6.

If Hyundai really want to make a splash, they should make a 340hp+ V8 engine standard at $26k.

[igor]

I am very much sure the 4banger is gone and this will be a V6-V8 vehicle .. this is much larger than any other RWD 4-banger (solstice, Miata, S200 etc) on the road, so an engine that small would be completely lost in the car .. this will have a V6 base ... I am sure of it (but no actual info actually)

Igor

[KIDDIESEL79]

I don't like the front, but the profile is nice.

[EldoFan]

Originally Posted by igor

I am very much sure the 4banger is gone and this will be a V6-V8 vehicle .. this is much larger than any other RWD 4-banger (solstice, Miata, S200 etc) on the road, so an engine that small would be completely lost in the car .. this will have a V6 base ... I am sure of it (but no actual info actually)

Igor

I'm inclined to agree......a RWD car this size would be very much underwhelming with a 4-banger, even a turbo. I think Hyundai's putting forth a decent effort, but I don't think it'll be a serious threat to the Mustang. The Eclipse, Altima 2 door, Accord 2 door and other such imports would feel a more immediate impact I would think.

As far as looks go.......I think a G35 ate an Eclipse.....

[igor]

Originally Posted by EldoFan

I'm inclined to agree......a RWD car this size would be very much underwhelming with a 4-banger, even a turbo. I think Hyundai's putting forth a decent effort, but I don't think it'll be a serious threat to the Mustang. The Eclipse, Altima 2 door, Accord 2 door and other such imports would feel a more immediate impact I would think.

I agree this might be a first Hyundai to truly out maneuver its competition - especially if we keep the competition the way you outlined it .

Igor

[EldoFan]

Originally Posted by igor

I agree this might be a first Hyundai to truly out maneuver its competition - especially if we keep the competition the way you outlined it .

Igor

Well yeah.......because if you think about it, Hyundai could be venturing into unknown territory. In my mind.....there's always been a distinction between American two doors and Asian two doors......the Asian ones are viewed as more mainstream & economical (ie the Civic) where as American ones have always been more 'niche' cars or 'fun' rides (like the Mustang & Camaro--the Cobalt being the one notable exception).

Unless Hyundai spends some Advertising bucks pitting this thing explicitly against the Mustang and it's American bretheren......all this thing will succeed in doing is impressing the snot out of those who otherwise would find themselves in an Accord, Altima or Eclipse like I mentioned.